The breed
There are several wolfdog breeds around.
The best known are:
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog from Czechoslovakia
- Saarloos wolfhond from Holland (Nederlands)
- Lupo italiano an italian wolfdog
Some breeds have been ‘created’ to look like wolfs, without having actually been interbreeding with a wolf like:
- Tamaskan
and others such as: Kunming Wolfdog, Northern Inuit Dog, Lukanish wolfdog, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Sulimov Dog, Coydog and so on.
Search on Wikipedia to get more information.
The Irish Wolfhound is not at all related to a wolf, except for (one of) their original purposes:
To hunt down wolfs.
They don’t look like wolfs, they don’t act like wolfs because they have NO RELATIONS with wolfs what so ever. (But it’s a wonderful dog though.)
Special features in the Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog originates from a German shepherd and a wolf.
(Read more on wikipedia.org).
This means that the dog still has a lot of abilities from the wolf.
Here are some of the things that you can expert from of wolfdog and that differs it form other dogs:
- Late maturity. (Matures at the age of 2-3 years of age instead of 1 year)
- Alone-problems. (Because of its need for the pack, the CsW hates to be alone. So a big outdoor run or old furniture must be considered important).
- Guard dog. The CsW guards its leader, not the house. And as the dog is very kind it won’t be the best dog to scare thieves away.
- Barking. (The CsW can bark, but uses it as a secondary way to express itself. Different ways of howling is used for expression also some growling sounds are used widely. )
- Growling. (Some of the growling sounds may sound dangerous and alarming, but may not be at all.)
- Wolfdogs and children. A lot of wolfdog owners have a wolfdog and children. My suggestion is that the children should be born before the wolfdog is brought to the house. That way the dog won’t have to adjust to new members of the pack. (And wolfdogs does NOT consider children as preys, but do teach your children to behave respectfully around dogs. ANY dog.)
- Digging. A wolfdog loves digging holes. The purpose is to dig a den for cooling and resting. Your garden is a wonderful place to dig dens. Now you’re warned.
- Biting. The wolfdog uses its teeth a lot when it plays. That’s the wolfdog style. Playing wolfdogs are very noisy and rough. It means that if your wolfdog plays with other kinds of dogs, it has to adjust or the other dog must be a little tough. Almost all dogs are capable of uttering their dissatisfaction if the play gets too rough. BUT when the wolfdog plays with YOU it may also use its teeth. It’s not a bite of aggression, but a bite of playfulness.
(Biting in play is a lesson in how to teach their future puppies. The mother uses restrictive biting on the pups a lot. Not hard, but to adjust their behaviour so they won’t run away or get hurt.) - Hot and cold. The wolfdog hardly ever freezes. It won’t need carpets or soft pillows to lie on. It may suffer from the summer heat, but almost never from the winter cold. Wolfdogs love snow, rain and frozen dirt.
- Body language. The wolfdog’s body language is very close to the wolf’s. It clear and very significant. Learn about wolves and you’ll learn about the wolfdog, too. To the wolfdog it’s also easier to ‘read’ other dogs with long tails and pointed ears than dogs with hanging ears and docked tails. (Forbidden in DK.)
Czechoslovakian wolfdogs playing (Pandora, Xtreme and Uno). I swear, they ARE friends.
The senses
The senses of the wolfdog are intensified. You must understand that this will be a distraction for your dog the rest of its life. There are so many things is has to keep track of. Sounds, smells and sights. And basically this is why the dog is no ‘beginner’s dog’. You can’t fight its nature.
- The eyes. The wolfdogs see better than other dogs in daylight and at night. (The wolfs eyes are constructed to be able to hunt in the dawn. Therefore the back of the eye has better light absorbs ion than a dogs eye. It is also considered that the light yellow eye of the wolf helps this light absorbs ion. The CsW inherited a part of this ability.)
- The ears. The wolfdogs hear better than other dog breeds. Again it inherited this ability from the wolf. This means that your wolfdog is constantly aware of its surroundings and hears everything that goes on.
- The nose. Again the wolfdog is a fantastic tracker dog because of its magnificent nose. An important part of the wolfdog’s activity schedule is to sniff its surrounding areas. It’s also sniffing that makes the wolfdog tired – more than just running around.
Czechoslovakian maybe-not-so-All Round-dog
I was asked whether a Czech is a good dog for Tracking, Exhibition or Security/obedience Competitions.
I would say: All of them in one dog and some times, none of them.
Of course there will be certain dogs that doesn’t fulfil the requirements of a perfect champion, but why not give it a try?
The Czech is good at doing tracks but not so great in obedience. You are not limited to one kind of training with this dog, but you might only have 50 % of succes with any of these training varieties.
Writing this, Pandora is 2 1/2 years old. I have revised my opinion about how do-able she is in different tarining situation. Her obedience is stalling but her agility trainung is gettting better.
Read my blog input: When your life change …
This can kill your dog!
Don’t ever feed your wolfdog (or any other dog) with:
- onions
- grapes (Pandora can eat grapes and raisins, but some dogs are allergic to these)
- raisins
- nuts
- chocolate
- horse poo.
It’s poison for your dog. And for your cat, too.
Letty from Kennel van Goverwelle told as we picked up Pandora:
Don’t ever let you dog eat horse poo. As horses gets treatments against worms, the medical leftovers in the faeces can kill your dog!
And some wolfdogs are great fans of anyones poo!
The DANGER in dogs
This is the list of the most dangerous dogs from CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US)):
- 1. Pit Bulls
- 2. Rottweilers
- 3. German Shepherds
- 4. Huskies
- 5. Alaskan Malamutes
- 6. Doberman Pinschers
- 7. Chow Chows
- 8. Great Dane
From here the list varies a little:
- 9. Boxer/St. Bernards
- 10. Akitas (and other molosser like Canario, Caine Corso, Bulmastiffs)
The danger in the Czechoslovakian wolfdog
According to the ‘list of dangerous dogs there’s no mentioning of the Czechoslovakian wolfdog anywhere.
Just because a dog looks like a wolf, it doesn’t make it dangerous. Just as a wild wolf isn’t dangerous to – but afraid of – humans.
Any animal frightened or confused may be dangerous, and so may any human – forced to attack in fear.
A dog treated with respect of its genetic background, will be a good dog. A dog mistreated, mislead and with no real (trustworthy) leader will attack.
Therefore a lot of the very small dogs bites. Like Chihuahua, Pekingese etc. but they are not considered dangerous because of their size.
Few of them are well raised as it is considerable more difficult to raise a small dog than a big one!
Reason:
It’s easier just to move or push the small dog away instead of teaching it the basic rules. This is the basis for SMALL problems.
If you raise a big dog that way (Pitbull or likewise), you’ll get MAJOR problems.
It hurts a lot more to be bitten by a Great Dane then by a Chihuahua. This doesn’t mean that the Chihuahua is a better dog.
A small knife is still a knife.
-
- One dangerous wolfdog
This page will grow.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 
HI,
My name is James and I live in the UK. I have ben looking in the wolfdog breeds for awhile now and really would like to own a Czech wolfdog! I have read as much information as i can on the internet and really enjoy your site!
I plan to visit a breeder who lives near to me to meet some CWD in person. However not all my questions have ben answered as I tend to hear conflicting advice on these dogs.
How obedient are CWDs with regards to recall and I have heard that they tend to suffer from separation anxiety.. is this true?- I will be able to take the dog to work with me most days but it would need to be left for 4-5 hours from time to time – is this OK?
Also our current dog (a Dalmatian) is totally food obsessed, how is the with Czech wolfdogs?
Keep up the great posts on your site
Many thanks
James
Hi James
Nice to hear from you.
I’ll do my best to answer your questions.
Obedient
CsW is a hard worker. They really love to learn stuff because they are very intelligent.
But you will not get a ‘slave’ .
I have had German Shepherds, and I love the breed, but they are perfect ‘slaves’.
They will follow you full of admiration, watch you as you walk like you are some divine creature
Example:
I watched an obedience contest a while ago. I saw dogs glued to their owner’s leg as the turned, walked and stopped. It look very perfect. My dog would never do that. Her temper is not like that. She will follow me, happy and joyfully but she will also look in many other directions, observing her surroundings. I don’t think it’s possible to take that away from her.
CsW has it’s own free will and it will obey you but not at any price.
Imagine that there is 35 % cat in your dog.
Recall
Let’s face it. This is a hard one.
Pandora is almost 11 months old and she cannot make a recall yet.
If we have toys or are very interesting we can make her come.
It’s not like she runs away. She can stay 10 feet away and stare at us but she doesn’t come the last few feet.
She will learn eventually, no doubt about it, but here the ‘basic rule’ really is in play:
You have to be very interesting to maintain you Wolfdog’s attention.
Separation anxiety
Well, you HAVE TO teach your dog to be alone from the very beginning.
Pandora can be left alone if we leave at the same time every morning (from monday to friday).
If we leave her Sunday afternoon at another hour, she rips the house apart.
She can be alone for 2-4 hours.
If you are patient, I guess you could teach your CsW to be alone for 5 hours, if you do it one step at a time.
My friends male CsW cannot be left alone at all.
So an early start is very important.
Pandora stays in the house but if you have the opportunity to let your dog stay outside it should be no problem, but CsW are very good jumpers and diggers so a very tall (a leats 6 feet/1.8 meter) fence dug into the ground is also needed for the outdoor dog.
I must say that if you have a dog already it’s very good for you Wolfdog. They need socialisation, and company might help a lot on the ‘alone at home’ issue.
Food obsessed
Pandora is not food obsessed.
Therefore it’s sometimes difficult to treat her with goodies as she isn’t interested. My goodies have to be extremely delicious to catch her interest. She prefers a tugger and toys.
My friend (the above mentioned) has a CsW which is very interested in food. He can only train defence work if he uses food as his dog is not interested in tuggers or toys.
I guess it’s very different from individual to individual.
Good to know:
My dog loves to go with us in the car.
We have travelled by train, no problem.
She never feels cold
She never complains if she is in pain
She is very kind to other dogs, but she is a little rough when she plays.
She doesn’t bark. She can, but she doesn’t use it.
Her body language and sounds is a lot closer to a wolfs than to a dog.
I wouldn’t get a child if I already had a Wolfdog.
But the other way around would probably not cause problems.
A Wolfdog needs to exercise the brain, the nose and the body. At least 2 hours a day.
(Playing with another dog is a very helpful thing here.)
It is said that the wolfdogs are very different from each other, even within the same litter.
My best advice is:
Love and respect your dog, be a worthy and kind leader and read a lot about wolfs.
And you must – in your heart – want a strong willed and nature loving dog, not just a dog that looks like a wolf.
I hope this was helpful.
I could of course talk about my dog for hours, but you are very welcome to write again.
Kind regards, from Kim (and Pandora)
Hi I really liked your article, and I have been researching wolf dogs for a while now but I can’t seem to find what they eat. Please could you help?
Hallo Louis
Wolfdogs eat the same as other dogs. My Pandora is feed with BARF (Bones and raw food), but I know of several wolfdog owners who feed their dogs with conventionel food. So no special diet is needed.
