May 23, 2008

Pet Pulse Photo

BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. -- The term “wolfdog” inspires trepidation in many people, who think they are wild and dangerous animals. But Nancy Brown, president of Full Moon Farm, a non-profit rescue and sanctuary for wolfdogs, in Black Mountain, N.C., says these fears are unfounded and fueled purely by an unsupported myth.

She claims that when treated properly wolfdogs are no more dangerous than any other pet dog.

“Wolfdogs are misunderstood,” Brown said.

“Depending on how they’re raised, wolfdogs are not dangerous animals. An abused German shepherd (is) just as dangerous as (a) wolfdog or any large canine.”

Because of the controversy surrounding wolfdogs, they often fall through the cracks in terms of recognition and funding. So Brown is working hard to reassure the public, as well as government agencies, that the wolfdog poses no threat.

“A wolfdog is not half-wolf, half-dog. A wolfdog is a canine that has pure wolf heritage within the last five generations,” Brown said. “They are not wild animals (nor are they) from wild animals. Nobody’s collecting wild animals from Canada or Alaska and then robbing puppies and bringing them to States and breeding them with dogs. That is a myth.”

Although Wolfdogs are illegal in some parts of the country, they are recognized as domestic animals by the USDA. They are bred nationwide – by both reputable breeders and backyard breeders.

Full Moon Farm, which exists through individual donations and the help of volunteers, is home to 71 wolfdogs that were rescued from abusive owners, shelters, picked up as strays, confiscated as illegal, or turned in by their owners. Since opening in 2002, Full Moon Farm has rescued, placed, or given sanctuary to more than 350 animals.

“Of the 71 wolfdogs that are here, probably 10 are suitable to be re-homed and additional 10 (will) go to a trainer-rehab work where they could be home-quality animals,” Brown said. “(There is) no time or resources for training them. More than likely they will stay here as a sanctuary animal for the rest of their lives.”

Nancy would like to see more responsible wolfdog breeding and more educated ownership. Many breeders sell dogs without informing people of their needs and some owners are unprepared to handle the high energy required for maintenance.

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