A Pitbull wolf mix is a very controversial hybrid. Although dogs and wolves are known to share an evolutionary past and thus may share many physical and behavioral traits, this mix is still the talk of the town.
Unlike dogs, wolves haven’t been domesticated for thousands of years. That is why having a Pitbull wolf mix poses a lot of questions, not just about their combined physical characteristics but also their traits.
If you are also intrigued with this mix, just like any other people out there, or are thinking of getting one for yourself, you came to the right place.
In this guide, we will talk about all the information, facts, behavioral traits, and controversies that you need to know about the Pitbull wolf mix. We will also tackle whether or not it is advisable to get one.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 25 – 30 inches |
| Weight: | 60 – 120 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 16 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, brown, brindle, fawn |
| Temperament: | Unpredictable, has aggressive-tendencies |
| Suitable for: | People with no children and pets; trainers who are up for a challenge |
What Is a Pitbull Wolf Mix? Can Pitbulls Be Mixed with Wolves?
The Pitbull wolf mix is a hybrid of a wolf and a Pitbull, usually an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier. While not recommended, Pitbulls can technically be mixed with wolves as both are interfertile beings. This means their combination can produce a viable litter.
Over the years, Pitbulls have grown to have a bad reputation for being dangerous despite being inherently gentle. The reputation of this breed has gone so bad that to this day, some US States have banned this breed.
Wolves, on the other hand, are dog-like carnivores and are the largest non-domesticated member of the dog family.
They are apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain and have no natural predators.
The combination of both controversial animals spark debates about what the offspring of this mix could be like.
Apparently, others think their offspring may be good guard dogs, considering the Pitbull and wolves’ traits. However, even researchers find it hard to tell as there may be inconsistencies in their behavior.
Check out this video about wolf dog hybrids like the Pitbull wolf mix to learn more:
Is It Legal to Own a Pitbull Wolf Mix?
While breeders are free to mate any wolf with any dog as there is no overall breed standard for wolf hybrids, the legality of owning one depends on which state, county, or city you are in.
In several states like Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Oregon, wolf hybrids are considered domestic animals.
Moreover, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin are also among the few states with no regulations on owning wolf hybrids.
However, some of the above-mentioned states have restrictions on the maximum percentage of wolves an animal may contain to be considered a hybrid.
On the other hand, owning a wolf hybrid such as the Pitbull wolf mix is restricted in states like Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, North and South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
If you live in one of these states and plan to own a Pitbull wolf mix, you need to secure permits. Some even set minimum standards for wolf hybrid enclosure.
Meanwhile, it is outright illegal to privately own a Pitbull wolf mix in some states, including Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.
In these states, permits are strictly not issued to private citizens. Only zoos, educational institutions, and other organizations are exempted from this law.
However, it is important to keep up-to-date regarding owning and breeding restrictions as county and city ordinances change frequently.
You may refer to the Hybrid Law of each state or contact your local animal control office.
The Controversy Surrounding Wolf Dog Hybrids Like the Pitbull Wolf Mix
Along with the rise of wolf dog hybrids such as the Pitbull wolf mix being kept as pets is also the rise of controversies about the rules for owning them and the safety of the owner and the general public.
Over the years, there have been a couple of publicized tragedies involving these wolf dog hybrids.
Although the number is not as high as the recorded biting and attacking incidents of Pitbulls and similar breeds, it is still alarming.
In 2018, a pet wolf hybrid killed an 8-day-old infant as it was lying in a bassinet in Lee County, Florida.
Apparently, the wolf Malamute mix gained entry to the room where the newborn child was while the mother was out for a while preparing lunch.
According to reports, the infant suffered extensive injuries to the head and the upper portion of the body.
In addition, the wolf hybrid was reportedly already living with the family that has had two other children for several months, and no incidents occurred prior to the accident.
Several cases were also separately reported in New Jersey and Washington about kids losing an arm after being attacked by wolf dog hybrids.
With the rise of wolf dog attacks resulting in death, more people are crying for stricter rules and even the total banning of these untamed animals in their states.
However, animal experts and wolf dog owners alike believe that the hybrids are not at fault and the incidents were merely caused by irresponsible parents and pet owners.
To date, there are an estimated 250,000 to 500,00 wolf dogs in the United States, only less than 1% of the total dog population in the country. But this number is growing rapidly.