Kind regards,
Kim
Thanks for the information. I have lived with dogs all my life so I feel confident as an owner. As a dog lover you have a bond with you dog and am I right in assuming that there is a particular ‘connection’ with a CWD as this is my main motivation for getting one. I am not interested in owning a ‘wolf’ i want my dog to be a dog!
It seems that you must treat CWDs as you would any active large dog breed?
You’ve got it right James.
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog is much like the sled dogs. A will of its own.
I, too have live with dogs my whole life and that’s definitely the best experience.
All my dogs have been companions, not just a thing I owned.
Good luck with you future wolfdog if you choose one.
And tell me all about it 🙂
Best regards, Kim
HI, My names is jon and i have a question about this breed. I am planning to get one next week actually, i have read everything about CDW’s and saarloos wolfdogs. and i would like to know how are they with other dogs in the family, i have a PUG he is a small animal but very energetic and lazy at times. Previously i have owned a Doberman,Boxer and a Husky…i loved them all…But the pug has a special place in my heart. to be quite honest i know people say that they don’t want these breed because of its wolf looks…well i’m gonna tell the truth. I do want it because of it’s appearance and character…I’m not looking for a cuddle dog, i already have one…I’m looking for a companion. I have a large back yard…i mean it’s huge:) … also i want to know everything there is about training, and its howl… do you have to teach it to howl or does it come naturally??…if you could write your heart out about these questions it would superb. Oh and i’m gonna join james and say that this site is very helpful, keep up the good work and give my regards to Pandora, Xtreme and Uno
Hi,
my name is Brage. I’ve also read a lot of CsW, Sarloos and wolves, and the CsW gets my thoughts more and more. I’ grew up with dogs in my family and neighbourhood, and have taken care of theese a lot through my childhood.
My problem is the law in Norway. It is corrupted with the department of justice, and this makes it hard to get a CsW since it’s banned from our contry. (Maybe you knew it).
I’m not going to get a CsW already since the air force is just around the bend of the early start of my career, but in 5 years or so I’m planning to get me a outdoor/everyday companion.
– Are there any place in Denmark (atm) or Scandinavia that breeds CsW’s?
– Could you try to tell how the disposition and training process of a wolfdog is beeing done? I’m thinking how to get the negative wolf sides of the.. wolf.. attenuated, along with the common commands.
– How does the “stay”-command work on Pandora? (My uncle had a Border Collie that could stare at the piece of liver pate two inches from its nose for 2 hours.)
Thank you for a great site and “diary” of Pandora!
Brage
Hi Brage
Nice to hear from you.
Yes, I do know that the CsW is forbidden in Norway, so exactly how you’re gonna have one there, I don’t know.
There’s no breeders in Denmark, few in Sweden, but some in Finland.
I’ve heard that some of the breeders in Finland are very good, so when it becomes reality for you to get you companion, just ask around, or come back to me or another Wolfdog owner.
It’s a little difficult to tell you about the training in a few words.
Check this blog and use the tag cloud word: training and you can read things I’ve written along the way, but here are some clues:
The CsW is bright and intelligent. This means that it understands what you say and the more mature the dog gets, the more likely it is that it will listen to your commands.
You cannot force a Wolfdog to do things 20 times as you can with the Border Collie (The Border Collie is a work-a-holic).
You can make it do it 3 times, and I do mean 3 times. If it does things right, don’t make it go on.
It gets bored and starts to run off or loose concentration.
Then you get angry, the dog gets frustrated and the training is wasted.
Pandora is 1 1/2 year now.
She does not obey my every word, but she is beginning to obey commands.
Sit, stay, lie down and stand are no longer a problem. The recall is still a problem, which I expect it to be for at least another year.
She has done agility, sheep herding, swimming, obedience training and much more. The CsW is almost fearless but highly observant to the nature around it.
My biggest challenge is to compete with nature and other dogs. So far I have lost every battle.
So the key word for the CsW owner is to be a competent and an interesting leader.
A CsW needs:
Stimulation of the brain (challenging games, figuring something out, agility i.e.)
Stimulation of the nose (tracking, sniffing, finding stuff)
Exercise (running and physical work)
The Wolfdog is extremely agile and has great endurance. But it’s said that it will not run for fun, only for a reason.
It might sound a little weird, but exercise is not priority one.
Challenging its intelligence is actually more important.
If you can twist your training into all the needs of the dog, you’ll come along fine.
Jee, I could write forever about this great dog, but when it’s time, travel around and meet them.
CsW owners are often geeks or nerds, and every one I know has done a lot of research before they got this dog.
Not only because they had to, but because they wanted to.
NB. About the liver pate: don’t expect to get a slave, when you get a Wolfdog. It will steal the pate sooner or later 🙂 (If I liked liver, hell, I would!)
Best regards from Kim and Pandora
Hi again,
Just wanted to let yu know that if all goes well with the mating I should be the proud new owner of a czech in Feb/March!
I will getting a male dog and cannot wait! One slight problem is that my wife is also getting a relatively rare breed of dog – a Nova scocia duckToller retreiver and it just so happens that a litter will be due around the same time. So we will have two puppys of a similar age. However she is looking to get a bitch which should hopefully make things easier.
Brage– the is no ‘attenuating’ the wolf side as Czech are several generations removed from the wolf and are a breed in there own right. Its a matter of being a firm ‘pack leader’ and understanding dog/wolf body language moreso than you average dog owner.
I have gone to meet some of these dogs and there is one who lives in the same village as me! From what I understand these dogs are very trainable as long as the see the point of what you want them to do! They are closely related to GSD so have some of these traits. They are not like collies or Labs but are very intelligent. I paln to spend alot of time training mine but not to do ‘tricks’ as I think this is pointless (and a czech probably would too) but I would like a dog with excellent recall, stay commands and with walk well to heel on the leash. I am also planning on taking part in cani-cross!
More updates on this site please!!!
Hi James
How exciting with the new ones!
I’m sure these guys will be friends for life.
The Toller is quite common in Denmark. Our Primeminister has one. Great dog.
Just remember to train them differently.
Where the Toller might be soft the wolfdog may be tough and vise versa.
It’s very hard to raise two dogs if you’re only one person, but I think that, for a couple, the joy of having each a dog must be huge.
They will not learn at the same rate, so don’t get disappointed if the intelligent wolfdog seems ‘dumber’.
I talk for myself, too, as I have been almost weeping when Pandora acted like a complete idiot compared to the other dogs at the traing field.
And then I kick myself and remind myself, what a great dog I have, she just needs more time to mature.
On the other hand she is very brave, doesn’t mind fireworks, shootings or weird sounds. She loves climbing very high and playing in the water. The Toller might be a little more sensitive there.
Don’t compare them but enjoy them.
A comment on the wolfpart. I have had German Shepherds most of my life but often I see Pandora more as a wolf then as a Shephed.
The reason is her extremely well defined body language and her unwillingness to be a slave.
And tricks: Well Pandora and I do a few tricks like: which hand do you want (hinding a goodie) or walking through my legs in an 8-form. The reason I do that, is to occupy her when we wait in line at the training center, at exhibitions or anywhere else. She gets sooo bored, so why not spend time having some fun.
But I know what you mean.
Please send pictures as soon as you get your puppies. And I can understand why you cannot wait 🙂
Best reards, from Kim
Hello,
My name is Rose, and I have been reading your site, and I just love it.
Very very informing. I just had a question. So I have a Czech Wolfdog
also, and I was just wondering how long did it take you to potty train Pandora?
Also is it true that on cold wet days, that they go to the bathroom a lot more?(Because down here in Oregon USA, it’s usually cold.)
I was wondering because somebody has been telling me different information, but I ended up doing the research and asking questions, haha.
Thanks,
Rose.
Btw beautiful wolf dog.(:
Hi Rose
Nice to hear from you. And thanks for your kind words.
Well, the potty training made me think.
the biggest problem was that as Pandora doesn’t bark, she didn’t tell the she needed to go out.
She early learned to go outside to pee and stuff, but I recall that we had a lot of accidents until she was about nine month old.
She simply forgot that she had to go out, especially if she was playing or just woke up from her sleep.
About the cold. I must confess that I have never heard about it, but your reflection made me think.
When we do our walks these days, it is now pretty cold, winter is coming up, she does pee a lot. I just cannot figure out whether it is the cold or her beginning dominance setting in. If we as humans stay out in the cold a lot, we might have the same tendencies, but the wolfdog doesn’t get cold, so I can only guess.
Sorry I can’t be more specific, but I observe Pandora’s habits from now on.
How old is your wolfdog? Do you have a picture? I am curious, because we only have very few here in Denmark.
Best regards, Kim and Pandora.
And kisses to you furry friend.
Hello,
And thanks for the response!
And okay I get it now, so I guess it’s all up to my wolfdog and his learning ability. Also my wolf dog is about 7 months now. And yes I have a picture but how do I send it to you? Maybe through email? He’s very big for 7 months, and he weighs around estimating 30-40 pounds. Maybe because he’s a male and not a female. And he’s also very active and playful & DOES bite and make growling noises when he plays. It’s very funny. But what’s funnier is when he sees other dogs and he makes himself poofy. His whole back goes up and his tail becomes poofy from the top. I can’t help it but laugh when we go out. But other than that he’s a very smart guy. Hopefully I’ll get some videos up of him at the dog park up om YouTube whenever it gets sunny here in Portland. And I have to agree, it has been getting pretty chilly, but he’s lucky he has all that fur.
Best wishes, Regards,
Rose & Ricu
Hi Rose and Ricu
You can just send pictures to: pandora.wolfdog@gmail.com
It would be great to have pictures of friends out there.
About the poofy boy 🙂
One thing I truly admire about the CsW’s are their fantastic bodylanguage. No other dogs are that obvious.
Pandora also goes poofy if there’s a peticular dangerouds stone or a foreign tree in the park. Very funny. I can never predict what scares her and what not.
But let me hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Kim and Pandora
This is my first time visiting your site and I’ve found it fascinating..I’ve had dogs my whole life, big ones, small ones and never just one at a time so I really get the “pack” mentality and needs that you talk about when mentioning what Pandora does and her character, nature and progress through age as she grows out of her teenage stage. Someone local to me has a Csw and we have spoken quite a bit about his habits and character when ever we meet..he’s a very chilled out boy that doesn’t even notice other people when he’s on outings with his human in the back of the truck..until they get too close to the truck when it’s parked to get a better look at him (or pet him..which I’d never advise with any dog that you’ve not been formally introduced to, it’s rude, to the dog as well as the owner) and he just turns his gaze to them and stares at them until they leave ( which is normally 5 seconds..he’s very good at saying a lot with a look) is Pandora the same?
