Fun German Shepherd Wolf Mix Facts For Kids

Oluwatosin Michael
Apr 25, 2023 By Oluwatosin Michael
Originally Published on Aug 05, 2021
Edited by Monisha Kochhar
German Shepherd Wolf Mix facts to keep in mind about the half wolf dogs.
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 10.2 Min

German Shepherd Wolf is a mix between a wolf and a German Shepherd popularly known as wolf shepherd or wolf-dog. Leendert Saarloos conducted a study in the year 1932 in order to prove the existence of a wolf and dog mix species and found them in Teotihuacan many years ago.

Their average lifespan is 12-14 years and they are extremely clever, loyal, decisive, and attentive to commands once trained.

These wolf-dog hybrids are also known as military dogs and guard dogs but also work as good pet dogs through rigorous training done with patience and dedication. Since part of their instincts lies in the wild it's important to invest ample time and energy to ensure safety around them.

Various other variants from the wolf hybrid family can be found, some of which include the German Shepherd pitbull mix, German Shepherd Labrador mix, and German Shepherd Husky mix among others.

German Shepherds are crossbred with the Saarloos wolfhound also known as the German Shepherd Timberwolf mix crossbred in the Netherlands in 1935 and the Czechoslovakian wolfdog crossbred in the year 1955 in Czechoslovakia.

Read on to discover the wolf hybrid dog breed. If you like this article then visit, Shiba Inu Husky Mix and Miniature Husky facts too.

German Shepherd Wolf Mix Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a German Shepherd Wolf Mix?

The German Shepherd wolf species is a mix between a German Shepherd dog and a wolf. The Saarloos wulfhund is the most popular breed among them.

What class of animal does a German Shepherd Wolf Mix belong to?

German Shepherd wolf Mix belongs to the mammal class of species. They portray characteristics of both genes and have various variants in the same family. They can be dangerous if not trained properly. A way to channel this energy is to give them toys to chew on else they could destroy property at home like wooden furniture.

How many German Shepherd Wolf Mixes are there in the world?

The exact population of these wolfdogs in the world is undetermined however they exist in European regions as well as other parts of the world like the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. Given that, this wolfdog species has the probability to become violent instances certain countries have placed a ban on owning them as a pet.

Where does a German Shepherd Wolf Mix live?

German Shepherds can survive in a house, the woods, or any outdoor areas with adequate space for locomotion. They don't instantly adapt to all environments hence need to be trained with a lot of time and effort to familiarize them with the surroundings. These wolfdogs also don't always welcome strangers but this to can be curtailed through training.

What is a German Shepherd Wolf Mix's habitat?

This breed is not ideal for a first-time pet owner as it requires a lot of dedication and hard work to train the pet to be around humans and specifically children. Colder weather conditions are ideal since they are fluffy beings and need grooming well as they shed heavily.

They crave activity hence they need enough space for moving around so their environment should consist of enough space for locomotion.

Who do German Shepherd Wolf Mixes live with?

The German Shepherd Wolf Mix lives in their own packs as well as with people in some countries once they are trained. They are often used by authorities and official services because of their active instincts and abilities.

Black German Shepherd Wolf Mix is least tolerant towards children but can change over time and react well once given rigorous training.

How long does a German Shepherd Wolf Mix live?

Wolf German Shepherd Mix lives in European regions mostly but also in places like Netherlands and Czechoslovakia. Their average lifespan is 12-14 years.

They are known for being military or guard dogs which is a great asset to the nation as well as owned as pets by somewhere the dog is allowed to be kept as a pet. It enjoys the company of people if it's trained adequately.

How do they reproduce?

Wolf hybrids dogs are bred by professionals who have been doing this through generations and charge a high price for it. In some instances, this can be about $1000.

The wolf's average litter size is four to six puppies while the German Shepherd has eight puppies. German Shepherd Wolf Mix litter size is normally about six puppies. In most instances, they are adopted post-birth.

