Reminder: The selected responses presented below are a reflection of the collaborative effort of Hybrid Wolf Mailing List aka. Wolfdoglist members to share opinions / information about wolf x dogs, responsible "ownership" and breeding practices. This FAQ is not a scientific or veterinary resource. Some responses have been edited for brevity.
Wolfdog FAQ - Question # 3
What's a "Hybrid" Wolf and what's a Wolfdog ?
The word most accurately describing a more recent wolf-dog cross is simply, "wolfdog".
Although wolf "hybrid" is still commonly used, considering the implications of using that particular term in this day and age of breed-specific discrimination and the outright banning of anything resembling an "exotic creature", we should re-examine what our actions lead to.
When used to describe an animal, the word "hybrid" implies that the critter is part one species, and part another; an abomination, a freak-of-nature. Indeed, that's what many people think about our beloved wolfdogs... (without realizing that many accepted dog breeds have benefitted from documented back-crossing with wolf, and could be considered low-content wolfdogs too).
Some wolfdog 'owners' feel it is our duty to end the misinformation and myth-perpetuation of the false-label "hybrid". Any good educational effort on wolves and more recent wolf-dog crosses should emphasize that the term "hybrid" is incorrect and highly misleading.
Several good arguements have been presented on why we should no longer use the incorrect and improper term "wolf hybrid" to describe these beloved animals. For further information, please read R.A.F.T. Inc.'s articles, "What is a Hybrid ?", and "Your Dog is a Wolf !".
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