A wolfdog is a canine produced by the mating of a domestic dog with a gray wolf, eastern wolf, red wolf, or Ethiopian wolf to produce a hybrid.
Developed in Russia for specific working environments, often in challenging terrains.
The Volkosob is a wolf-dog hybrid, specifically bred to combine the best traits of wolves and dogs. They are known for their strength, intelligence, and heightened senses, making them suitable for certain working roles. However, they require experienced handlers due to their wild ancestry.
Hybrids in eastern Poland in the Wildlife Park Kadzidłowo. To the left: Parents: female wolf and male Gończy Polski; right: parents: female wolf and male West Siberian Laika.
Genetic research has shown that wolves with black pelts owe their coloration to a mutation that first arose in domestic dogs.
"Mixed breed Dog and Wolf" from The Menageries: Quadrupeds Described and Drawn from Living Subjects by William Ogilby, 1829
A Saarloos Wolfdog
A Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Skeleton of a wolf-dog hybrid from the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle
Trainability
Responsiveness to training: —/5