14. Selecting a Wolf or Hybrid
Okay, so you still want to raise a bunch of wolves or hybrids. Well,
there are a few things that you must become familiar with. Here are a
few of them.
When selecting your breeding stock and unless you try to build your own
lines, shop around for the right parent stock. Don’t just buy from the
first set of genetics offered to you. If you are a bit uninformed of
what constitutes good animals, obtain close up photos of pure stock of
diverse sub-species. Get the picture in your mind of hybrids, 1/4
breed, 1/2 breed, 3/4 breed. 7/8ths, 15/16ths. Familiarize yourself
with the leanings toward dog, the leaning towards the Wolf. Look for
and avoid those in which there is much diversity in appearance, size or
human compatibility in a litter.
Note the attitude of the cubs toward their owner, handler, and their
family. If there is extensive fear, beware. It could be from poor
handling or it could be from bad genetics.
Note the owner’s attitude toward the entire pack. Does he/she show
favoritism? Does he neglect some of the pack? Does he or she show any
fear of ANY of the animals? Differentiate from fear and respect.
Respect is good. Fear is bad. If the handlers show weakness in any of
these behavioral traits, beware — there is something wrong.
Question the owner concerning his reason for raising the Wolf or hybrid
or both. If the motivation is seemingly commercial, watch out. People
who are in the game primarily for money are usually not the best
breeders. Of course one wishes to at least break even or pick up a few
extra dollars now and then, but you can tell the differences between
these types.
Note the rapport between wolf and owner. Is it friendly but firm? Does
the pack show eagerness to please him? After assuring yourself that the
animals have been blended correctly and comply with what they are
represented to be and the type and percentage pleases you, don’t try to
beat the guy down unless he is pricing exorbitantly. You will have to
pay for good stock.
Make sure that they are not in-bred extensively. In-breeding does bring
out weaknesses — bad eyes, bad hips, hernias, bad psychology, etc.
Acquire explicit instructions on how to care for, feed, doctor, and bond
the stock. If the person cannot give you this fully documented
information, better just move on down the road.