Tundra Wolf
The Tundra Wolf has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Origin
The Tundra Wolf is a wolf hybrid or wolfdog that is normally bred with the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky or German Shepherd.
The first documented breeding of a wolf and dog took place in England in 1766. There are also many dog breeds in existence today that are thought to have some type of wolf in their ancestry. However, it was not until the 1960s when breeders began crossing dogs with the American Grey Timber Wolf with the purpose of creating a companion or pet.
Size
The Tundra Wolf typically weighs 70 to 125 pounds and measures 25 to 33 inches.
Grooming Needs
Wolf hybrids like the Tundra Wolf have few grooming needs, but it is important to start handling their coat, ears and nails at an early age to get them used to being touched. The Tundra Wolf has a thick, dense coat and tends to shed moderately most of the year, then more heavily during the change of seasons. The Tundra Wolf should be brushed once a week and more frequently during their heavy shedding seasons. The Tundra Wolf should also have their ears cleaned and nails trimmed regularly. They only need one or two baths a year.
Character
The Tundra Wolf is generally more reserved and less predictable than a domesticated dog.
Temperament
The temperament of the Tundra Wolf is highly dependent on their breeding. Typically, the Tundra Wolf is more aloof and shy than a purebred dog. They love their family, but are skittish around most other people. Although many people would assume differently, wolf hybrids like the Tundra Wolf do not make effective guard dogs.
On average, the Tundra Wolf takes about three years to mature and grow out of their puppy phase. During those years, they can be rambunctious. Tundra Wolves do not make the best companions for small children as they can mistake their screaming and running around as reason to chase after them. Likewise, Tundra Wolves should not be housed with smaller animals as they may regard them as prey.
Training Needs
The Tundra Wolf requires an experienced handler along with lots of training and socialization. Wolf hybrids generally want to be dominant and need a strong alpha as a leader. Consistency is very important with them as is positive reinforcement.
Tundra Wolves should never be treated harshly. They are surprisingly sensitive and will lose respect for their owner if yelled at or abused.
Activity Level
The Tundra Wolf is energetic and may be best suited to life outdoors. They tend to be chewers and diggers, and can be destructive if housed inside. Tundra Wolves also need room to roam. They require a secure yard with a high fence or a comfortable pen. If the Tundra Wolf does live indoors with their family, they need at least 60 minutes of outside time every day.