Six weeks after this is a crucial time period for the offsprings as this is the time where they learn and need to know how to socialize. Training and socialization need to be conducted simultaneously and regularly to German Shepherd Wolf Mix puppies to get a good environment to grow.

What is their conservation status?

German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a species that is not evaluated by the International Union For Conservation Of Nature (IUCN) and is a popular choice for adoption as a pet both for experienced as well as amateur owners.

German Shepherd Wolf Mix Fun Facts

What do German Shepherd Wolf Mixes look like?

The mix of German Shepherds and wolves are a unique species in their own way and their mix-breeds the German Shepherd Wolf Mix is equally unique with its mixed colored hair which is gray white and partly black. The wolf hybrids have a beautiful double coat of fur that does shed a lot.

They usually have blue eyes or black or brown eyes. They can also have odd-colored eyes in some instances.

*We've been unable to source an image of a wolf-shepherd and have used an image of a German Shepherd, one of the parent breeds, instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of a wolf-shepherd, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com.

German Shepherd Wolf Mix

How cute are they?

Wolf and German Shepherd mix are definitely unique and extremely cute when puppies because of their small stature and playful nature. As they grow they tend to have temperament issues that can be controlled through intensive training from birth.

Kids, adults, as well as other animals, cannot always be around them unless they are well trained. However, with training, the wolf hybrid dogs can be amazing pets.

How do they communicate?

These dogs primarily communicate through the use of their body language as well as the use of barking sounds to attract the attention of their owners. If they are trained, they are obedient and less aggressive than they would usually be.

Since they are often considered military dogs, they learn to follow commands over time and also make use of their wolf hybrid instincts to identify any signs of danger and are ready to attack.

How big is a German Shepherd Wolf Mix?

A German Shepherd Wolf Mix is 24 in (60c m) which is 20 times bigger than a Frug dog who is 13-15 in (33-38 cm) in length.

How fast can a German Shepherd Wolf Mix run?

The German Shepherd can run at rates of 63 kph and a wolf at 75 kph, so a German Shepherd Wolf Mix too can run at speeds similar to both the parent dog breeds. This range is exceptionally fast compared to the average speed of other dog breeds.  

How much does a German Shepherd Wolf Mix weigh?

German Shepherd Wolf Mix weighs approximately 120 lb which is 54 kg. They grow more or less depending on their environment or other conditions like their diet and exercise.

What are their male and female names of the species?

The male and female wolfdog is known by the same name itself. Female German Shepherds are slightly smaller in size as compared to their male counterparts.

What would you call a baby German Shepherd Wolf Mix?

A baby German Shepherd Wolf Mix is referred to as a puppy, like all other baby dogs. Training and socialization with this wolf dog puppy is an essential part of the bonding time that the owners get with these unique and active species.

What do they eat?

To understand the dietary requirements of a Shepherd wolf mix it's essential to consult a professional. However, to give you a general idea, these wolf-like dogs consume a dry kibble diet and also require an adequate amount of raw meat and other supplements to ensure a healthy diet with a minimum of 50% consisting of proteins.

Since they are active and agile they also need to have enough amount of liquids including water and require two hours of exercise minimum.

How much do they shed?

They have a lot of hair on their body and hence these fluffy wolf dogs need constant grooming done on regular basis. This can be done daily or once in few days depending on the growth.

Shedding of hair also depends on various other factors like the environmental conditions, for example, shedding is likely to happen less during winters as compared to springtime where they tend to shed more hair. Overall though, these wolf dogs shed a lot as compared to others.

Would they make a good pet?

A wolf mix puppy would cost around $800-$1000 excluding medical checkups and other necessities. If the Shepherd wolf mix is trained adequately through patience and dedication they will be one of the best pets for an experienced pet owner.

They are aggressive and spontaneous in nature and require adequate space for locomotion apart from meeting their dietary requirements and regular health checkups.

