Dogs and wolves are both members of the same genus but are separate species, with dogs classified as Canis lupus familiaris and wolves classified as Canis lupus.
Dogs and wolves share many similarities so they can interbreed. However, it’s not recommended, as there are several potential risks and complications involved.
Dogs and wolves have different mating behaviours and reproductive cycles. Wolves typically mate once a year during a specific breeding season, while dogs can mate any time.
Even though a dog and a wolf can mate and produce offspring, the resulting hybrids may face a number of health problems. Wolves and dogs have different numbers of chromosomes, this can lead to genetic abnormalities and health issues in their young.
Additionally, wolves and dogs have different temperaments and behaviours, which can result in unpredictable and potentially dangerous behaviour their pups.
There are also ethical considerations involved in interbreeding dogs and wolves. Wolves are a wild species protected by law in many countries. Breeding them with dogs could have negative impacts on wild wolf populations.
Sadly since Game of Thrones and several members of the Stark family having "Direwolf" the interest in having a wolf or cross bred wolf has increased.
Next, we’ll turn to whether dogs can mate with foxes.
Can dogs mate with foxes?
Dogs and foxes are two different species with different numbers of chromosomes, so they cannot mate and produce offspring.
Even if they were able to mate, the offspring would likely be sterile, meaning they would not be able to produce offspring of their own. Dogs have 39 pairs of chromosomes while foxes have 34 pairs, which would result in an uneven number of chromosomes in the young.
Moreover, dogs and foxes have different reproductive behaviours and mating rituals, which would make it unlikely for them to attempt to mate in the first place.
It's important to note that interbreeding between different species can have significant health risks and ethical implications, so it is not recommended to attempt to breed dogs and foxes or any other combination of species.
What dog is closest to a wolf?
Dogs are descendants of wolves that were domesticated thousands of years ago, and some dog breeds are closer in genetic makeup and physical appearance to wolves than others. My adorable dog, Bean, as a Cavapoo, doesn’t make this list. Here are some breeds that do.
Alaskan Malamute: This breed is one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs and has a strong resemblance to wolves, with a thick coat, pointed ears, and a similar body structure.
Siberian Husky: Like the Alaskan Malamute, the Siberian Husky is a sled dog with a thick coat and pointed ears. They are also known for their wolf-like howl and independent nature.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog: As the name suggests, this breed was developed in Czechoslovakia by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves. They have a strong resemblance to wolves and are known for their intelligence and trainability.
Tamaskan: The Tamaskan is a newer breed that was developed in Finland by crossing Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds. They were bred to resemble wolves and have a similar coat and facial structure.
Northern Inuit Dog: This breed was developed in the UK by crossing Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds with a Malamute-wolf hybrid. They have a similar appearance to wolves and were used as stunt doubles for wolves Game of Thrones
While these breeds may be genetically closer to wolves, they are still domesticated dogs and have been bred for specific temperaments and behaviours.
Are wolf dogs legal in UK?
The ownership of wolf dogs is legal in the UK, but there are certain restrictions in place. The UK's Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976 requires stipulates that wolf dogs must obtain a license from their local council before they can be kept as pets. This act applies to any wolf dog that is at least 37.5% wolf, regardless of the breed or individual temperament.
The process of obtaining a license for a wolf dog involves meeting specific requirements and demonstrating that the owner has the necessary experience, knowledge, and facilities to care for the animal properly. The license may be subject to certain conditions, such as the type of enclosure and housing required for the animal.
You should note that wolf dogs are not recommended as pets for most people. They have specific needs and behaviours that can be challenging to manage, and they may not be suitable for households with children or other pets.
If you’re on the lookout for a dog that gets on well with cats, check out our post “Do Cavapoos Get on Well with Cats”.
Wrapping Up
While it is technically possible for dogs and wolves to mate and produce offspring, it’s not recommended due to the potential health risks and complications involved.
In addition, breeding hybrid animals raises concerns surrounding the impact on wild wolf populations. It is important to prioritise the well-being and welfare of both species and consider the potential consequences before attempting to breed dogs and wolves.
As with any decisions involving animals, it is important to consult with experts to make informed and responsible choices.
I personally wouldn't have a cross bred dog/wolf in my house if there were any children in the household.