Move over Pitbulls. The wolf hybrid, more recently known as the “wolfdog,” has become one of the most controversial canines in Ohio. A wolfdog is produced by breeding a domestic dog with a wolf. Once mixed, the wolf characteristics carry down through many generations of breeding. This produces categories of wolf “content.” Generally, wolfdogs can be categorized as high content, medium content, or low content depending on the percentage of wolf genes/characteristics they possess.

In the past, the term “wolf hybrid” was commonly used to refer to these animals. The term “hybrid” refers to a cross of different species. Wolf-dog crosses are technically not hybrid animals because dogs have been reclassified as Canis lupus familiaris, a subspecies the wolf, Canis lupus. Although the terms “wolf hybrid,” “hybrid wolf,” and “hybrid dog” are still used, the term wolfdog is more accurate and now preferred.

Wolfdogs are not classified as exotic animals in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code Section 935.01(C)(2) specifically excludes hybrid wolves from the definition of “dangerous wild animal.” This definition was created as part of Ohio’s exotic animal ban, which was signed into law by Governor John Kasich in June 2012. Wolfdogs are generally treated as ordinary dogs for purposes of registration, etc. Wolfdogs can be declared a nuisance, dangerous, or vicious just like any other dog pursuant to O.R.C. Sections 955.11/955.22/955.222.

Wolfdogs are legal in most Ohio cities.

So, what’s the big deal?
Proponents claim wolfdogs make great companions. Wolfdogs are hailed for their superior intelligence, self-awareness, and loyalty.

Opponents argue that wolfdogs are dangerous and unpredictable. They argue that you can’t take the “wild” out of a wolfdog.

More poignantly, opponents claim wolfdogs present a health hazard because there is no rabies vaccine specifically approved by the USDA for use in wolves or hybrids. This means that even if a wolfdog is duly vaccinated, most health departments will consider the wolfdog a rabies risk. A wolfdog involved in a scratch or bite incident could be confiscated and euthanized for rabies testing, even if the wolfdog is up to date on its rabies vaccination.

Even though USDA Code of Federal Regulations Title 9 (CFR9), Section 113.209 indicates that rabies vaccines are tested and approved according to species, no vaccine has been “officially” approved yet. This places wolfdogs in serious danger of euthanasia in the event of a bite or scratch incident.

Further, it’s no secret that some pet owners claim their pet is part wolf even when no proof of that heredity exists. Pet owners usually don’t realize the consequences of making such a claim. Due to the state of rabies vaccine approval, claiming a dog is “part wolf,” acts or looks “like a wolf,” or even “howls like a wolf” can put a pet in grave danger in the event of a bite or scratch.

Our office has handled complaints from cities and health departments about rabies incidents. We have been successful at overturning euthanasia orders for these dogs. We have also battled claims that wolfdogs are inherently dangerous or vicious.

In most cases, education about these animals is severely lacking. To learn more about wolfdogs, please visit our friends My Pack of Wolves Sanctuary, a wolfdog rescue, sanctuary, and educational outlet located in Ohio.

Tags: dangerous dogs, dog bites, exotic animal ban, health department, hybrid wolves, ohio dog bite law, ohio exotic animals, rabies, rabies testing, wolf hybrids, wolfdogs