Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Stone
The Tamaskan wolf-dog is the ultimate no-wolf content lookalike. Tamaskan dogs are a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1980s by a group of British breeders. These dogs were created by crossing several Northern breeds, including Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd, to create a wolf-like appearance with a friendly and trainable temperament.
The Tamaskan is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, and they make a good family dog for those who are willing to provide them with plenty of exercise and socialization. While they may resemble wolves, a Tamaskan is a fully domesticated, friendly dog that is suited to life as a companion animal.
Why not just get a Real Wolf?
Wolves are wild animals that are not suited to life as pets. Here are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t keep wolves as pets:
Legal Restrictions
In many countries and states, it is illegal to own a wolf as a pet. Even in areas where it is legal, there are often strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of both the wolf and the community.
Physical and Behavioral Needs
Wolves are large, powerful animals that require a lot of space to roam and exercise. They are also highly social animals that live in packs and require a complex social hierarchy to function properly. In a home environment, it can be difficult or impossible to provide for these needs. A captive wolf would do better with other wolves since it is a pack animal. Its enclosure must have tall fencing that extends several feet into the ground. Wolves can easily jump over a six-foot fence or dig several feet underground to escape.
Safety Concerns
Even if a wolf is raised from a young age and socialized, they still have strong predatory instincts that can be dangerous to humans and other pets. While human fatalities by wolves are extremely rare in nature, captive wolves have been known to attack and kill people. Their size and strength make them capable of inflicting serious injury. Wolves are naturally hostile toward non-pack members as well as other canids like foxes, coyotes, or domesticated dogs and will kill them.
Ethical Considerations
Keeping a wild animal like a wolf as a pet can be seen as unethical, as it deprives the animal of its natural environment and social structure. In many cases, wolves that are kept as pets are mistreated or neglected, which can lead to serious health and behavioral problems. It is quite common for wolves that were kept as pets to be abandoned or euthanized.
Overall, wolves are not suitable as pets, and it is important to respect these animals and allow them to live in their natural habitats. If you are interested in owning a dog that looks like a wolf, there are many breeds available that have been specifically bred for domestication and make excellent companions (see below).
Gray Wolf (with Black Fur)
Why not get a hybrid wolf-dog (Medium to high content wolf DNA)
If a pure wolf makes a poor pet then you might think that a wolf hybrid is a suitable alternative. You’d be wrong. A wolf hybrid is a cross between a wolf and a domestic dog. While some people may be attracted to the idea of owning a wolf hybrid as a pet, there are several reasons why this is not a good idea:
Wild Instincts
Wolf hybrids have a mix of wild and domesticated instincts, which can make them unpredictable and difficult to train. They may be more independent and stubborn than a typical domesticated dog, and they may have a strong prey drive that can be dangerous to other pets and small animals.
Legal Issues
In many states and countries, it is illegal to own a wolf hybrid as a pet. Even in areas where it is legal, there may be strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of the community.
Size and Strength
Wolf hybrids can be much larger and stronger than a typical domesticated dog, which can make them difficult to handle and control. They may require a lot of space to run and exercise. These animals may have more destructive tendencies if they are not provided with enough stimulation and activity. Like a wolf, a wolf hybrid will need a suitable enclosure.
Health Issues
Wolf hybrids may be more prone to health issues than a typical domesticated dog, including hip dysplasia and other genetic disorders. They may also be more susceptible to certain diseases and parasites, such as heartworm. Part of the issue is that many veterinarians refuse to treat these animals due to liability.
Ethical Considerations
Keeping a wild animal like a wolf hybrid as a pet can be seen as unethical, as it deprives the animal of its natural environment and social structure. In many cases, wolf hybrids that are kept as pets are mistreated or neglected, which can lead to serious health and behavioral problems.
Overall, wolf hybrids are not a good idea as pets. If you are interested in owning a dog that looks like a wolf, there are many breeds available that have been specifically bred for domestication and make excellent companions (see below).
A wolf-hybrid on a leash
Tamaskans – an alternative to Wolf Dogs.
The Tamaskan dog breed is a relatively new breed of dog that was created by a group of British breeders in the 1980s. They were originally bred to resemble wolves, and they have a wolf-like appearance with a thick, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including gray, black, and sable. They have almond-shaped eyes that are typically amber or brown in color. Tamaskans have a muscular build that makes them well-suited for activities like hiking, running, and agility training.
Tamaskan dogs are known for their friendly and sociable personalities, and they are typically very affectionate with their families. They also possess high intelligence and are quick to learn new commands and tricks. However, they can be independent and stubborn at times, so they require a firm and consistent training regimen.
Tamaskans are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, and they only need to be brushed occasionally to maintain their coat. They are also generally healthy dogs, although, like other breeds, they may be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia.
Overall, Tamaskan dogs are a relatively rare breed that may be well-suited for families or individuals who are looking for a friendly, intelligent, and active dog with a unique wild appearance. However, due to their rarity and potential for high energy levels, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners or those who are looking for a more low-key companion.
In addition, they do tend to suffer from separation anxiety and will not do well if their owner is away for long periods of time.