Also, the comment made by Rose, a long time ago made me laugh, because my dogs have always peed more in the snow or just after it’s rained a lot too (like every 20 paces)..I have never put this down to dominance though or even marking territory though as my dogs share the trails we walk with other dogs to and often we meet with those dogs and go on as one big pack as the dogs and humans catch up and chat on our ways wherever..but..have you ever noticed how snow actually smells, a crisp earthy metallic smell..well it masks or softens other smells quite well (at least for humans, and some foxes that I’ve seen hunting mice in the snow in winter just by sound, because they can no longer smell them, even though normally their sense of smell is amazing). I imagine it’s the same for dogs and considering scent marking and leaving a “bread crumb” trail of who you are, where you are going, and what you had for breakfast etc is so much more important for canines who talk to each other through scent as well as body language, I imagine that that’s why Pandora and Rose’s Wolf dog also pee more in the snow just like my own dogs. It is a blank canvas so to speak, on which they can leave messages for their friends and also back track where they’ve been and how long ago they were there…very important stuff for dogs and especially ones with super sensitive noses like your wolf dog 🙂 Perhaps do an experiment this winter with one of her favourite toys or an awesome smelly bone..and either bury it in the snow, or leave it out when it’s just started to snow so there is no disturbance in the powder with your scent giving it away, and see how long it take for her to find it to test this theory out (if the snow really does mask smells and leave them with a blank canvas for scent marking). Also is a fun scent training exercise to do with her that she may get a kick out of 🙂
Warmest regards, Talie and co. to you and the lovely Pandora.
Hi Talie
Thanks for sharing.
I think wolves travelling in packs need to show their territory while our domesticated dogs sort of share information. We usually says that Pandora is reading the local news, well aware she does not own the streets and nearby areas. So I guess your right. The pee everywhere to show what happened and what not.
Or they claim their territory in turns, who knows?
But now we look forward to winter and snow. Wishing us a white Christmas 😉
Kind regards,
Kim and Pandora
Do you know where you can get a CsW in the U.S.? Im in California in a town several hours from the Oregon border.
Dear John
No, I’m sorry. I live in Denmark and have no usable knowledge of breeders in the US. I recommend that you join several Facebook-groups and get in touch with other Wolfdog owners and ask for their opinions. It can be very helpful, also for avoiding mistakes.
Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Kind regards, Kim
I didnt think there were czechs in the states?!
Hello, ,
And thank you. I’ve sent like 5 to you.
Also about the body language, I have to agree
with you. They’re very unique. I’ve never seen such a thing, but it’s funny. Haha. (:
Oh Pandora does the same? That’s so cool.
The only problem is that Ricu does not like other dogs at all! He will barely accept a Husky/Malmute etc. But he was like that before the incident of getting attack by two pit bulls. ): It’ was a horrible night, and he got real injured. But I thank god that he didn’t die. (:
Anyways, thank you for giving me the email!(:
Best wishes & Luck,
Rose & Ricu
I recently adopted a dog that I was told was half German Shepard and half wolf. It has a very thick coat; my vet thinks the dog is a Husky mix.
Could I e-mail you her picture to get your opinion if she might be German Shepard and wolf as I was told by the previous owner? She has a lot of white, and some tri-color spots, similar to Pandora!
Thanks! Let me know your email address so I can send you some pics of her!!!
Hello Craig
Often people ask if Pandora is a husky mix but if really compare the two breeds they are very far from each other.
Where in the world do you live?
Of course you can e-mail your picture. I’d be delighted to see your mysterious dog 🙂
E-mail me at: pandora.wolfdog@gmail.com
Looking forward to them.
Best regards,
Kim
hi there
fantastic site – we have an innuit x czech wolf dog , she is so like pandora – but younger 14months so still chewing no recall etc but its nice to see whats coming – how do you do agility with limited recall . we also have a terrier that hates her – she was rough with him when younger and he never forgave her – all good fun . keep posting let me know about the agility.
lisa
Hi Lisa
Patience, my friend, patience.
Pandora turns 2 years now and only lately has she begun to come every second time I call her.
We just started to agility again, and the trainer said: Wow she has matured so much.
And she has. (I’ll write about it soon at the blog).
She doesn’t necessarily chew in things, but it may accidentally happen. I think I have to wait another year to expect her being stable.
Maybe your terrier will forgive her in time, but he’ll have to learn to trust her, and I guess right now she isn’t very trustworthy.
Sometimes it’s only a matter of settling who’s is ranked where in the pack.
Good luck with her, and don’t give up. Eventually she’ll be great.
Best regards, Kim
Hi there. I was just reading on your site and thought the info was very interesting. I really want a wolfdog but my g/f is afraid of the idea as they are so smart and so different from anything else. We don’t want to get one of these guys and ruin it because we don’t know what we are doing as this could end badly with someone being hurt when it tries to take over. . .haha. I was wondering if there was anything you would suggest for someone to practice or something to read up on to help in learning how to train such a wonderful pet. I want a dog that is a companion. I had one in a dalmation until he died about 6 months ago. He was fifteen and we had him since he was 9 weeks. He was my dog through and through. He followed me everywhere. So I want a companion again. Thanks!
Hello Tj
First, I’m sorry for your loss. It’s hard to loose a friend, even though they are old and their time has come.
About your questions. Well this is a tough one.
Most people I know who has a wolfdog are nerds. Really!
They have been studying the csw, have red about them, visited exhibitions, visited other wolfdog owners and so on. And then they learn wether this dog is for them or not.
Unfortunately there are not a lot of books about wolfdogs.
A very good site about wolfdogs are wolfdog.org and also wikipedia can supply you with information.
I would say that the wolfdog is just as stubborn as any husky, malamute or a sledge dog.
It is the most intelligent dog I’ve met.
She has torn our car apart, and several things in out home, and it’s not over. Probably never will be. Do you have room for the dog outdoor when it has to be alone?
Obedience is not top priority to Pandora, nature wins every time.
Do you want a slave or do you want a companion?
Do you usually get very kind and mild dogs?
Pandora is one of the most loving dogs I’ve met and I mean towards both humans and other dogs, but I’m pretty sure that it’s the way she was brought up, and not two people bring up their dogs alike.
Could you handle a ‘sharp’ dog, such as a Doberman, Rotweiler, Pitbul, Armstaf without beating or mistreat the dog in any way?
Do you have the patience of an angel?
Read my blog from day one. Read it together with your girlfriend.
I guess it tells about all the ups and downs we have had. Nothing has been sorted out or hidden.
You can also read about my fear in the beginning. I knew I could handle this breed but I got a little insecure anyway.
I cannot see which country you come from, but the FCI organisation of your country should have a contact person for the breed. (In Denmark it is called The Danish Kennel Club.) This person should be able to tell a lot of stuff and perhaps recommend a wolfdog owner you could visit over a period of time.
It’s difficult to give you the right advice. If you are more than just good at dogs, perhaps extraordinary good at dogs, well there’s no problem with a wolfdog.
Pandora has never been ‘sharp’ or dominant, but it doesn’t mean that other wolfdog will not be, but I haven’t met any. A good idea would be then, to get a girl instead of a boy.
I hope this has helped you a little. PLease write again if you have anymore questions. I know the choice is difficult. You must feel in your heart, that you do the right thing, ‘cos when you have the dog, you owe it all your love, and it is your responsibility.
Good luck with it,
best regards, Kim
Hi,
I have a pure bred GSD from overseas I am looking into purchasing a CSV. This purchase will not happen for a few years but I am doing my research now. I am finding it is very funny with recall with your CSV’s. My shepherd is the most stubborn animal I have ever met. He loves training but he has his own mind. I was told when I first bought that he was one of the most stubborn dogs they ever raised. He was raised as a pack animal, he does not like dogs that are fearful of him and he will dominate them. He gets along with dogs that stand up for themselves and mostly his size. He is on the smaller side for a shepherd and many people stop me and ask if he is pure bred or is he a shepherd. He looks like a typical GSD to me. But reading this and while doing my research ( there was a dog in the pictures with the shepherds that looked like a wolf or hybrid where I bought him from) He is a high prey animal and tracks like its nobodies business. is it possible he might not be a few generations off a hybrid. Is there any testing that can be done mtDNA strand would stick out? Not that I care but when I have spoken to other GSD owners, it seems as though some of these characteristics are not typical. When he pounces, or his behavior in snow and ice. He likes to pounce on the ice at my mother-in-laws house where there is fish. he smells them then pounces and scratches until he reaches the water then likes and whines. When it is spring u can not get him out of the water and follows the fish and dives in to get them. Yes, he has caught them as well and ate them. His mostly use his body language to get my attention as well as whining. He resorts to barking uncontrollably when I do not listen. He likes to pick out his own food. I mix kibble and raw meat and some bones. He will go to the refrigerator if does not like the meat and stick his head if I allow it and sit, look up at me then back to his bowl. when I do not give in with resignation he then eat what was given to him.
Hello Danielle
Sounds like a very smart GSD you have there.
Regarding the DNA. Hm, well I know that it is not possible to see which breeds a dog is a mix of if it’s a cross breed. But I’m not sure whether the wolf DNA is differing enough from dogs to been seen in a DNA test.
DO you have a pedigree on your German shepherd?
If not, you might be lucky that some real natural instincts are coming through, if you have a pedigree, well I can’t explain the behaviour as the German Shepherd is actually pretty far from the wolf. Originally they were cross bred between herding dogs and collies. And both these dog has to go far back to find wolfs in their breeding line.
But sometimes nature returns in animals as well as in humans, and shines through.
The fishing thing sounds like a dog in close relation with nature, which to me seems very healthy and good. That way you describe him using his paws sounds a lot like Pandora. She is very smart with her paws, and to me that’s a sign of intelligence as the paws are there for a reason. Pandora don’t fish as there are no fish in or stream or pond, but she always tries to bring up and exciting stone or an interesting branch or so. Then she grapples with until it is brought to the shore so she can make further investigations.
And the stubbornness sounds so like Pandora too. I don’t know if it is just me being really uninteresting and her being clever, but sometimes, well … you know what I mean.
If you cannot get a DNA test (read on the internet or contact a laboratory who does these kind of test) then you just have to enjoy your intelligent dog. Too few GSD are stubborn, they often act as slaves instead, so I think you have a healthy example.
I hope I helped you a little, or please do write again.
Kind regards, Kim
They’re showing re-runs of the Littlest Hobo here in Canada. A 80’s TV show about a wandering Dog that saves the day episode by episode, They used some Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs for the show, I’m going to Slovakia in a few months to look for mine, I’ll keep you posted should I find one. One question, since these dogs are more German Sheppard than Wolves though breeding wouldn’t they qualify as #3 on the list of most dangerous Dogs.
Hi Marty
Thanks for the note about the show.
Well about the dangerous dogs, I don’t know why the German shepherd is on that list. In Denmark the government excluded 11 dog breeds from the lit of legal dogs. German shepherd wasn’t one of them, and shouldn’t be as far as I’m concerned.
I know the old list, but I don’t think it’s relevant anymore as a lot of so called molosses are under observation.
So I can’t really help you on that one.
Kind regards, Kiim
Hi, my name is Konstantin and i am from Serbia. I already have 2 years old female German Shepherd. I trained her myself without any help. I always wanted more independent dog like wolf dog. I read a lot about them, my yard will be enough for their needs and not far from my house there is river, lake and forest, i think enough wildness for this kind of dog. I also know a lot about dog behaviour so i think i can handle one wolfdog. I want male dog but i dont have intetions to breed it with my GSD female. Between czechoslovakian wolfdog and Lupo Italioano which one is best for me ?
I expect that it can learn a little obediance, tracking and protection training. Not too much just basics, so which one will be best for me ?
Hello Konstantin
I don’t necessarily think you have to have had dog training to be a good wolfdog owner. It’s far more important that you understand wolf language and are willing to learn more.
You ask if the CsW is a better choice than Lupo Italiano.
