Wolfdog and Wolf-like Dog Breed Showcase

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Wolfdog & Wolf-like Dog Breed Showcase

If you are aware of developing new dog breeds which have some "recent" wolf inheritance, which you'd like to see included here, please e-mail (Kwewu7@inetdesign.com) with 'new breeds' as subject.

A brand new section of -The Wolf Dunn-, showcasing both recognized breeds and developing new breeds known to have some recent wolf inheritance. Here in the U.S., most of our wolfdogs are some combination of wolf subspecie(s) and dog breed(s). Bred to no particular established standard other than the expectations of good heath, stable temperament, and within the desired content range. In general, our animals are wolfy-mutts.

However, there are certain lineages which have been selectively bred for multiple generations with the intention of creating stable new wolfdog breeds. Others to incorporate some (non-recent) wolf-inheritance to improve existing recognized dog breeds, and still more developing wolf-like dog breeds. It is no easy task to set a new or revised breed standard and scrupulously adhere to the goals of the breed club. It's even harder for rare or new breeds to gain "official" recognition, and often kennel clubs spend decades striving for acceptance. This section is a celebration of those accomplishments.

The first breed we feature in this showcase is a European wolfdog breed, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (Ceskoslovensky Vlcak).

With origins as a cross between select German Shepherd Dogs and Carpathian Timberwolf, the resulting breed was officially recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) in 1982.

Included in the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog Photo Gallery are 20 individuals, representative of this breed.

An older fully recognized breed, the Saarloos Wolfhond!

Named after the breed creator, Leendert Saarloos, these rare dogs were recognized as a new breed in the Netherlands in 1975.

Although the breed has been used as guide dogs for the blind, they are not suited to work requiring absolute obedience. Saarloos Wolfhonds tend to be quite strongwilled and independent minded.

Most owners find positive reinforcement training techniques absolutely essential.

More Wolfdogs, Developing Wolf-like Dog Breeds, Northern Breeds / Sleddog Websites:

Recent vs. Non-Recent Wolf Heritage ?

In general, wolfdogs (other than Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs and Saarloos Wolfhonden) are typically mixtures of one or more subspecies of wolf, and compatible breeds of dog. Often, the dog-inheritance stems from Northern breeds and/or Shepherds. This diversity in heritage accounts for the great variety of looks and behavioral aspects in animals represented to be wolfdogs, as does F-gen (recent generations from last known wolf ancestor), and "content range" (loosely grouped as low, lowermid, midrange, uppermid, high). Below are links to websites intended to help provide you with information on animals of more recent wolf heritage, as well as wolfy dog breeds which are not of recent wolf heritage.

E d u c a t i o n , D e s c r i p t i o n s & I n f o r m a t i o n

Highly recommended for accurate information on wolf-dogs, is the Educational Materials of the National Wolfdog Alliance. This particular section of their website addresses the issue of content range, plus delves into care and management should you be interested in sharing your life with a wolfdog. Also visit the Wolfdog FAQ. Owners themselves respond to Frequently Asked Questions about wolf - dog crosses, responsible ownership and breeding practices. The opinions expressed reflects the collective responses of the Hybrid Wolf Mailing List aka. Wolfdoglist discussion group membership base.
For photos galore, be sure to "Visit the Ranch", where you are invited see animals represented to be wolfdogs, and read the experiences their owners in raising them. A broad spectrum of every content range, type and age of wolf-dog crosses are included. Another collection of photos, the Iowolfer Association depicts animals which are of documented / verified heritage. Grouped by content range (low, mid, high), the wolf heritage of these animals has been traced to known wolf ancestry.

N o r t h e r n D o g B r e e d s

Colors of the Siberian Husky is an amazing resource for info on these relatively small, intensely energetic, wolfy-looking dogs. Look closely at the different coat colorations and variation in eye color. Sibe-mixes are often mistaken for being wolfdogs (hint: adult wolves do not have blue eyes). Often mistaken for wolves or wolfdogs, is the Alaskan Malamute. The Alaskan Malamute Club of America emphasizes it is a relatively primitive arctic dog breed bred for function (endurance freighting). Visit Starhawk Alaskan Malamutes for articles on health, genetics and training issues.
S l e d d o g s & M o r e

Grønlandshunden or Greenland Dogs, are a rare and ancient breed. Intelligent, independent, self-pleasing, these dogs often prove too difficult for the casual canine owner to manage. Best suited to life on a team in the Northern extremes, they are truly powerful sledge-hauling working dogs. While you're investigating northern dogs, check out the fascinating Canadian Eskimo Dog Association's website. Indigenous to Canada's high arctic region, this rare breed faces extinction without dilligent efforts on the part of modern day enthusiasts to ensure that this working breed survives.
Alaskans Alaskan Huskies (aka. "Iditarod Dogs") are a purposely bred combination of native sled dog with Siberian Husky, Pointers, Greyhound, Whippet, etc, so long as it moves efficiently and fast. Read Description & Origin of the Alaskan Husky, and the photo-rich History of the Alaskan Husky. I don't know if Qimmiq or Inuit Sled Dogs are the same as Canadian Eskimo Dogs or if they are a separate primitive working breed. It's possible they are the same, but have suffered a name change (ISD & CED clubs are no help; there seems to be a bizarre battle between them).
H u n t e r s & H e r d e r s