Where can I find Tamaskan Breeders?
If you are interested in finding Tamaskan breeders, you can start by checking the Tamaskan Breeders Association website, which provides a directory of approved breeders around the world: https://tamaskanbreedersassociation.org/.
You can also search for Tamaskan breeders on the following websites:
- American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace: https://marketplace.akc.org/puppies/tamaskan
- United Kennel Club (UKC) Breeder Referral: https://www.ukcdogs.com/breeder-referral
- International Tamaskan Register: https://www.tamaskan-register.com/breeders
It is important to do your research before choosing a breeder. Look for a breeder who is transparent about their breeding practices, health testing, and socialization of their puppies. Ask for references and speak with other Tamaskan owners to get their recommendations.
Remember that reputable breeders may have a waitlist for their puppies, and that it is worth waiting for a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a responsible breeder. Also check out the Tamaskan Dog Register, the official international steward for the development of authentic Tamaskan dogs.
What are some other dogs that look like Wolves?
Dogs that resemble wolves have always been a source of fascination for many people. Whether it’s their wild and untamed appearance, their piercing eyes, or their powerful and graceful movements, these dogs have an aura of mystery and beauty that is hard to ignore. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular dogs that look like wolves and learn more about their history, appearance, personality, and care.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of the largest and most well-known breeds of dogs that look like wolves. Originally bred by the Inuit people in Alaska to pull sleds, these dogs are built for strength and endurance. They have a thick, fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors, including white, gray, sable, and black. Their eyes are almond-shaped and their expression is often described as “kind” and “intelligent.”
The Alaskan Malamute is a friendly and loyal breed that is known for its strong bonds with its family. They are intelligent dogs that are quick to learn new commands, but they can also be stubborn at times. This breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so they are best suited for active families who have plenty of time to devote to their care.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is another popular breed of dog that looks like a wolf. This breed was originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds and hunt. They have a thick and fluffy coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, gray, and red. Their eyes are striking and come in a variety of colors, including blue, brown, and even heterochromatic (having two different-colored eyes).
The Siberian Husky is a friendly and social breed that loves to be around people. They are known for their independent spirit, so they require a firm and consistent training regimen. This breed is also highly active, so they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are best suited for active families who have plenty of time to devote to their care.
Low DNA Content Wolf Hybrid
Low-content Wolf hybrids, also known as wolfdogs, are dogs that have been bred with wolves. These dogs are often bred for their unique appearance, but they are not a recognized breed by any major kennel club. Even with a low wolf content, these dogs may exhibit the less desirable traits of a wild wolf vs a domesticated dog. Wolf hybrids are not recommended for most pet owners due to their unpredictable behavior and their tendency to be more aggressive than other breeds of dogs.
Wolf hybrids have a wild and untamed appearance, with piercing eyes and a muscular build. Their coat is thick and comes in a variety of colors, including gray, white, black, and brown. These dogs are often highly active and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also very intelligent and require a firm and consistent training regimen. With any wolf hybrid, you will have no idea what you are getting (in terms of behavior) until the animal has reached sexual maturity.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a relatively new breed of dog that was created by breeding German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves. This breed was developed in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s as a military dog, but they are now often kept as pets. They have a muscular build and a thick, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including gray, black, and white.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a highly active and intelligent breed that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are also known for their independent spirit, so they require a firm and consistent training regimen. This breed is best suited for experienced pet owners who have plenty of time to devote to their care
Saarloos Wolfdog
A Dutch breeder named Leendert Saarloos wanted to create the ultimate dog from a German Shepard with a Eurasian gray wolf. He didn’t get great results with the original offspring but he kept trying until his death in 1969. Then others picked up where he left off. Today a puppy will cost you $800 to $1000. Their appeal is their medium size and their resemblance to a wolf.
They are intelligent dogs and easy to train. They love attention and can be stubborn. Like Tamaskans they love being around their family (the pack) and do not like to be left alone. They also suffer from separation anxiety.
Northern Inuit Dog
Bred from some mixture of Husky, Malamute, and German Shepard. These dogs do not contain any wolf DNA in their recent ancestry. These dogs are even-tempered, intelligent, and loyal. Like most of the dogs on this list, they are also not suited for first-time dog owners. These dogs are great around people due to their confidence. They are also well-suited to families but do tend to bond with one main person. They also suffer from separation anxiety. This is the breed of dog used to portray Dire Wolves in Game of Thrones. These dogs make a great alternative to a Tamaskan.
Final Thoughts
People have always been fascinated by wolves. It is important to note that the domestication of dogs took many thousands of years. You will not be able to domesticate a wolf no matter how hard you try. You will end up with an animal that you have to keep in an elaborate enclosure, that might attack and kill your other pets or children and will never really see you as its owner. A wolf has no need to please a human. It simply does not care about pleasing you like a dog does because it does not need you. All you will succeed in doing is caging something that is wild.
Tamaskans are a great alternative to the pet owner who is fascinated by wolves but wants an animal that behaves like any other domesticated dog and can be a companion for the whole family.