I don’t know much about Lupo Italiano, because as far as I understand, only Italians can get at Lupo Italiano, and only if they have some very specific need for this breed. Police, military etc.
You can train obedience with the wolfdog but don’t expect to get at slave (I’ve written about that many times, and as Pandora is now more than 2 years old, I still mean that), protection training , well be careful as a good protection training actually take a well obedient trained dog (‘cos you should be able to control the dogs bite), but tracking is definitely a wolfdog favourite. Pandora loves tracking, and if it is possible for you to train tracking on a higher (concentrated) level, you can get a very good dog, perhaps even for professional use.
I am considering that with Pandora.
The nature around you sounds perfect.
Just be aware that a wolfdog cannot be alone in the house. I always say that, because that could be the main reason why people regret choosing this breed. So now you’re warned.
Good luck with your dog,
Kind regards,
Kim
NB! The wolfdog will takes a lot of your attention, so make sure that your GSD is well raised at the time you get the wolfdog.
My GSD is perfect dog now, nice trained… I never planed to my wolfdog lives in the house. I have a big yard for him, strong fence high enough and he cant digg under it. I dont want slave but some obediance is required for progress in tracking and protcetion. For me protection is important part, maybe most important, i also want to do agility but just for fun.
I read something about CsW and i know that for training that breed trainer need to have a lot of tricks for motivation and always change training so wolfdog never get bored, i understood that is key to train wolfdog.
Here in Serbia we can get evrything, Lupo Italiano is maybe dog only for Italians but in Serbia u can get evrything if you are ready to pay enough. So i dont have problems to get that dog even if he is only military dog.
I only need to know which one is better for me, i explained what i expect from dog so which breed better fits my expectations ?
Hello. I own a wolfdog too, he is now 8 months old..i decided to give some infos about mine.. You mentioned that your girl doesnt come on recall..Well until now that was not the case with our.. Excapt if his atttention is at other animals, people or people with dogs then it gets harder or he just ignores. But he is very obidient, but if he doesnt want to,he wont be.. Another problem with him is that he jumpes on people becouse he is happy to see them.. It also happened that he jumped on car before someone would step out. And also scratched door. Another thing is that he barks at unknown people..Like he was scared of them but he doesnt show that(tail between legs or so). And that barking goes away when he see its ok..He would also bark at me if i came in the dark so he wouldnt see it is me at first.. And also he doesnt trust me yet..It might be that sometimes i get a bit too rough with him becouse he pisses me off.. When did Pandora started to trust you? So she wouldnt run away in cases she gets scared of something and so.. Well however i think that he is a great dog, very kind and friendly and playful but you need more time for such breed then for avarage dog and also it needs a lot of exercise or walking.. Did you teach Pandora not to hunt? Can she be off leash? I mostly walk him off leash since he was small..But now people are afraid of him and if we go somewhere where more people are i should take him on leash. Also it is hard stopping him when he runs after some wild animal, but if timings are right i noticed i can stop him.. I mean with that if i stop him on command the moment he starts to run then i might succeed otherwise not really..but also if he runs away he get back pretty quick..
Hi Rush
Thanks for sharing your experience.
First:
Congratulation with the recall. Pandora came when called until she was about 6 month old, then she started to explore the world, and she hasn’t finished that yet.
Your boy might do that some day, or maybe not. They are of course individuals. But enjoy that you are in control.
Then you write that he doesn’t trust you.
I’m not sure what you mean, but don’t be rough with him.
The more you are rough with him, the more you’ll loose his confidence and in the end you’ll loose the recall!
In my book there is only 3 ways to get angry:
Bad (I don’t accept what you are doing):
Taper your mouth (like when you kiss you old aunt on the cheek)
Make your eyes BIG, staring widely at your dog, then turn your back at him.
He might react promptly because your body language is that of an angry wolf.
To forgive, smack your lips and yawn.
Angry (This is not tolerable):
If he snarls at you, the cat whatever:
Grab his cheeks and hold his eyes with yours until he smack his lips.
As soon a he does, let him go.
You are telling him his rank.
Very angry (you are way out of line budy):
You are really angry. Don’t use it often or the effect will wear of: (2-3 a year!)
You snarl and open your mouth over his snout.
Your teeth might touch his skin but you may NOT bite.
Snarl fort ten to twenty seconds and then let him go.
This is the mothers marking on the puppy and is therefore patronizing but unharmful.
Don’t ever hit your dog.
Don’t bite his ear.
Don’t try to dominate him if it isn’t needed.
Remember it’s all on you.
YOU have to be the great leader. And you don’t go there with fear but with respect.
YOU should always be the one your wolfdog would turn to, if he is afraid or insecure, therefore you have to gain his trust.
Hunting
Well Pandora likes to hunt. The hares, birds and other small animals, but I have taught her she cannot hunt the cats, so she doesn’t. I don’t encourage her to hunt, but I don’t dampen her either.
Jumping on people
Pandora also jumps on people because she is happy.
Ever since she was a puppy we have had (and still have) goodies laying next to the front door. Whenever people arrive we ask her to sit and feed her goodies to move the attention away from the guest.
She has also jumped on a car happy to see the driver. It’s all about being foreseen and get her in a leash before she can do any harm.
Lately she has begun to behave more quietly. We only have to hold her for a few seconds, then she relaxes and ignore the guest. She is soon 3 years old!
I have always thought it was far better that she liked other people than she was shy and afraid, so we take the jumping with a smile. A stiff smile, but still a smile 😉
Walking off leash
Well we don’t do that. Not usually. Pandora is far more interested in nature than in me, so she might run of very quick. but in the evening we take walks where nobody else goes, and she runs without leash all the time. Then she comes when we call and we head back to civilisation. If you can walk without leash, enjoy.
Does he like to walk with something in his mouth?
My old dog (German shepherd/labrador) loved to walk with stuff in her mouth. She always walked without a leash, so I gave her my purse when we were in the city, and people would look at her, pointing and say: What a sweet dog.
It was obvious that she couldn’t hurt anyone when her mouth was already full.
Pandora isn’t crazy having stuff in her mouth so we can’t use that trick on her.
Good luck with your wolfdog, they do fill ones life with lots of joyfulness.
Kind regards,
Kim
Hi.. No he doesnt like to wear things in mouth too much..He does it for few meters and thats it..wolfdog style:) But he loves to run after wood i throw him outside..But he doesnt bring it back, but i have already teached him to give it to me on command without being angry or so..or running away..I dont pull it either .. This bread really is smart and inteligent.. When we got him at 5.5 weeks i teached him to sit before giving food in 3 days..Soon i teached him to sit and wait until i say him to eat and point my finger to food..I can put his food on floor and walk away and without allowing he wouldnt steal food..He make a bigger circle around rather.. But he begun to snarl when i pet him while eating, but i believe it will go away, if needed i will take his food away for snarling for some time..It did work few times.. But he just started it a week or 2 ago..And he didnt snarl now for few days to..i always pet him around head when eating just to avoid agression later..but he did snarl yesterday for bone.. Have fun! I am at work right now:)
Hello!
I was just reading your post and would like to share you my experience with my CsW’s food agression. When we got him, he was 7,8 weeks of age and since he grew up next to his mother and some other 3 German Shepherds, he would be quite dominant over his food. Yes, even though he was just a little puppy! He would jump all over the place when he saw his food bowl and would eat his food very fast. However, with a lot of patience, I managed to teach him not to eat his food until I say so. I can even put meat on the floor and he will not eat it until I give him the command. Neat, heh? 🙂 I started presenting his food bowl and not giving it to him until he calmed down, relaxed and stopped jumping on me. I would then keep my hand on the bowl and slowly lifted it from time to time, so he began to eat more slowly. He also used to growl when I would give him delicious stuff such as meat, but he got over it very quickly, so my method seemed to work very well. My puppy is now 4 months old and has no food aggression whatsoever (not even when I give him meat!).
P.S. Never pet him when he growls or eats. I believe you should work with him until he’s aggression will go away and after that, leave him to eat in a calm corner of the house. I strongly think that dogs (just as humans) should be left alone while eating.
I wish you good luck and tons of patience with your awesome dog,
Cristina
Anyway we also have an american akita.. My dad has it.. They are totally different.. Akita isnt obeying and is acting like Mister 🙂 But czw is very obidient.. Also when walking.. I can easly get him walk heel without leash and with leash i dont even use command..just correct here and there but he walks heel automatically mostly.. Well he knows basic commands.. And together both dogs are great excapt that they escape when running together..almost always.. But if only one of them is free to run around it wont go anywhere.. Akita still might.. And akita is one year old now.. We will see what future will bring.. Hopefully nothing bad..:)
Hello, I read your site and I thought the info you had here was very helpful.
I’ve never owned a dog before, but I really want to get a HC wolfdog. I was told that I should start out with a sled dog type first, but I’m twisting the advice a little and what to get a CsW instead. Is this a good idea, as it will be my first dog?
Hi there.
Well the short answer is NO!
The CsW is under no circumstances a beginners dog.
I really fear that unless you are naturally skilled in wolf language and have the patience of not one angel, but a dozen angels, you’ll end up regretting that you chose a wolfdog and the wolfdog will end up miserable.
I cannot not in any way recommend this dog as you first. And I am honestly not thinking about you, but the dog. It would kill me to see a CsW biting or being messed up if the owner is a novice.
I’m sorry if I sound harsh, I would just do anything to keep this breeds reputation, but read my last entry from today, and you’ll see that even an old dog owner like me fell like giving up sometimes. And really, really consider whether this is what you want ‘cos this breed will eat you life, your freedom and it’ll make you stay at home forever. Did I paint it clearly enough?
If you are still not frightened, well read the blog and make you decision. May it be wise.
Kind regards,
Kim
Well, you did make me change my mind about getting a CsW as my first dog. ^^”
And I’m curious as to why you keep referring to a CsW as a wolfdog? Aren’t they far enough away from direct wolf blood that they are now considered pure dog?
Hi again
Well it is called a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and as that is an annoying long word, so I just refer to the CsW as a wolfdog.
The CsW is a pure breed, that’s true. It has been since 1985 when it was accepted by the FCI.
I’m glad I changed your mind, but you can change it right back again any time, and perhaps when you are going to have dog no. 2?
Then you know yourself as a dog owner and have the experience to base your choice upon. Good luck with whatever dog you choose.
Kind regards,
Kim
“And really, really consider whether this is what you want ‘cos this breed will eat you life, your freedom and it’ll make you stay at home forever. ” This was really funny, Kim! ;)) And true!
They need a lot of stuff to keep them busy and hate to be left alone for long. I cannot leave my 4 month old puppy alone for more than say, 3 hours. My neighbors said that he usually cries, but luckily, they are very understanding. However, I have noticed an improvement on this minor ‘separation anxiety’ (keep in mind that he is still a very young puppy). I believe the trick is to ALWAYS walk him before you go out, and scatter his toys all around the house so that he won’t get bored. Also, always leave the house calmly, never get him excited about going out. If I do these things, he generally goes to sleep after we leave the house and doesn;t make a mess inside the house.
Hi Christina
Thanks for your post, I let them all stay here on the net.
