WHATE - Section 2

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So You've Decided To Get A Pup
Proceed With Caution

First Things First: Before you look through newspaper ads or call around to breeders, check the laws on hybrid ownership in your area. Laws vary from state to state, and even from county to county. There is a very real possibility that if your animal is picked up by city personnel and brought in to a shelter, it will be destroyed. The same may happen if your animal bites someone and a complaint is lodged. Your local Department of Animal Regulation should be able to tell you what the laws are for your area, or refer you to the agency which has that information. A little research first can prevent a lot of heartbreak later.

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Newspaper Ads
Anyone can run a newspaper ad. Authenticity of the animals advertised is not checked out by the newspaper carrying the ad, nor is the reputation of the person running the ad. So it's up to you, the buyer, to be wary. Read this handout, read everything you can get your hands on - arm yourself with information. Avoid ads which represent hybrids as good watchdogs, or as being good with small children; both of these claims are untrue in most cases. When you do call, listen to your gut feeling. Does this person sound concerned about your experience with hybrids, and with your containment plans? Are they asking questions which would qualify you as a good home, or are they more interested in discussing fees? How are the facilities where their animals are kept, in terms of cleanliness and space? Do the animals seem healthy and happy? Don't be afraid to ask questions about the breeder's background or experience. They should not be evasive or defensive in their answers.

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Breeders
The best way to find a breeder is by recommendation. A good breeder will discuss with you not only the joys, but the negative aspects and potential problems of owning a hybrid. They should answer your questions patiently and knowledgeably. A conscientious breeder will want to inspect your facilities, or at least question you about how and where the animal will be kept, i.e. yard area and containment, whether you have small children or other pets, and whether your hybrid will have the constant companionship of another animal or person. A breeder who does not show concern as to how their animals will be kept is most likely someone who is out to make money, short and simple. Don't walk away, run.

As with any dog, it is desirable that both parents be on premises for you to see, not only for their looks but for their temperaments as well. If a breeder will not let you interact with these animals, this should raise a warning flag in your mind. It may indicate that the animals are aggressive or not well socialized. Look for alert animals with healthy coats (though the female who has just give birth will understandably not appear in peak form), bright eyes, and friendly, non-skittish behavior.

Most breeders have a contract which they will require you to sign, should you decide to purchase one of their animals. This contract protects both you and the breeder. Read it carefully. Some contracts include spay/neuter clauses, which may be a consideration if you are planning on breeding your animal. Many breeders (and most reputable ones) will take back any animal if there is a problem with the owner keeping it, and will make some provision for any animal found to have crippling dysplasia or other unforeseen genetic defects. The amount of deposit you put down (or the full payment being made) should be recorded either on the contract or on a separate form, and you should be given a copy of any paperwork to keep.

If the breeder's animals are registered with a registry, you should receive copies of this paperwork as well. It will tell the names, sub-species and wolf/dog percentages of the parents and grandparents of your pup. Keep in mind that some breeders have been known to create their own registries, which makes percentages suspect - three reputable registries are Iowolfers, USAWA, and NWHA.

After you've brought your puppy home, a good breeder should be willing, within reason, to help with questions or problems as they arise.

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For Further Information:

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Help by Mail/Phone/E-mail: There are too many publications, organizations, registries and rescue facilities to list them all here. If you need a referral to any of the above, have questions, or need any other type of assistance, please feel free to get in touch with any of the following:

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*Online Resources:
There are many on-line resources for wolf and hybrid information. On the WorldWide Web, a Webcrawler search will yield many good links, including The Wolf Dunn (where you are now), The Searching Wolf, Desert Moon's Wolf Page, Wolf Park's Home Page and International Wolf Center's Home Page.

Hybrid Wolf Mailing List aka. Wolfdoglist: For more information on how to subscribe, please see the section titled 'Hybrid Wolf Mailing List' accessed via the main page here at The Wolf Dunn.

*Please keep in mind that information accessed online comes from a variety of sources, and in some cases is not 100% accurate.

For Wolf and Wolfdog-related Non-Internet Addresses and Resources; a giant listing of Organizations, Clubs, Rescue Facilities, Magazines, Newsletters and more is available at The Wolf Dunn.

WHATE T-Shirt Offer:

... if only our four-legged kids could read ...

Quality 100% Cotton T-shirts
available for $15.00 per shirt plus $ 2.50 s&h.

To order, send a check payable to Nicole Wilde to:

P.O. Box 2814,  Santa Clarita, CA 91386-2814

WHATE is hosted as part of The Wolf Dunn's Wolf Tales
(wolf and wolfdog information section).

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