They also tend to urinate more often than other dog breeds and are slobbery in nature. It's also important to ensure if they are legally allowed to be owned as a pet in the region you reside in.

Did you know...

In 1982, the Czechoslovakian wolfdog was recognized as a national breed. The FCI also recognized them as a national breed in the year 1989.  

They are banned in many states in the United States because they were categorized as dangerous. This is due to the fact that they become defensive when attacked and showcase uncertain and destructive behavior some of which include chewing wooden furniture and digging holes in the lawn, garden, or any other open areas.

Author Nicole Wilde has written a book titled 'Living With Wolfdogs: An Everyday Guide To A Lifetime Companionship' consisting of her experiences with a wolfdog and has received good reviews by readers. If you are considering keeping a wolfdog as a pet it's definitely worth giving this book a read.  

Wolfdog Yuki appeared in the 'Game Of Thrones' series and gained popularity instantly, although sadly passed away from blood cancer at the age of 13 years. People addressed him as 'dire wolf'. Television show title 'Inside Edition' also brought Yuki to the limelight in April 2019 by featuring a segment on the celebrity wolfdog.

The German Shepherd Wolf Mix appeared for the first time in the fantasy/adventure Walt Disney film titled 'Sorcerer's Apprentice' directed by Jon Turteltaub and released on 12 July 2010. It stars actors like Nicolas Cage.

Apart from playing the roles in the film, the wolfdogs also gained popularity through the premier. Their owner Mike Hodanish tried to clarify misconceptions about the negative portrayal of wolfdogs.

Wild animal DNA

Since part of their instincts lies in the wild, it's important to invest ample time and energy to ensure safety around them. Nature-wise, they have devoted and good watchdog qualities that they inherit from the dog side of the family.

They also have a strong tendency to wander around and demand high activity at all times which they inherit from their wolf DNA characteristics.

This is majorly due to the fact that the wild animals cannot easily be tamed or domesticated and will continue to possess predatory behavior even though they are crossbreeds.

This demerit in some instances turns out to be their greatest merit as well. In terms of their outward appearance, it's mostly a mix of both a German Shepherd and a wolf.

Health and characteristics

Common health issues associated with these animals include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloating, cancer as well as other health problems, mostly genetic diseases, based on their past history and genealogy.

These health issues can be curtailed through proper exercise and check-ups with a medical professional in the field. Exercise requirements include daily activities like training and socialization mostly outdoors and adding chewable toys and others to help them use up most of their energy.

They need ample space to move around and stretch.

Apart from this one should know they make for excellent guard dogs due to their instincts and alertness as compared to other species of dogs. It is a loyal and attentive animal if trained and taken care of.

Those considering to get this unique animal which looks like a wolf but is a dog breed should set their minds on patience and dedication and the efforts put in will truly be rewarding and this dog will surely keep you company at all times.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including Utonagan, or Kunming wolfdog.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our German Shepherd Wolf coloring pages.

German Shepherd Wolf Mix Facts

What Did They Prey On?

Meat

What Type of Animal were they?

Carnivore

Average Litter Size?

6

How Much Did They Weigh?

120 lb (54 kg)

What habitat Do they Live In?

pet stores or rescue groups

Where Do They Live?

netherlands, eastern europe

How Long Were They?

24 in (60 cm)

How Tall Were They?

22-26 in (56-66 cm)

Class

Mammalia

Genus

Canis

Family

Canidae

Scientific Name

Canis lupus

What Do They Look Like?

Gray white and partly black

Skin Type

Hair

What Are Their Main Threats?

n/a

What is their Conservation Status?

Not Evaluated
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Written by Oluwatosin Michael

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

Oluwatosin Michael picture

Oluwatosin MichaelBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

With a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oluwatosin has honed his skills as an SEO content writer, editor, and growth manager. He has written articles, conducted extensive research, and optimized content for search engines. His expertise extends to leading link-building efforts and revising onboarding strategies. 

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