Congratulation with you little Majesty. And enjoy every time he comes back on your call. That might change, or you might be lucky 🙂
And being able to leave him if only for 3 hours is a major success. I can do that with Pandora, too, but only in the morning. If I do it later in the day, she’ll go berserk and eat whatever comes in handy (pawdy?)
Keep me updated about your boy. He sounds so great and sweet. Even though we at forced to ‘stay home forever’, we have a great and valuable time that ‘normal’ dog owners will never understand 🙂
Lots of warm thoughts to you and your baby,
Kiim
Hello there!
I now have a 4 month old CsW male puppy in Romania and I am glad you shared your information about Pandora with us, it is very comforting to see that other owners have dealt with the same ‘issues’ as we did, hehe!
Keep posting!
Cristina
Hello, Kim!
I now have a 4 month old CsW male puppy in Romania and I am very glad that you chose to share your stories with us. It is very comforting to know that other CsW owners had to deal with the same ‘issues’ as we did! 🙂 Our wolfdog has a wonderful and loving personality and surprisingly, I have had no problem whatsoever with the ‘recall’ command. He also knows how to sit, lay down and not to eat his food until I say so. Also, I have never met a more loyal dog than him. He actually cries if someone else takes him by the leash and walks away from me! When we go to dog parks, he never strays away from me and although he is sociable, he likes to play a little too rough for the little dogs. 😉 He has a genuine dominant nature BUT not in the bad, defying way. He is strong-willed, courageous and very curious about everything!
Oh, sorry I bored you, I can also talk about my CsW for hours and hours! :))
Keep posting,
Cristina
Dear Kim, thank you for your kind words!
Little Drogo trully is a Majesty, one that sometimes eats his own pooh, LOL!
Now on a more serious note, I LOVE your website, I can notice a pattern regarding what your Pandora did when she was a puppy and what my doggie does. I can relate to pretty much everything you said on your blog, it’s amazing! Also, I agree with you that after you get to pass the CsW test (meaning you managed not to go crazy!), no other breed seems that ‘attractive’ anymore.
If you like, please send me some photos of Pandora since she was 4-6 months of age, as I am very curious about the way she looked. If you wish, I can send you some photos with our little one. 🙂 However, I feel I should warn you that he is of the more red-ish variety and only now is he beginning to shed his ‘blonde’ coat and is turning more gray. My e-mail address is rogue_cris@yahoo.com.
Btw, I’m looking forward to the release of your book! Hope it’s gonna be in English, though! :))
Hi Christina,
I always love getting pictures form other wolfdog owners. Do send me some. I consider making a gallery of pictures from my lovely readers.
I’ll see what I can find in the archives with Pandora, but I might have posted them on the blog.
Regards for now, Hugs and dog kisses from Kim and Pandora
Hi just been having a good read, great site and very interesting. I have 2 adult male CsW and a girl i adopted that looks and acts like a CsW. The boys will be 5 this September, we got them when they were 16 months needing a new home, one is an Alpha and the other a Beta. I also have a huskymute i am fostering, he was extremely aggressive when i took him on but has come on leaps and bounds. All four are seriously hard work, but the rewards make it all worth while, they are all amazing dogs and defintaly not for the faint hearted. For those that own or are going to own good luck and ENJOY they are wonderful xxx
Hi Wendy
Thanks for your kind words, so nice to hear about your dogs. And YES this breed is worth the hard and breathtaking work.
Kisses to your dogs, and kind Regards,
Kim and Pandora
Update for Kim: Little Drogo ….well, he’s not exactly little anymore, is now almost 6 months old and he still comes every time we call him – much to the delight of other dog owners in the park! I guess we were indeed lucky, as you said. 😀
I like others came across your site whist researching the wolfdog, I am finding it hard to get info on them so your blog is a real blessing, thank you for sharing this for others to read and evaluate if this breed is right for them.
You have properly guessed that I too am considering a wolfdog as my next companion. I am not as yet completely certain this is the right choice and will need to visit and see more of the breed before I make my decision.
One thing that I have established is that the wolf dog does appear to have traits of the GSD which is the breed I am most familiar with. True some GSD can appear slave like especially in show environments but as with all dogs this is not the rule for them all.
My last GSD up till the age of 3 or 4 (perseverance is a great thing) would not work if I did not reward her with a treat – she would look at me, nuzzle my hand to tell me that if there isn’t a treat she would not do as asked. If I dropped something she would quickly pick it up then remain out of reach until I found a reward to give her before giving it back.
I thought I had trained her not to take food only to realise that she became sneaky, so sneaky that it took months to realise she had been taking one sweet a day from my kitchen side. She would also help herself to my son breakfast when I dropped him off to school before coming back to clear up (she didn’t take it all and I did not realise until I looked for signs).
Great at recall if I had a treat – unless I gave off indications that it was time to go back on the leash and return home and then I had a real problem. Great with small animals too, she would even retrieve my ferrets if they went behind the shed but I could not take her anywhere with rabbits. Rabbits seemed to bring out every predator instinct and going to the woods could mean losing her for up to an hour before she found her way back to me, which she always did luckily. I found that there was a certain distance that she would keep to when she was out with me that she would not go beyond and it was only in later life that she would walk by my side.
This was a GSD I took to puppy classes and training classes and even agility for a time, so slave she was not – loyal, intelligent and protective yes. She also did not like me leaving her – short periods fine but when I went away for a weekend (this is a dog who had never chewed anything even as a pup) when she was about 3 yrs she destroyed my sofa.
I learned to recognise her body language to prevent incidents before they occurred, I knew from the expression, ears and stance what she was thinking and this allowed my a few seconds to offset the action, she too learned my body language and speech after a few years was unnecessary even for commands, she may seem distracted but seemed also to be aware of my every movement and I hers. It became a natural part of us.
The only time she barked was when someone she knew came to the door, if she didn’t know them she barely lifted her head, her main communication was growls, whines and body language (yawns if she was bored).
So I am wondering how different a wolfdog would differ to my experience of owning a GSD?
Claire
Hi Claire
Funny how much this sounds like a wolfdog.
I have had 3 GSD, they were all easy trainable and much attached to me. For my sake, the Wolfdog is so very different. My wolfdog, that is. Because right now I’m dog sitting a wolfdog whom is so much more of a GSD in temper, than my Pandora.
For both the GSD and the Wolfdog, and any other breed for that matter, there can be mayor differences. That said, certain characteristics are worth mentioning and expecting is you consider a Wolfdog.
My most important point is, that the wolfdog is very dependent on the pack, and the Alpha. And you will be the Alpha and therefore the most important living thing in your dogs life.
Therefore the problem with being alone, therefore the importance of body language, therefore the need for respect from both you and the dog. You can imagine the rest for yourself.
It’s difficult for me to say, if a wolfdog is right for you. Do you have the patience of an angel? And do you accept, that certain things may never be possible, such as walking without a leash?
And most important: what if the dog cannot be alone?
You can never look 10-14 years into the future, but if you’ve got the above skills, well I think you learned something from you GSD 🙂
The sneakynes, the intelligence and the rabbit hunting.
I don’t know exactly what you have doubts about, so if I can be of more help, please let me know.
Kind regards, Kim and Pandora
Thank you for your thoughts, being dependents of the wolf, I think many dogs especially GSD may display wolf traits and that some will do so more than others.
I guess the reason I am unsure about the wolfdog or GSD is I want a companion I will have the same sort of relationship as with chewy. I still miss her dearly and 3 years on still dream about her. It wasn’t a dog / owner relationship it was a team she was with me always and we communicated with one another on a level which is hard to explain.
She was not always easy but over the 10 years that I had her, she did become an essential part of me. I do not want an obedient slave because I enjoyed that she had little quirks which she would express on a regular basis and displayed an almost free thinking quality I admired. She also had a sweet nature and the one time I tried to mate her despite being ready, would not allow the male to do so, therefore I believe that this was because I was the alpha.
If my friend brought her babe around and it cried and we did not instantly respond she would come nuzzle us then go to the pram sit look at us and then repeat until we did. In agility she loved everything but the weaves which she did a few times and then refused stopping sitting looking at them then me, as if to say ‘what is the point?’.
On the other hand if I watched a sad film and she sensed my emotion – would come put her head in my lap wine softly. When I left her once outside a shop with my son and a kid tried to take his phone, chewy showed her teeth and growled to make the kid back off.
You can see why I may be drawn towards the wolfdog breed, my main concerns is how much do they conform to what I want in a companion. GSD are also well known for separation anxiety and there are ways to limit this by training, however realise that this maybe much more pronounced in a wolfdog – will it be of a level that I am unable to cope with? (I do need to travel a few times a year with work and may have to leave it in the care of family).
I also have a big family who have dogs/cats / small children and all family gatherings / Christmas / holidays in the caravans are done with the inclusion of the dogs, would a wolfdog be able to cope with these dynamics and be behaved enough to be included? Chewy wasn’t the best at this but of a level I and more importantly my family could cope with. As with a couple of my friends GSD’s I may choose a GSD and find I cannot allow it off the leash and so this would not be a particular factor in choice.
I fear that the other GSD I have owned and that my friends have had, have never showed the qualities of chewy – she was one of a kind.
These are the things which I need to keep in mind on choice of my next companion because I feel that the right choice is paramount to a happy fulfilling life for both me and the dog. As you say all dogs have different personalities and it may be the case that I will have to keep an open mind about both breeds, visit lots of breeders and make a choice based on the personalities and type of traits they display rather than limiting myself to a particular breed because I think the breed has what I am looking for.
Thanks for the valuable information! I’ve been dreaming of getting a czechoslovakian wolfdog one day:-)
There is such a misconception about wolfdogs. I agree that it is all about training and how you handle the dog that effects their temperament in the long run. Body language, as you mentioned, is key. Before we adopted our Luna we did an ample amount of research on the body language and communication of wolves, which has helped us understand her exceptionally more. I have not once ever felt threatened by my wolfdog, or feared for my safety in any concern, little ways or not. She’s like a five year old in many aspects, we just have to watch her for her own safety more than ours at times!
Hello,
I’m also planning on getting a cwd, though not earlier than 1,5 year from now, since this is when i finish my studies abroad and return to my hometown.
However, I ‘ve already started my research on this fascinating species and your blog has been one of the most useful and interesting things to read up to now. So, I would like to ask for your opinion. I plan to have the cwd on the yard (about 30 m^2) of a 3 appartment building in northern Greece, where my parents (they have had on the past another 2 dogs, a malinois and a collie, and I had some experience with them as a child) and my oncle’s family also live, on the outskirts of a small town, with a nice pine forest about 3km away for daily walks and explorations…
The problem is, the cwd will have to be on its own (or at best, with some of the other family members around) for at least 8 hours a day, since I willl have to be at work (let’s say 5 days per week). Do you think it would be hard on the wolfdog to be left alone for so long? Any case having a second dog raised together would be a good idea, so that they would keep each other company (a family friend is offering to give us a caucasian shepherd puppy or a husky, they have births every year), or should I abandon the whole cwd idea since the dog would only be suffering, and look for some other species more self-reliant?
Thank you in advance
Hello Lycos
Everything was fine with me until I read this: … will have to be on its own for at least 8 hours a day ….
I think I wrote about twenty times on this blog, that one of the primary things that a wolfdog CANNOT do, is being alone. This breed’s need of a pack is way too strong to let it be alone for many hours. Even with the ‘ordinary’ breeds, no more than 5 hours is recommended for a dog to be alone.
