As a pet, I would say NO. As a companion, YES. These critters are, simply put, NOT FOR EVERYONE. Too few people are willing (or able) to devote the time and energy that wolfdogs require to become good companion animals. "Good companions" is the point here. Companion implies there is a sense of equality in the relationship - friend, compatriot, comrade. Friends are accepted for who they are, and integrated into your life. You don't ignore your friends, chain them to a tree or abuse them. You cannot do that with wolfdogs either and expect that they will become your friends.

These are unique, high-spirited animals who are intelligent, creative and demanding. These are not traits that most people, looking for a pet, are prepared to deal with - though, unfortunately, far too many think that they are. A wolfdog will test you in ways unimaginable if you are inexperienced or unknowledgeable. Even if you are prepared, you will be constantly tested - it definitely helps to have a sense of humor with them because the tests will be a challenge.

People "own" pets, but you can never "own" a wolfdog. You can provide for it, care for it and love it - but ultimately they make the decision whether or not to "share" their soul with you. If you are chosen to share this bond with them, they will place their trust in you for the rest of their lives and I believe, beyond . . . for even when they are gone - their spirit lives within you.

Beth

NO they do not make good pets. They make good companion animals. There is a big difference between those 2 concepts. A companion animal is such as a horse. It still has the basic instincts, and interacts with man on it's own terms. You can break it's spirit, and have a fear based relationship; or you can meet it halfway and be respectful of it's nature and the rules by which it lives.

The general public's definition of "pet" is an animal that lives by human rules alone, and cuddles up in your lap when YOU want it to. Wolves and wolfdogs do NOT make good pets. This definition is part of the problem with the public's perception of wd's. They expect the average cute cuddly puffball pet - and boy do they get a surprise. They get an animal that is intelligent, that can THINK, and that does not necessarily live by house rules.

Gail

I think we have to examine the word "pet" as it relates to people. A pet is property. Wolves cannot be. A pet is solely reliant on us for food, play, training and love. A wolf truly becomes part of the family allowing us into his and his into us. We become as one. If you need an animal that will perish wihout your watching over it's well being then dogs, cats, fish, birds, etc. are fine. I love the need my wolves and I have and don't have for each other. I think one has to have a special sense of self to encroach on the lives of these special friends. Obviously very few humans have that gift. This, by far, has been the richest experience in my entire life. A true sense of unconditional love and trust. Patience tested, mind teasers, a great sense of humor, and a true sense of being. Not good pets at all. They are merely the best friends I have ever had and I feel blessed to have been one of the chosen. But no, not good pets at all. They will try your last nerve if you don't know what is coming. Go get a lap dog if you want a pet.

Kath Cheyenne and Orion (the sweetest music I have ever heard)

IMHO, the answers posted thus far have been good. I think that point that WD's are not pets so much as they are family members is very important. Also is the fact that they need a lot of attention in the puppy stage (count on that lasting 2 or 3 years). I am glad to see that mine are not the only ones that like to chew (mine will still very infrequently chew things - Tovar ate a leather belt last year).

The main problem with having a WD is that they require a lot of training and attention (much more that DDs). I put up with endless shenanigans from mine for the first three years, but it has been pretty smooth sailing since then. The more quality time that you give them, the better off you are. I think that WD's need more space than DD's.

I think I should say that WD's may not be for every one. They are very strong so must be socialized, if you don't want to put out the effort to do this, please don't get one. They are not going to be like a Collie, Husky or an Irish Setter in that WD's seem to have a stong sense of self, and will usually want to do things their way so dont expect them to be mindless slaves/worshipers. But this is what I like best though - they have clearly discernable personalities. I have often though that they are much like cats than dogs in this regard.

I wouldn't trade mine for the world.
Ed

I wonder whether all of us all have the same emotional baggage attached to the use of the word "pet." And I wonder whether there should be any disagreement when the words "pet" or "companion" are used.

I don't think any would disagree that "companion" is probably more acceptable, yes even palatable, to the members of this list, but to express disbelief over someone's use of the word "pet" leaves me wondering whether it is necessary to be constantly on guard about being WDC (that's *wolf dog correct*).

I believe I also impulsively responded with a LARGE yes to the question. But I certainly did not intend the connotation to belittle these wonderful, intelligent creatures. I was thinking more in the line of what most dictionaries define the word pet: "an animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with fondness..." You see, the word companion is implicit in the meaning for the word "pet." Wolf-dogs just carry the "companion" part to new depths.

When I read some of the really eloquent responses to the question, I wished I thought it out more carefully before I responded as I did.

Really, I think we're all on the same page on this one...

Thanks for listening,
Mark