Some primitive dog breeds prized for their supurb hunting and herding abilities may seem quite wolfy, but it is in terms of appearances alone. Although all dogs originated from wolves, these breeds were developed according to highly specialized behavioral responses and are behaviorally very different than wolves or more recent wolf-dog crosses. Because of their white coats, Sammies are often confused for 'fuzzy' arctic wolves. As detailed at the Samoyed Club of America's site, they are an ancient working dog breed, known as hunters, protectors and sledge haulers. As companions they are intelligent, independent dogs.
The various Laika breeds of Russia, include the West Siberian, East Siberian, Karelo-Finnish and Russo-European Laika. These primitive "barkers" were originally developed as versatile hunting dogs. They are wolfy in terms of appearances alone. Often mistaken by coloration for huskies, is the tenacious Norwegian Elkhound. This ancient "Viking Dog" was originally bred for endurance tracking/hunting of large game. The protective nature of Elkies enables them to be used as supurb watch dogs.
W o l f - l i k e D o g B r e e d s

It's simply not true that anything white and wolfy-looking has "arctic wolf" heritage. Most often so-called arctics turn out to be white or whiteish colored dogs such as White German Shepherds. Other dog breeds and mixes often confused for having arctic wolf heritage are white-colored Huskies, all-white Malamutes, Samoyeds, etc. When mixed with "sleddogs" the German Shepherd dog takes on an even more "wolfy" look. Some GSD-mixes with small well-furred ears are commonly mistaken as wolfdogs, with absolutely no recent wolf heritage involved whatsoever. Learn to recognize the real deal by visiting German Shepherd Dog Club of America website.
Of the many "wolfy looking" dog breeds in the U.S., dogs produced as a result of these strict breeding programs are not necessarily of 'recent' wolf inheritance, but typically are quite "wolfy" in terms of appearances alone. One such breed is the Shiloh Shepherd, based on but remarkably different than the GSD.
A developing dog breed based also on German Shepherd heritage is the American Tundra Shepherd. ATS dogs are different than Shilohs in that ATS dogs are specifically bred as a back-cross of the German Shepherd with dogs of more recent wolf heritage, apparently as an experiment to breed better military dogs.
P r i m i t i v e ( P a r i a h ) D o g s

Kelef K'naani or Caanan Dog is rooted in the ancient pariah dogs of Israel, and can still be found in the wild. Historically used by the Bedouin as a guardian of sheep and camps, it has been developed for its territorial qualities as a military working breed. Few remaining wild populations of primitive Carolina Dogs still inhabit isolated parts of rural Southeastern US. These ancient pariahs face extinction due to human encroachment and dilution of the genepool without protection.
Described by their location of origin and unique vocalizations, the New Guinea Singing Dog has only been studied in captivity. An elusive remnant from the Stone Ages, now precious few pureblooded individuals remain in the wild. Dingo Australian Dingos arrived in Australia around 5,000 years ago and are thought by many to be "the last ancient living link between the wolf and the hundreds of manmade breeds of dogs". Protection is needed for their survival.
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This page was created by ( Kwewu7@inetdesign.com ) as part of
-The Wolf Dunn-'s "Wolf Tales" online wolf & wolfdog educational section.

Images & site, Copyright ©1995-2004 Gudrun F. Dunn, except where expressly noted otherwise. Permission to use photos / information for any other purpose than to simply view as part of -The Wolf Dunn- web site, is not granted without prior permission. Contact copyright holder for permission.