For a CsW I would never extend it to more than 3 hours, and I must say, I don’t quite understand why choosing a wolfdog, if you cannot spend time with it.
It seems the CsW is more for your sake than for the dogs sake. Get a stuffed animal or a nice picture. You are not doing anyone a favour with a lonesome dog 5 days a week. A wolfdog needs so much more.
Kind regards,
Kim
Hi, my name is Anna. I too own a wolf dog. Not necessarily the Czechoslovakian Wolf Dog, but certainly a wold dog. I’m trying to find others who own hybrids and also see them in a positive light. Even if you do not see them in a positive light, I’d love to discuss with you.
Yes, there are difference in training, and yes, it isn’t easy. It is such a wonderful and enjoyable experience. My hybrid is more than I could have asked for. I have lived in FL and SC and none of which require a permit for Wolf Hybrids. Things that you hear from most sites and media are purely judgmental and without firsthand-knowledge. If you own a wolf hybrid, or are looking for first-hand knowledge on owning one, I would love to hear from you!
http://www.WhenNorthIsSouth.com
Hi Anna
I don’t know if there are many in Europe owning a hybrid, but in the US it seems quite common.
My dog, the chechoslovakian wolfdog is not a hybrid, but a breed, but I’ll let comment stay here.
Do you, by the way, know of Nicole Wilde who works with hybrids? I find that she has good insigts to the hybrids temper and personality.
Kind regards, and hux to your furchild 🙂
Kim
Hi, if you look way at the top of this page in 2010 I made some enquiries about the Czech wolfdog – after a long wait and lots of research i am in the right situation for a dog After meeting several wolfdogs and going on a dog course by shaun Ellis I am on the waiting list for a litter due dec/jan. The sire is a pure CsV and the dam is a wolfdog hybrid
Hi,
I am the owner one male of CSW almost one year old.
Until this moment seams that his behavior is too far away for a guard dog.
My plan is to buy a second dog … and I have tow choices … another breed a little bit more aggressive or a csw female …
I wondering … if will be two csw in the same place maybe they will be more strict with their territory … or not ?
Should I leave my hope that I can have a good guard in my CSW ?
Thanks …
Alin
Sell your CsW, move to USA, buy a gun.
A guard dog is NOT an aggressive dog, but a dog that reacts to your commands. Barks on command, attacks on command, let go on command.
It has NOTHING to do with strict territories. And the CsW is not a guard dog which you would know, had you read my blog a little more meticulous. But I seriously wonder if anyone would break into your house with a ‘wolf’ running around, talking territories.
If you want to work with your dog as a guard dog as a kind of job, you don’t need an aggressive dog. No one needs an aggressive dog!
If I have completely misunderstood your intentions, do write again.
Kim
Hello again,
Thank you for your reply. It was very generous and polite of yours to help me with all these valuable information blended with such elaborated irony I was totally asking for it, for researching a dog breed way out of my league. I can therefore only ask you to publish more photos of your real dog, so that an inferior wage slave like myself has something to fantasize while caressing a souless stuffed animal as it is evidently fit for me.
With gratitude.
Wow! I love your blog…..what a find! We have a 16 month old Czech Wolfdog and I started blogging about her a few months ago as there doesn’t seem to be much info about them. I am looking forward to following Pandora’s progress as she is a little bit older than Tuchena so should give me a clue as to what phase is coming up next! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences! Stef
Thanks for your kind words.
Oh, yes we need information about this breed.
I have a friend who has a wolfdog boy, he is now 7 month (the dog, not the man) and starting to be a real teenager. I can see in the owners eyes how hard it is. The energy and craziness of the teenager. The complete rebuilding process in their brains this period.
DON’T DESPAIR!!
As you come out in the other end, you’ll have the best friend ever. I know that 24-30 months is a long time, put it pays I PROMISE!
Pandora is now so extremely sweet, descent, well mannered that it sometimes frighten me. Is this really my girl? I almost miss the heydays with troubles and hard work.
I love you blog and I’ll share it under Links!
My best thoughts to you and your very special dog.
Hux, from Kim and Pandora
[…] came across this blog recently about Wolfdogs and it is the best thing I have seen for giving an honest and informed […]
Hello,
I currently live in Berlin and absolutely fell in love with the CsW, I currently like alone in a 44qm2 flat here and have class 4 hours a day right now, although I do not know what the future holds for me, maybe you can advise me a bit better. I had a husky when I was in the states, so I have a slim idea of how independent they can be. If I would take a typical 9-5 job would that be too much for a CsW to be alone? I also plan on putting ANY dog I decide on through the puppy school for training. Could you recommend any other breeds if you think the CsW wouldn’t do well in my conditions? I thank you in advance!
Hello Cory
You should read my answer to LYCOS on this page.
Falling in love with the CsW is a very special thing. If it turns into real love, you can wait. Wait for years, until your life has other conditions. In the meantime, have an easy dog, one that doesn’t require a lot of exercise (this means no Terriers, hunting dogs, herding dogs and likewise).
That what I recommend. I waited 7 years to have my wolfdog, and I’m glad I waited till I had the time.
Hope this was helpful.
Kind regards,
Kim
Hello,
First thanks for sharing your story! I’m Celia and i have adopted a 15 month old CzechxTamaskan cross called Shadow. Pandora and him could be twins behaviour wise haha. My main issue with him is separation anxiety as he gets VERY anxious and at the moment taking another dog wouldnt be wise as he requires so much attention. But he cant be blamed, he has been already in three houses and the last ‘family’ thought it would be OK to put him down as they couldnt deal with him! (they left him indoors all day) Fortunately the vet refused and i decided to rehome him. He is the typical wolfdog, recall works …sometimes haha. In the UK we have loads of huge parks and nature is a million times more interesting than me. But well he is still a puppy in his head (albeit a 33kg one) so good thing i have patience. Like Pandora he doesnt bark but he learned to whine when he has to some business to do. He will howl when i am not home. Obedience is a funny thing with wolfdogs. They obviously understand and are extremely smart…but they have to get the point of doing it…Like ‘(lie) down’. Shadow will do it automatically if treat is present. But otherwise it will take me probably ten times before he considers doing it. But well i love him to pieces.
Hi Celia
What an interesting cross of breeds!
Oh, sorry about the separation anxiety. The wolfdog is well known for this, and a bad start in life is definitely not what we wish for.
I hope you grow together, ‘cos he doesn’t need to get yet another home.
Be patient. When you leave him, do it for only a minute or to, and the treat him with goodies when you return.
It’s a long process, but this dog is clever, so in time, he’ll figure that you ARE reliable, and that you WILL return.
My best wishes for you guys.
Regards, Kim
I was wondering how these dogs do in heat. I live in south Texas where it gets quite hot and stays that way. Do they shed allot. How do you think the dog would do if I had a 2 or 3 day hike and had to camp. I have a large yard and atleast 2-4 Dogs around all the time. Do they tend to be indoor dogs or outdoor dogs?
Hello Pedro
All wolfdogs I know hates the heat.
Pandora for instances, constantly looks for a shadowy place to hide until the the coldness refreshes her in the evening. Wolfdogs prefers snow to sun.
Oh yes, they shed. At least twice a year, and sometimes even when there is a change in the weather.
I don’t understand your question regarding camping.
If you want to stay away from your wolfdog 2-3 days, don’t get this breed.
If yoiu want to bring the dog with you when you hike, it’s the perfect breed. Their endurance is unlike any other dog’s.
Was this helpful? I hope so or please write again.
Kind regards,
Kim and Pandora
News from someone who has owned 2 wolf crosses!!!
You can laugh at my spelling but this is the honest truth about wolf cross dogs.
The one thing that bugs me so far about pretty much every post I’ve read is how they forget to stress that wolf dogs are not all alike, they are very strong “individuals” at the best of times; the key word being INDIVIDUALS.
Some more Alpha than others, some sadly never fully trust humans including their owner if he or she doesn’t know how to handle such a high spirited and head strong animal. You can’t really say they are totally good or bad in general. For sure and like dogs except ever more important in how they will turn out is based on three things.
First their breeding, then their early puppyhood, and lastly how you treat them. If the first two are bad then good luck, you have a lot of work ahead and it may go down as a battle to the end; although maybe not a big battle, it depends on how Alpha you are.
In the best case these animals can be the best friend you could ever have. I’ll give you two examples here.
1. My first wolf cross was 1/3 mixed with Belgiun(SP?) shephard. It’s breeders were bar none and I got the dog young and I’m a very experienced trainer. No prob even around my kids. At the time I had very young kids, if they unintensionally hurt the dog, she would just walk away, without even a whine or wimper, let alone any mean signal like a growl. If we were hill climbing and exploring nature, she would herd the children gently back if they giot to far ahead. Most people thought my dog was a suck, until siome idiot raised his voice one day when I(the true Alpha) was not around. My wife had to pull the dog off the guy who had pee stains appearing in his shorts, the dog went straight for the throut, no matter what, we were lucky theire was no real harm done, because there is never an excuse for any dog to bite or heaven forbid, kill a human. She was hard to house train but never destructive, She always pooped by the door(prolly wouold have gone out if she could late at night on her own, and never ever had a pee pee inside. Very few flaws, a really really good pet, I was so lucky with this one.
2. My second wolf cross was Rotti/Lab/Shep/Wolf. Only 14 wolf so you think she’d be more laid back, sorry wrong!!! I was looking for a special mix and I kinda like Rottin Labs and I found one that was real hard to place and needed help big time. As a puppy of only 14 weeks she would not submit to a full grown bulldog and got chewed up badly. Then she was placed in a pen with 12 Chocolate Labs, they picked on her and did not let her eat until they were filled, nor did they let her sleep in a ball with the bunch. I was told this but I had to figure out myself much later that she also had wolf in her. The Shephard was maybe hidden by using a dark or even all black one in the mix, it also showed in a slight pointed nose but you could only see this looking down at her, from the front or side she looked all Rotti/Lab. There were small hints she may have had a bit of wolf by the fact that in her bum area she had traces of silver colored hair, she dug pens, she had real long legs and then she went into perpetual heat. NOTE, all wild bitches stay in heat until they get knocked up. Unlike domestic dogs!!! This dog really took to family but challenged my Alpha position right to the end of her days(13 years shortened by bad nose infection that sadly turned into a tumor). The only problem I had with Shelby, the wonder dog(cause she wondered why she had to be a dog) is that although I thought she may have wolf in her, I never really accepted that yes, she was a wolf dog. Wolf dogs need more patience and a firm BUT fair handler, more so than any regular dog, If you don’t know how to treat one, unless you are very lucky you will have problems. As it was I kept her on a short leash for the first several years, but in the end she could run up a crowded sidewalk while a rode my bike on the road beside her. No one bugged her because she was huge and in a hurry, there was no time for trouble as long as we were on the move. But she was so so pretty everyone who loved dogs wanted to pet her if they thought they had the chance but she did not like strangers, not one bit. She did take to my family when she met them through her life, I believe she could smell the DNA. She tended to give dog owners more leeway, but still warned them not to come too close. She rarely trusted men or load women, but liked all my girl friends as long as they left her alone for the first day, Now my friends that were male, it took dozens of visits before she would trust them, but still not enough to pet her more than maybe a quick hello. Even I had to pet her a certain way, she loved her ears rubbed, but hated her head pat. Really every big problem I had with her was because I was training a dog that wasn’t. If I had known from day one her whokle life with me would have been different. The exaple, she loved to help me dig in the garden. This led to our first big fight. It had 3 rounds seperated by a few months. The first round she almost took off my right thumb, the seond round she won again, the third round was a drw but I gave up on the garden, soon my whole yard was like the dark side of the moon. If I had known she was wolf cross I would have just given her the yard to do what she may, that is too bad but the cost of having a prideful extremely strong in both body and mind, somewhat wild animal. If you really want a dog like this you have know when to be firm and know when to give some ground, More so again than any other dog, unless you are real lucky.and she had real good breeders and a real safe puppyhood(like in example one).