Despite the number of reported incidents, advocates of wolf dog hybrids still believe that these are lovable, gentle, loyal pets with greater intelligence compared to ordinary dogs.
wolf dog hybrid opponents, on the other hand, stand firm in their belief that wolf dogs should be regulated, if not banned, for the safety of the general public, especially children.
Pitbull Wolf Mix Appearance
As with any other animal mixed with another breed, it can be quite difficult to really gauge the appearance of your wolf dog, as the result will depend on which animal has the stronger gene.
However, the litters of an American Pit Bull Terrier that has been partnered with a wolf may have distinct features that cannot be seen in a purebred Pitbull.
One of the most common distinct features of a Pitbull wolf mix is its eye color, ranging from amber to pale yellow and even green. They may also have almond-shaped eyes set close on the face and slanted.
Additionally, they sport a wedge-shaped head that is very similar to the angles and shape of a kite. Its head is also noticeably large.
Pitbull wolf mixes come in a variety of colors of black, white, brindle, fawn, champagne, and tan, among others. These are very similar to the Pitbull set of colors.
And while wolves have full masks, these Pitbull wolf mixes may or may not display a facial mask.
Size-wise, a Pitbull wolf mix can measure 25 to 30 pounds in weight and 60 to 120 inches in height.
The numbers, however, vary from one dog to another because of a lot of factors, including the dog’s diet, environment, and overall health.
Also, as mentioned previously, it can be challenging to predict how a Pitbull wolf mix can grow, especially during its puppy years since this is a hybrid dog. Its potential overall growth highly depends on its parents’ size.
If you want to know how large your Pitbull wolf mix can get, you can try examining the parents’ size.
Pitbull Wolf Mix Temperament and Behavior
While it is true that you can tame wolf dog hybrids such as the Pitbull wolf mix, this is far from easy.
As of the present, it is very hard to tell whether or not these mixes can be domesticated as they present a lot of inconsistencies in their overall behavior.
Owning an American Pit Bull Terrier would mean having a family companion who constantly follows you wherever you go. They are cuddly and very friendly once properly trained and socialized.
However, mixing an American Pit Bull Terrier with a wolf would result in a completely different temperament and behavior, as wolves have a completely different temperament.
Generally, wolves are not easy-going pets, and they tend to be quite aggressive.
They are pack animals with a natural instinct to guard their food and territory. These traits are useful in the wild but highly undesirable at home.
Most often than not, wolf dog hybrids such as the Pitbull wolf mix differ greatly from one to the next. While some grow up to be lovely pets, there are others that are extremely difficult to handle in a home setting.
Pitbull wolf mixes and similar dogs with wolf hybrids are often unpredictable and mentally conflicted. This is because dogs and wolves are psychologically and sociologically different.
That being said, owning a Pitbull wolf mix would require extensive experience in caring for animals, as they can be a challenging addition to the family.
Pitbull Wolf Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Pitbull wolf mix is a healthy dog that lives a relatively long life with a lifespan of between 13 and 16 years.
In comparison, the lifespan of a purebred Pitbull is only 8 to 16 years, while a wolf lives for 8 to 15 years.
Contrary to public belief, they are also prone to diseases, just like regular domesticated dogs. Here are some of the common health problems of the Pitbull wolf mix:
- Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease that is commonly seen in dogs and wolves. This disease develops in dogs after being bitten by an infected brown dog tick. Early symptoms of the disease include fever, swollen lymph nodes, respiratory distress, spontaneous hemorrhage, and weight loss.
- Hip Dysplasia: While it is rare, Pitbull wolf mixes can get hip dysplasia. This disease causes a canine’s hip to be partially or fully dislocated because of the hip ball slipping out of the hip socket. This results in difficulty moving their legs.
- Heartworm: Heartworm disease is common among dogs and wolves; thus, your Pitbull wolf mix is at risk of this severe and potentially fatal disease. This disease causes lasting damage to several organs of your dog, including its heart, lungs, and arteries. Annual testing is necessary to prevent this health problem.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the early signs of these health issues to avoid serious problems later on.
Keep in mind that not all local vets are willing and able to work with your wolf dog hybrid, so be sure to find one that is also knowledgeable.
