Cheyenne's Howl

Printed in Mountain Messenger on Friday August 22, 1997

Responsible Ownership

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Last week I was discussing how to be a responsible wolfdog owner. I would like to continue on the subject this week. As most of you know we wolves are the ancestors of all dogs. We are magnificent animals, (no brag, just fact), but unlike the average dog, we should not be kept by the typical family household. Wolves and the average high percentage wolfdog do not do well when confined to small city lots or to an apartment. We need room to run and play and must have an area to be ourselves in, to do our wolfy things such as digging, territorial marking, and chewing on things. If it is in our territory, we must be able to do as we see fit. We are not here to please our "owners" but are here to be and to please ourselves. If you can't deal with that, don't get one of us. In fact, if you can't let your companion animal, no matter what kind or bred it might be, be itself, then at least be responsible enough to know your limitations and get a pet rock. At least you won't have to feed or water it, you can leave it anywhere you want, and if you get mad at it you can drive it out to the woods and toss it out without feeling guilty.

Just like German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, and any other breed of dog, wolfdogs are being bred everywhere, even in areas where they are banned. Just because a litter of pups might be made available to you, does not mean that the pup you get will make a good pet. As a responsible future owner, you need to check out the background of the animal you are getting. Also check out the breeder, and see and mingle with the parent animals. If possible, check out the grandparents too. If the parents and/or grandparents are hyper or afraid of people, then the chances are your new pup could behave in the same way. Also remember that just because an animal might have AKC papers, or that it is registered, that doesn't mean it will win a blue ribbon. And as the United States Wolfdog Association so appropriately states, just because a wolfdog is a mix between a wolf and a dog that does not mean that a wolfdog is going to eat your grandmother.

After you have researched and have decided to get one of my cousins, the key factor to be concerned with is the breeder. A responsible breeder is very protective of his animals and will probably grill you about where you live, what kind of enclosure do you have, can you afford to feed these animals, and a host of other questions to determine if you are knowledgeable and have the ability to care for them. A good breeder will himself be able to answer any basic questions that you may have as a first time buyer. He will also share with you positive as well as any negative information about the breed. No breed is perfect, and like any other breed of animal, a wolfdog is not for everyone. The more information that a breeder gives to you, the better the chance is that you and your new companion will enjoy a special bond of friendship and respect. If the only question a breeder asks you is if you are paying with cash or a check, run like hell from them. As with any animal, there are unscrupulous breeders that take advantage of new owners. We will be with you for a long time, so make sure you are satisfied from the start.

Cheyenne