In short you never really know what you are getting, more so today than ever! In fact half the ads I looked at lately are pure BS, either total scams or absolute idiots. You don’t want some 97% wolf dog unless MAYBE the breeders can prove they have developed a calm breed over a period of up to 30 years!!! Otherwise, the best wolf dogs are 50% or less, 33% being really good. Oh and note, wolf cross shephards have been used for the army and police for years. Have you ever wondered why that so called police dog was twice the size of a normal shephard? That’s because a real wolf cross can be almost as big as a wolf, and that is BIG!!! They are really really smart, and in the right hands can be trained for war or police work amazingly well, and it’s been happening for as long as there have been wars. Maybe not common knkowledge, but it is true none the less.
I could go on and on with facts that I have drawn not only from my own experience, but also from intense study over years and years.
Oh and one last thing that is really important for anyone thinking about getting one of these most amazing animals. The tendancy is to show off your dog, especially if she/he is absolutely beautiful. If you think you’ll do this, forget a wolf dog. They do not tend to trust humans, they will not trust all those strangers wanting to pet them. Forget it if you want ot show it off. The best thing for a wolf cross is a close knit family with lots of love and no ruff language or violent outcry or action. If a wolf dog thinks it’s family or even favorite family member by another member is in danger, they could kill or cause some very major damage without hestitation, THEN IT WOULD BE TOO LATE, DOG DEAD for sure, and who really knows what else.
Please, anyone who is thinking about a wolf dog, please please please heed my warning. If you think you have the patience, then read everything you can on real wolves and be prepared to adopt to their ways cause you’ll never likely get them to change. By why would you get a wolf and try to change it into a normal dog, just get a dog if you want a dog. These are not dogs, but in the right hands, with the right environment, and from very selective breeders, they can be your best friend barr none.
Honestly and truly, from one who knows.
PS, I forgot to mention about my second dog, and the one typo that drives me nuts(no edits aloud, I’m in trouble now, LOL) The one typo that hard to figure, right at the start of second example, she was only 1/4 wolf.
Although she had her problems with trust, this dog had one pee in the house the very first night. I cleaned up and threw ouot the news paper, she never had another incident inside, even when she was very ill. One time I was in an accident and she was locked inside the house for 23 and a half hours, Not one thing wrong, nothing at all. She was the cleanest animal(more like a cat than a dog, she would clean herself for hours) you caould imagine, and smelt better than half the men I know, true but LOL, and goodnight.
@ R Lee- the Czech wolfdog is NOT a wolf cross, it is a recognised breed of DOG in many European countries, it has relatively recent wolf blood in its heritage but that doesn’t make it a wolf cross.
Hello franklin
Well I agree with James. The Czech is not to be considered a wolf cross but an actual breed.
That said, I also agree that all wolfdogs AND dogs are individuals.
My experience in dogs go a long way back, but I must say that I have never had a bad dog.
And I truly believe that my obvious and never lacking love for them has been the real reason.
I have faith in my dog, I love her without conditions and I would die without her, or so it feels.
All animals need respect, wolfdogs need understandings too.
Thank you so much for you writing,
a lot of good thoughts to you, from Kim and Pandora.
Hi
Thx for some great material to read. I just want to point out a mistake the Sulimov dog were never made to look like a wolf. It’s made and developed by the Russia airport security to make what they call a perfect bomb dog/sniffer. By breeding Lapponian herder with Jackals. The outcome is a good working dog that have an even stronger sense of smell.
I’ve got a 5 month old Czech Wolfdog puppy and his recall is near perfect. He learned the recall very quickly. I didn’t let anyone use his name for 2 weeks, we used a very energetic ‘puppy puppy puppy’ call , which you can vary at will to incite interest in difficult times. when I got him bang on the puppy puppy puppy call , I started adding his name . Then I told everyone to only call his name when he was already inbound. Once that was done I introduced the whistle. I then started walking him off lead 90% of the time. Popping in a recall or 3 every session. Now I vary the recall with voice , whistle and in the house I’ve introduced a finger wiggle . A few tips : be liberal with treats at the start but be cautious about relying on them. Get his attention before using the recall command … scuff your feet or jump and be weird … when he starts over to you …. then call him . When he plays up… like yesterday and today he started ignoring my recall when he finds a dog to play with …. for the next couple of days I will put him back on the long line (used very sparingly ) then put him near dogs and recall and enforce with the whistle . So far my boy is very trainable … he’s learning to hunt, air scent and find people and he’s starting to bark alerts…I’m having a little trouble with his retrieving but if i can’t get this in naturally I will clicker train it in later. If you want to contact me – dog@gavingeorge.co.uk will work.
Hi Gavin
Thank you for your comment.
I totally agree with you that clicker training is very useful on wolfdogs. Perhaps it’s from the wolfside. It’s said that wolves respond better to sign language than words. The clicker is almost something between those two, and because the wolfdog is highly intelligent and always try to figure out things by touching or moving, clicker is very useful.
After we started clicker training things have been a lot easier, and more of our friends are now starting to use the clicker. I’m curious to where it brings them.
Thanks again.
Best of thoughts,
Kim and Pandora.
Hi my name is Amanda and I have a Mexican grey wolf german shepherd mix named LULU she is a year and a month old. She is a great dog and great with my other two dogs that are about the same age. I just cant seem to get her to put any weight on. And she scratches alot and is starting to loose hair around the top of her ears. I have tried everything but it doesnt seem to work. Any advice on either of my problems??
Hi Amanda
I don’t know exactly about your breed, but I see a few possibilities. Weight problems could be intestinal worms ave you given her a cure? If she is young, worms can take the important vitamins and minerals from her food so she doesn’t get enough. Regarding the scratching it could be, of course, flees. But it could also be hotspots or allegy. Have you talked to a veterinarian?
when Pandora was very young, she was so extremely skinny, we changed her food to BARF (raw food) and it changed her physical approach completely. BARF is also meant to reduce allergy and fur problems. Is BARF a possibility for you to try?
I think you should consult a vet no mater what. Perhaps the weight problem and the scratching are related, and the cure might be simple.
I hope this is helpful, but I am not a vet, so I can’t advice you good enough.
Best regards, and good luck with her.
Kim
Hi, My name is Tilen and im from Slovenia. Ok so i’m interested in buying Csw. I really love dogs and would be 100% dedicated to this one. But here’s the thing: I already have a 7 year old shetland shepard at home so i dont know if its smart to do that for both of the dogs. Whats ur opinion on that?
Thank u so much
Tilen
Hi Tilen
Wel it’s difficult for me to answer.
If your Shetland sheepdog is well and strong, that should be no problem.
If you choose a wolfdog of the opposite sex of the Sheepdog, ‘it will be to prefer.
Male CsW can be very dominant, even to smaller dogs.
Two girls together is my worst scenario, I have only heard of very few having a completely success with that.
All dogs should have company, but an older dog, well, I think you should look at his or her health, as I said, and pick a wolfdog of the opposite sex.
Hope that was helpful.
Kind regards, Kim
hi should i get a wolf dog if i live in a very hot country like saudi and i would be taking it to the desert with me i got 2 salukis
Dear Reader
I would never get a wolfdog in such a warm climate. Even the rather cold Danish summer is too much for a wolfdog. They are only active in the evening when it’s too hot. It’s much easier for them to cope with cold.
Hope that was helpful.
Kind regards, Kim
there is a WolfDog very young needing a home NOW in france, haute savoie
http://www.spa-annecy-marlioz.com/interieur.php?page=adoption-suite&id=842&type=chien
I hope someone can give here a home
use google translate to any laungage 🙂
Hi, I live in PA but will be moving to CA (the colder part) soon and i want to get a slovak wolfdog, I want a boy but he has to be friendly towards kids, social, and VERY obedient. I plan on teaching him many tricks (as a puppy). Is it a good idea to get one? if not, what other dog breeds would you recommend for me? i want a medium to large dog and has to be very trainable and friendly, Thank You! – Kira
Hi Kira
Very short: if you want complete obedience, a wolfdog will disappoint you often. Chose a Labrador or another family dog.
The wolfdog will be loose-loose from the start and no one deserves that. Don’t choose that breed just for its good looks!
Kind regards, Kim
Who said that GSDs are perfect slaves? I have 1 GSD she is 4 years old. She is wasted spoiled rotten 4 paws child. She complains about everything and WILL NOT follow any order unless she gets something out of it OR she wants to really do it. She is not a slave.. she is a great babysitter and just one wasted dog who loves watching TV while laying on her back and having her daddy’s hand on top of her and a soft pillow comfortably under her head. YES, that is my daughter! BTW i just found about about CWs … interesting breed.. i wouldnt mind having one!
Hi Charlotte
I have had 4 GSD. All of them were easy trainable. very obedient and easy to work with. I have seen many being soft (to awful dominating owners) and sometimes so soft that they get aggressive because of fear.
The CsW is not easy trainable, it’s never soft and obedient is just the wrong word when you train this breed. Negotiation is much closer to the truth.
Kind regards, Kim
What the hell pit bulls are kid and sweet!!! It’s the owners fault if they turn out bad!!!
I agree. But the Danish goverment and some stupid statistics doesn’t. I sorry 😦
I’ve had my wolfdog for 4 years and she has been perfect with my now 8 year old. Last year I had another child and my wolfdog will get up and walk away from him but my wolfdog will sometimes give a low growl towards him. She has never bitten him or snapped at him but would like for the growling to stop. Ive tried everything can think of but nothing seems to help. Do you have any suggestions because I’m fixing to have another baby and need to get this problem resolved before he gets here. Thanks
Hi Danielle
I would not take the responsibility to give you the right guidance here. I think you should contact a dog behaviourist as it could so many different things affecting the dog.
Just as an example, Pandora was very alert (in a non aggressive way) with a young man who has been coming here for years. In the years he was teenager she paid a lot of attention to him. Now he is grow up and she doesn’t notice him any more. My only idea is that she could smell and feel his hormones.
It could be similar to yours. But please contact a specialist, because something must have changed in the dogs surrounding.
Sorry I can’t do it better during this blog.
Kind regards Kim
Hi Kim,
I know they like rain and cold weather, so i would like to know if the Netherlands is a good country for them. And another qeustion if i work 4 hours and then go home for a half a hour and then i work another 4 hours is that possible then. i aks this becaus you told other people they can only stay alone for max 5 hours.
