Siberian Husky Timber Wolf Dog Breed

A Husky-Wolf mix is obviously not part of any dog breed group, largely because the Timber Wolf is not a dog. Scientists have determined that wolfdogs like the Wolf-Siberian Husky mix have existed for thousands of years--but true Husky-Wolf hybrid breeding didn't really begin in earnest until the 20th century. According to experts, a Husky mixed with Wolf will never be fully domesticated, so these animals are recommended only for owners living in rural areas who are willing to dedicate a lot of time to a Siberian Wolfdog's training and care.

A few Siberian Husky-Wolf facts: because the Wolf can vary so much in size, a wolfdog can range in size from medium to giant--but these hybrids average 26 inches at the shoulders in height and 70 pounds in weight. Husky-Wolf hybrids also have medium-length, thick, double-layered coats that will shed seasonally; and they're extremely energetic and will need a great deal of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning these unpredictable hybrids:

Perhaps the most vital bit of Wolf-Husky mix info is that, while unusual and striking in appearance, wolfdogs are very difficult to own and maintain. The general Husky-Wolf hybrid information guarantees that a wolfdog with even as little as 10 percent wolf DNA will often instinctively behave like a wild animal once it matures.

According to owners and experts, two years old is an important milestone for a Wolf-Husky hybrid. During puppyhood, the animal was cute, agreeable, and even fun--but when a wolfdog mentally matures, its feral instincts begin to take over. Around this time the wolfdog, as a natural pack animal, will instinctively try to become the "alpha" and test well-set rules and habits of the household. As an adult, a wolfdog will also do its best to escape--and these animals can leap seven-foot-high fences. Owners will need to provide these animals with firm leadership, plenty of supervision, and most important, loads of respect.

Meanwhile, a half Husky-half Wolf will need a great deal of exercise--and a lot of room in which to get it! Experts say anything less than two acres of yard (securely fenced, of course) is not sufficient; it's also important to supervise the animal at all times to prevent its escape.

The Wolf-Husky hybrid temperament is one of unpredictability, cautiousness, and resourcefulness--so owners will need to use plenty of diligence and forethought when it comes to the Wolf-Husky mix temperament. During puppyhood, these animals will act like any young dogs, and will get along with family members, other pets, even strangers. Once they mature, though, Husky-Wolf mix behavior tends to turn more wolf-like, and they'll be skittish, unfriendly, and even aggressive if they feel threatened. Owners need to remember that any wolfdog is part wild animal, and it'll need to be treated as such. Even with a lot of socialization, care, and training as a puppy, a wolfdog is likely to completely change its behavior when it reaches adulthood.

Another of the interesting Husky-Wolf mix traits is the animal's intelligence. Wolfdogs are plenty smart--yet they're invariably difficult to train. Standard dog training methods almost never work with these animals, as the concept of interacting with humans is foreign to them. Some say that demonstration or mimicry is a better way to teach them commands, as that's how wolf pups learn in the wild.

And Husky-Wolf mixes have poor watchdog abilities. Their loyalty (to humans, at least) is near zero, so they're highly unlikely to have any protective instincts at all.

The Siberian Husky-Timber Wolf mix is pretty healthy overall, but may suffer ailments like joint problems (hip dysplasia, patellar luxation) and assorted eye issues. Owners are advised to take their wolfdog to a veterinarian for a thorough health screening--but they'll need to make sure the vet is familiar (and comfortable) with caring for a dog-wolf hybrid.

Life expectancy for a Husky-Wolf mix is 12-14 years.