So I got a dog . . .

[Gio]

Well, life's had some pretty significant changes lately, and low and behold, a dog comes into my life. I had been contemplating adding a companion animal to my zoo for a while now, the snakes have been downsized since I moved last year, and I stay fairly focused on Reticulated Pythons now, but nevertheless, I did not know what kind of pooch to add. . .

Earlier this week, a post went out on a local exotics board, looking for a new owner for a hybrid pup. It was listed as 75% Timber Wolf, 25% German Shepherd. I was slightly hesitant for many many obvious reasons (validity of its origin, nature of the beast, behavior, illnesses, etc etc), but after talking with the owner who needed to find it good home, and countless hours pouring through articles, papers, and owner reports to know what I'm getting into. I took the plunge and adopted her! So without any more hesitation, here's my new house companion Diamond;





She was born August 24th, 2014, and as of last night weighs 55lb!! She is in perfect health, and is scheduled for a routine Spay next month!

Cheers,

Good for you!

I have worked with dogs since 1999, and have owed Presa Canarios and pit bulls since 2000 and 2001. I have been involved with protection dog training and trailing since that time and have a good bit of experience with working dogs in general.

One really nice thing about your hybrid will be the fact that the typical hip dysplasia seen in show bred GSD's will be negated or should be, by having the TW blood involved. Look up the Saarloos wolfhound and you will see the reasoning behind what that particular breeder was attempting to do. Most hip issues are brought on by human manipulation for certain appearance traits. Being a "working dog" enthusiast, I prefer function first.

Good call on getting a female with the makeup that you have going there. I'd say for a personal companion you'll be well setup though you may see some fairly aloof behavior having the TW mixed in.

I always recommend training and early socialization, but your dog doesn't have to be everybody's best friend. Just being yours, and your family's friend/companion is what is important. Keep with the leash laws, and crate your animal when you have company if you are concerned about any issues when it's an adult. Keep the dog very social in the early years though.

Congrats and enjoy!

Here's my wife handling our latest presa.