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Recent vs. Non-Recent Wolf Heritage ?
In general, wolfdogs (other than Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs and Saarloos Wolfhonden) are typically mixtures of one or more subspecies of wolf, and compatible breeds of dog. Often, the dog-inheritance stems from Northern breeds and/or Shepherds. This diversity in heritage accounts for the great variety of looks and behavioral aspects in animals represented to be wolfdogs, as does F-gen (recent generations from last known wolf ancestor), and "content range" (loosely grouped as low, lowermid, midrange, uppermid, high). Below are links to websites intended to help provide you with information on animals of more recent wolf heritage, as well as wolfy dog breeds which are not of recent wolf heritage.
E d u c a t i o n , D e s c r i p t i o n s & I n f o r m a t i o n
Highly recommended for accurate information on wolf-dogs, is the Educational Materials of the National Wolfdog Alliance. This particular section of their website addresses the issue of content range, plus delves into care and management should you be interested in sharing your life with a wolfdog.	Also visit the Wolfdog FAQ. Owners themselves respond to Frequently Asked Questions about wolf - dog crosses, responsible ownership and breeding practices. The opinions expressed reflects the collective responses of the Hybrid Wolf Mailing List aka. Wolfdoglist discussion group membership base.
For photos galore, be sure to "Visit the Ranch", where you are invited see animals represented to be wolfdogs, and read the experiences their owners in raising them. A broad spectrum of every content range, type and age of wolf-dog crosses are included.	Another collection of photos, the Iowolfer Association depicts animals which are of documented / verified heritage. Grouped by content range (low, mid, high), the wolf heritage of these animals has been traced to known wolf ancestry.
N o r t h e r n D o g B r e e d s
Colors of the Siberian Husky is an amazing resource for info on these relatively small, intensely energetic, wolfy-looking dogs. Look closely at the different coat colorations and variation in eye color. Sibe-mixes are often mistaken for being wolfdogs (hint: adult wolves do not have blue eyes).	Often mistaken for wolves or wolfdogs, is the Alaskan Malamute. The Alaskan Malamute Club of America emphasizes it is a relatively primitive arctic dog breed bred for function (endurance freighting). Visit Starhawk Alaskan Malamutes for articles on health, genetics and training issues.
S l e d d o g s & M o r e
Grønlandshunden or Greenland Dogs, are a rare and ancient breed. Intelligent, independent, self-pleasing, these dogs often prove too difficult for the casual canine owner to manage. Best suited to life on a team in the Northern extremes, they are truly powerful sledge-hauling working dogs.	While you're investigating northern dogs, check out the fascinating Canadian Eskimo Dog Association's website. Indigenous to Canada's high arctic region, this rare breed faces extinction without dilligent efforts on the part of modern day enthusiasts to ensure that this working breed survives.
Alaskan Huskies (aka. "Iditarod Dogs") are a purposely bred combination of native sled dog with Siberian Husky, Pointers, Greyhound, Whippet, etc, so long as it moves efficiently and fast. Read Description & Origin of the Alaskan Husky, and the photo-rich History of the Alaskan Husky.	I don't know if Qimmiq or Inuit Sled Dogs are the same as Canadian Eskimo Dogs or if they are a separate primitive working breed. It's possible they are the same, but have suffered a name change (ISD & CED clubs are no help; there seems to be a bizarre battle between them).
H u n t e r s & H e r d e r s
Some primitive dog breeds prized for their supurb hunting and herding abilities may seem quite wolfy, but it is in terms of appearances alone. Although all dogs originated from wolves, these breeds were developed according to highly specialized behavioral responses and are behaviorally very different than wolves or more recent wolf-dog crosses.	Because of their white coats, Sammies are often confused for 'fuzzy' arctic wolves. As detailed at the Samoyed Club of America's site, they are an ancient working dog breed, known as hunters, protectors and sledge haulers. As companions they are intelligent, independent dogs.
The various Laika breeds of Russia, include the West Siberian, East Siberian, Karelo-Finnish and Russo-European Laika. These primitive "barkers" were originally developed as versatile hunting dogs. They are wolfy in terms of appearances alone.	Often mistaken by coloration for huskies, is the tenacious Norwegian Elkhound. This ancient "Viking Dog" was originally bred for endurance tracking/hunting of large game. The protective nature of Elkies enables them to be used as supurb watch dogs.
W o l f - l i k e D o g B r e e d s
It's simply not true that anything white and wolfy-looking has "arctic wolf" heritage. Most often so-called arctics turn out to be white or whiteish colored dogs such as White German Shepherds. Other dog breeds and mixes often confused for having arctic wolf heritage are white-colored Huskies, all-white Malamutes, Samoyeds, etc.	When mixed with "sleddogs" the German Shepherd dog takes on an even more "wolfy" look. Some GSD-mixes with small well-furred ears are commonly mistaken as wolfdogs, with absolutely no recent wolf heritage involved whatsoever. Learn to recognize the real deal by visiting German Shepherd Dog Club of America website.
Of the many "wolfy looking" dog breeds in the U.S., dogs produced as a result of these strict breeding programs are not necessarily of 'recent' wolf inheritance, but typically are quite "wolfy" in terms of appearances alone. One such breed is the Shiloh Shepherd, based on but remarkably different than the GSD.	A developing dog breed based also on German Shepherd heritage is the American Tundra Shepherd. ATS dogs are different than Shilohs in that ATS dogs are specifically bred as a back-cross of the German Shepherd with dogs of more recent wolf heritage, apparently as an experiment to breed better military dogs.
P r i m i t i v e ( P a r i a h ) D o g s
Kelef K'naani or Caanan Dog is rooted in the ancient pariah dogs of Israel, and can still be found in the wild. Historically used by the Bedouin as a guardian of sheep and camps, it has been developed for its territorial qualities as a military working breed.	Few remaining wild populations of primitive Carolina Dogs still inhabit isolated parts of rural Southeastern US. These ancient pariahs face extinction due to human encroachment and dilution of the genepool without protection.
Described by their location of origin and unique vocalizations, the New Guinea Singing Dog has only been studied in captivity. An elusive remnant from the Stone Ages, now precious few pureblooded individuals remain in the wild.	Australian Dingos arrived in Australia around 5,000 years ago and are thought by many to be "the last ancient living link between the wolf and the hundreds of manmade breeds of dogs". Protection is needed for their survival.
-