Places to Find Pitbull Wolf Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
While owning a Pitbull wolf mix is not encouraged, this animal is undeniably interesting, and it’s understandable if you’re curious and would consider getting one.
However, there are only a few registered and reputable breeders dedicated to raising and selling this hybrid. That being said, it might be challenging for you to find a Pitbull wolf mix.
It is also the reason why they are a bit more expensive than the cost of their purebred Pitbull parent.
If you are looking for registered and reputable breeders, below are some of the places to begin your search.
Here are some Pitbull wolf mix breeders where you might get your pup from:
- Frazier Farm Exotics – This breeder is Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) licensed and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) federally-licensed facility. They offer wolf dog hybrids such as a Pitbull wolf mix, 75% mid-content wolf dogs, and 95% high-content wolf dogs.
- Heavenly Hybrid – This Southeastern Kentucky-based breeder specializes in raising low, mid, and upper mid-content wolf dogs. While this breeder mainly uses German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Siberian Husky in breeding with gray wolves, there are other breeds that have also been used, such as an American Pit Bull Terrier. Chances are, you might get the Pitbull wolf mix that you are looking for from this breeder.
- Star Mountain Wolfdogs – Located in Irvine, Kentucky, Star Mountain Wolfdogs is a small family-owned breeder specializing in producing quality wolf dog hybrids. They have low and mid-content wolf dogs available. While they do not have a Pitbull wolf mix right now, you might want to contact them so you could be aware of their future litter.
If you still couldn’t score a Pitbull wolf mix from the breeders above, adoption may also be an option for you.
However, do note that adopting these wolf dog hybrids would mean going through intensive screenings to see if it is suited for you.
Here are some sources where you can find Pitbull wolf mixes for adoption:
- Texas Wolfdog Project – Formed by a group of experienced wolf and dog rescuers, Texas Wolfdog Project started rescuing and rehabilitating wolf dog hybrids in 2013. You may check their website and schedule a visit to their shelter for a chance to stumble upon a Pitbull wolf mix up for adoption.
- Shy Wolf Sanctuary – Shy Wolf is a sanctuary for abandoned, neglected, and abused captive-bred exotic and wild animals such as cougars, wolves, wolf dog hybrids, and other similar exotic species of fox. While they provide these animals with a permanent home, they also adopt out animals screened as pet-quality. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to own a Pitbull wolf mix rescue from this facility.
- Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary – This non-profit organization is dedicated to rescuing abandoned and abused wolf dog hybrids. They also worked with several animal control agencies to help these animals, especially those that are in need of immediate veterinary care. While they have wolf dogs that are up for adoption, a Pitbull wolf mix is rare. You may check their website to see if there are any.
If the above sources did not work out for you, you could check social media groups for any Pitbull wolf mix for adoption.
Nevertheless, while adopting is a good act, one must still be cautious as these animals are wolf hybrids, not regular dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pitbulls Stronger Than Wolves?
While Pitbulls are undeniably strong, they are nothing compared to wolves. Wolves have three times the biting strength of Pitbulls. They also have more remarkable agility compared to Pitbulls.
Are Pitbull Wolf Mixes Aggressive?
According to experts, Pitbull wolf mixes and other wolf dog hybrids are shy in nature but have aggressive tendencies.
These aggressive tendencies are usually fear-induced, and as with any wolf hybrids, they can be unpredictable and hard to control.
This is because these mixes carry the characteristics and temperament of a wolf, an undomesticated and unpredictable animal.
Are Pitbull Wolf Mixes Dangerous?
Pitbull wolf mixes are as dangerous as any other wolf dog hybrids. Thus, experts do not recommend getting them as house pets.
There were already a lot of cases reported regarding wolf dog hybrid attacks, which have been increasing in recent years along with the rise of the number of irresponsible people getting these wolf dogs as pets.
Final Thoughts
It is highly recommended for private individuals not to keep Pitbull wolf mix, especially with the intention of keeping them as house pets.
As tempted as you might be to get a Pitbull wolf mix, the safety of your family and the people around should be your main priority. It is best not to keep one while these hybrids are not yet considered generally safe to own.
However, should you decide to get one, it’s best to communicate with authorities and abide by their protocols, as this is imposed to help you lessen your problems later on.
Let us know in the comments below what you think about owning Pitbull wolf mixes!
