Owning a wolf has been one of the most significant dreams of Phill Young, a resident of Colorado, throughout his life.
He invested many years in studying and educating himself about wolves and wolf-dog hybrids to gain a deeper insight into these formidable creatures.
Currently, he imparts his expertise to increase awareness about the ownership and training of wolf dogs, as they differ considerably from typical domestic pets.
The Origins of Wolf Man
Young’s affection for wolves began when he was merely a child. Regrettably, owning a wolf was unlawful in the United States during that time, and it remains so today.
Federal regulations allow for the ownership of wolf canines (ranging from 2% to 98%), yet this legislation does not extend to all states, as they possess the authority to completely prohibit any form of wolves and their hybrids. [1]
Nonetheless, Young discovered a method to fulfill his desire… at least in part. After researching wolf dogs and the associated bans and limitations, he resolved to acquire a wolf dog.
Fortunately, Young resided in Louisiana, where wolf hybrids are permitted, provided there is legal validation. [2]
When he felt adequately prepared to care for such a formidable companion, Young adopted his first wolf puppy around 2013.
Kota, The Canine With A Hint Of Wolf Blood
Young’s initial experience with a wolf dog was unlike what he had anticipated. Upon locating a wolf dog breeder, he didn’t even question the breeder’s claim that he produces 98% wolf pups. Young recounted his journey in an interview with Newsweek:
“The breeder claimed she was 98-percent wolf. Once I observed her and the father and mother, I realized there was no possibility she could be that high of a wolf percentage, but I fell in love with her regardless.”
Kota quickly endeared herself to Young, yet he remained curious about her lineage and the amount of wolf DNA she carried, which led him to conduct a test:
“I managed to DNA test her a few years later and discovered she was only 25-percent wolf, along with Malamute, German Shepherd, Husky, and Chow.”
Whether the breeder’s knowledge was inadequate or if it was a fraudulent act remains unknown, but Young’s tale serves as a cautionary note for individuals seeking to adopt a dog with a significant percentage of wolf DNA.
Kota And Faelen, A Union Made In Heaven
By around 2015, Young resolved to acquire another wolf dog, hoping for improved fortune this time concerning the wolf DNA percentage.
He adored Faelen the instant the breeder forwarded him the photograph, so there was no uncertainty that Fae would be welcomed as a new family member.
Kota and the new puppy bonded immediately upon Fae’s arrival, even though he was a playful rascal.
The Enigma Of Fae’s DNA
Young was also intrigued about Faelen’s ancestry, leading him to perform a DNA test. Regrettably, the initial attempt was unsuccessful, but he persevered and tried again.
Upon receiving the results, he was quite astonished to learn that Faelen was a blend of wolf, Husky, Malamute, and German Shepherd.
However, Young remained dissatisfied with these findings, which prompted him to pursue a third and final attempt.
This time, he submitted Fae’s DNA under a different name for the dog. The testing was successful, and the results emerged as follows:
Faelen proved to be an excellent wolf dog, and Young savored every moment of being his owner, as he shared in the interview:
“He grasped concepts very swiftly and effortlessly. With regular weekly socialization, we managed to overcome the intrinsic skittish and wary nature that wolves possess.”
Young also mentioned that many people were inquisitive and frequently stopped to inquire about Faelen’s temperament and abilities to the extent that he felt like a wolf dog instructor.
Due to Young’s relocation from Louisiana to Colorado, both Faelen and his daughter, Keeva, (who joined the family a few years later) were placed in a foster care facility in Texas.
Sadly, just days later, Young shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram:
“With deep sorrow, I must inform you all that Faelen tragically passed away due to an accident at a Foster’s home while we were in search of a residence here in Colorado.”
Wolf Dogs Are Not Household Pets
After years of personal experience and study, Young concluded that wolf hybrids are remarkable creatures, but they are certainly not suitable as family pets or status symbols. Here’s what he expressed to Newsweek:
“I wish that individuals understood these are not dogs for a typical household. You cannot alter their lifestyle to conform to yours; rather, you must modify yours to accommodate them.”
He was fortunate with Faelen, as this particular dog was sociable and not fearful of people (adults or children). In fact, Faelen had a unique ability to bond with children immediately, as showcased in Young’s video:
Video
However, Fae retained an element of unpredictability, which highlights that a wolfdog owner can never be entirely certain how his canine may respond to specific situations, such as Faelen’s incident with a cat that Young recorded.
While this was an isolated event, it remains a caution for individuals who lack experience or do not possess sufficient knowledge about wolf dogs to avoid taking these animals lightly and treating them as typical pets.
Young contends that the negative perception of wolf dogs stems from the fact that these animals are often placed in the hands of individuals who lack the skills to handle them appropriately.
Jo Sellers, a skilled trainer and proprietor of Pippin Pet Dog Training, shares a similar viewpoint concerning wolf dogs.
She echoed to Newsweek that wolves exhibit tendencies toward separation anxiety and are genuine escape artists, which contradicts the common misconception that they make good guard dogs.
“They do not serve as status dogs, and truly require highly experienced owners, so anyone contemplating adopting one should genuinely reflect on whether they can fulfill all their welfare needs, or if they should opt for a domesticated dog instead.”
Sellers and Young both emphasized that wolf dogs are not suited for everyone. They demand a long-term commitment and an owner ready to devote all their energy and dedication to raising them suitably.
References:
1. Wolf and Wildlife Center. “Wolf-Dog Questionnaire.” Retrieved on April 20, 2023 from https://www.wolfeducation.org/wolves-as-pets
2. Uniting A Politically Proactive Exotic Animal League (UAPPEAL). “Louisiana Laws.” Retrieved on April 21, 2023 from http://www.uappeal.org/louisiana.html