Greetss Helmich
Hi Greetss
Wel Pandora is from Netherlands so that is no problem 🙂
Regarding the being alone thing, well I’m afraid to say that it is possible to let your CsW be alone for 4 + 4 hours, because I wouldn’t be able to do that with Pandora.
4 hours yes, but if I left her again for even an hour she would tear the house apart. And I know that a lot of other wolfdog cannot be alone even for 1 hour, so you may have to find other solutions if possíble.
Kind regards
Kim
I have a question in regards to wolfdogs and toys. I just bought the book Wolfdogs: A-Z and the author said to not leave toys out. Is this only for when we are home or is this at all times? Do you agree with this?
Hi Ashley
I know the book.
Well my suggestion is never to let your dogs be alone with any kind of toy made of plastic or raw hide bones that can get stuck in the throat. Apart from that, we have bones all over the place, an old football etc. I don’t see it as a problem as long as you watch out for your dog now and then.
And if you have more than one dog, be observant if they try to dominate each other when playing with the toys.
Hope you found that helpful
Knd regards,
Kim
Hi Kim,
I live in the UK and a a nearly 3 year old Girl Nooka who is 1/4 CwD 1/4 Sarloos and 1/2 Northern innuit. The way her character has developed and the various challenges we have had with separation anxiety, slow house training etc sound very similar to Pandora and other CwDs on your blog. She is a fantastic girl, hard work at times but very rewarding. However lately she seems to be developing an aggression towards other dogs which she has never shown before. She has always been boisterous in her play but now will lurch at some (not all maybe 1 in 20) ) other dogs if she is on her lead walking through town or out on a walk and acts as though she would attack – barking and snarling. If off lead she will sometimes chase another dog also in an aggressive way. This doesn’t happen with all dogs but she seems to dislike certain breeds and certain individuals. With many other dogs she behaves perfectly. She has always been taken for walks with other dogs and socialised well. She particularly loves playing with some Northern inuits who we know (I have similar photos to yours of Pandora playing) but likes other dogs too. She is also taken out by a dog walker who she loves 2-3 times a week if I am at work in a morning and walks with up to 10 other dogs (pack walk) with the dog walker. When out with the family she could be either on or of leash depending on where we are.
I am worried that she will hurt another dog and am not sure how to stop this behaviour before it becomes a real problem. I was thinking of contacting a dog behaviorist which is when I came across you website (which is great) and realised just how similar she is to Pandora. My dog walker thinks that Nooka is very dominant and it could be because we are not strict enough with her and allow her to sleep on the sofa etc. Have you any advice?
Best regards, Karen
Hi Karen
Well, first of all I can tell you that Pandora has decided that she hate Grand Danes. No other breed but Grand Danes. I cannot connect it to anything but their size. We never had accidents with that kind of breed, she just made that decision all by herself.
Have you noticed anything similar with the dogs she doesn’t like? Are they all black? Do they miss the tail, have hanging ears?
I’m totally guessing but thinking she may have a problem reading some of their body language. We live close to a Puli. Pandora doesn’t even know it’s a dog! She cannot see head or tail, so she doesn’t notice it when it passes by.
I do not believe in the domination thing. I hate the idea of the human dominating the dog with ‘not sleeping in the sofa’, walking through the door fist etc. etc. A dog (or wolf) will by heart never really see a human as their true pack leader, but as a food provider, and there for you may have no success at all in trying to dominate your dog, with doggy things but being human.
My first suggestion is that you must pay attention if you girl is actually nervous or insecure when she tries to dominate these other dogs. Or is she close to being in heat? Are they in leash when Nooka is not and vice versa. You must at all times stay calm, try not to shout (that’s the hard one) and walk instead of running and so on. Your safety may calm her as she doesn’t have to be aggressive because ‘mom will handle things’.
It’s a good idea with a dog behaviourist ‘cos she or he can watch your dog in real life an come up with more ideas. May I be so bold and ask you to stay away from Cesar Milan-methods, because they have only bad effects, especially on wolfdogs or wolf related dogs.
Please let me know how it goes, and don’t give up on your girl just yet.
Best regards,
Kim
Hi 🙂
My name is Samantha i live in the north west of england and I currently own a Czech wolfdog named Aurora, she is 8 months old. I was wondering if you knew of any clubs in the uk in which wolfdogs can meet? I mean she loves to play with other dogs which we do many times a day in the parks and nature reserves, but I would like her to have the chance to play with other Czech wolfdogs. I was also wondering in your experience what has been the most rewarding experiences for Pandora? I really want to find new things for Aurora to learn and enjoy!
Hope to hear from you and I love your blog! I learn so much 🙂
Also I will add that aurora does have a full wolf in her recent family, she was her great grandmother, the rest of her lineage is pure CSW, I’m not sure if this changes anything in her behaviour as compared to a usual CSW as everything I read on your blog rings true! She is no better or worse than pandora it seems so far. Just wondered if you know of any other cases where a CsW has been bred back with a wolf? aurora is very lovely and probably over friendly, eapecially with females! A little standoffish with males on the first te she meets them but any girls in my family she jumps all over and of course mouths which we are trying and failing to control at the moment! But we will get there one day! Her father is the parent containing the wolf, and he seems really friendly too! So I don’t see any future problems or areas to worry about more so than a csw, but information on this breed is hard to come by as it is so figured I would ask if you have heard of this before? And if so were there any differences?
Regards
Sam and Aurora 🙂 x
Hi Samantha
First, I live in Denmark, so I can’t raelly help you with clubs in UK, but try Facebook. There are so many groups regarding wolfdogs, so I think it’s the best place to find people with wolfdogs there.
Regarding the breeding and blood. Well, the CSW is still considered a relatively young breed and the dogs may be very inconsistent in temper and behaviour. If you want to know more about your dog, try this site: http://www.amicale-chien-loup-tchecoslovaque.com/csvstat.html#Mating%20tool
If you click on the button in the top, you may be capable of finding more about your specific dogs blood lines, if you have a pedigree.
Jumping up om people and biting for attention (not hard) is very common. Pandora did that too until she was two-three years old. I usually tell people that she didn’t grow up before after her three year old birthday.
The breeding back with wolves should not have happened since 1982 as far as I remember. That was when the breed was considered ‘finish’ and registered in FCI. I have heard thought, of certain kennels doing some breed back which is not totally legal.
The most important thing is that you love your dog. ‘Cos love and respect is what the breed needs and work best with.
Write again, if I can help you more,
until then
Best regards from Kim and Pandora
Hi my names Abby and i have been looking in the larger dogs for awhile and I was wondering if the CsW gets along with very hyper dogs we have an Aussie who right now is the “leader” and a 1 year old golden retriever. Do you think this would cause any problems being that I would want to raise the CsW would the Aussie still be the “leader”?
Hello Abby
Well It all depends on which gender your dogs have. You can not expect a male to dominate a female, and vice versa – at least no between wolfdogs. I also cannot recommend a male wolfdog together with another dominant male dog. It may course you major problems.
Also consider if your very active dogs are not too much to handle together with a Wolfdog that doesn’t grow up before he or she is 3 years old! A wolfdog is VERY demanding in attention and training. I would never chose to have more than one young dog at a time and I am an experienced dog owner, so perhaps it would be a good idea to let your younger dog be grown ups and more relaxed before you get a wolfdog.
And most important: Your wolfdog cnsnot be alone in the house, but I bet you have considered that.
I hope this was a little helpful.
Best regards,
Kim
Hi I have a 11 week old wolf dog and he is very lazy is that normal
Hi Kenneth
Hm, good question. Is he running around a lot, and the sleep for many hours or doesn’t appear active at all? I would say that if he is uninterested in things around him and doesn’t investigate the world around him, you should take him to the vet and have him examined. He may have small stomach problems, intestinal worms or something not too serious. Better to be safe than sorry.
Good luck with him
Kind regards, Kim
Hi,
i am Michel, i live in Lebanon (Middle East), coz i know there are a lot of small town in the U.S called Lebanon.
Anyways, i am getting my puppy Czechoslovakian Wolfdog next week and i have been reading a lot about them and recently purchased the book form Nicole Wild “Living with Wolfdogs” and “Wolfdog A to Z” but it is definitely different to hear from people already already experience with this nice animal.
well my concerns are that i work from 8 to 5 and i have read that this type of dog need a lot of attention which i will give but not in the timeline of 8 to 5.
does this affect the dog to be loyal or attached to me as his only owner?
how did you deal with this at 1st.
the dog will be 2 months old when i am getting him, possibly this coming Monday my veterinary is specially shipping him to Lebanon for me.
Probably would be the only type in all of Lebanon.
i have read articles where it says, the wolf dog is not friendly with kids, where other article says, they are very friendly with kids, so this is confusing.
i haven’t been across anyone who has this type in Lebanon so i kind of need your help and experience in having one for at least the next 10 years, this is my plan anyhow.
i love dog and had a german shepherd for over 5 years then haven’t had a dog for a while and came across this breed and loved it.
they are expensive though.
any help from you would be so much appreciated on how you dealt with Pandora when you 1st got it as a puppy.
Thank You
Hi Michael
Sorry for my late reply, you must have your dog by now.
First: Congratulation, I hope you are both happy and joyful and that the ‘avarage day’ is setting in.
As I said may times on this blog, I’m not a fan of letting your wolfdog alone for more than 5 hours a day. Most CsW owners have never been able to leave their dogs alone for even a few minutes if the dog had to stay in the house. So the solution is a fenced in part of the garden. If your dog is alone for a long time every day, you MUST make up for it when you come home. You have to pay back with quality time in heavy doses. Be close, be together at night, sleep in the same room, eat together, play and work together.
I’m a little unsure about Ncole Wild. I have her book ‘Wolfdogs A to Z’, but the way i reed it, she is mainly talking about ‘hybrids’. Meaning dogs mated with wolf in first generation. The CsW is a purebreed and has been for more than 50 years, but Nicoles books are fine and do give you a direction of what a CsW is. I just have never experienced such challenges with the male dog as she describes in ‘Wolfdog A to Z’.
If you want more experience, I can recommend you reading my blog form the very beginning. It is my diary from two weeks befor I got Pandora. If you read a little ahead of your own dogs present age, you might even be able to avoid or be prepared for crazy and wild periods of the puppys life.
I wish you both well, and felle free to write again. And send me a picture if you want.
You can also find Pandora at facebook, here: https://www.facebook.com/pandora.wolfdog
Kind regards, Kim and Pandora
Hi Kim,
😦 I am actually saddened to say that the puppy of Czechoslovakian Wolfdog I got died after 1 week of landing in lebanon. He was still at the Vet though.
He got the parvovirus from unknown reasons.
I actually have asked for another one from the vet and should be arriving this week. Will send you a photo as soon as I bring it home.
The thing is my work is 10 min away from my home and the dog will be placed in a fenced garden that is 17m x 3m and muddy so he will have plenty of digging to do but not to escape as I have planned the fence to be well placed and unable to escape from, hopefully.
Will definitely make up time for him, I am so excited as this is a beautiful and rare breed.
Will keep you updated 🙂
Hi I just got a Irishwolfhound wasn’t told that’s what it was but that’s ok we love him anyway. Couple quick questions. When is best age to have him fixed not sure And how do I get him to stop biting and nipping at us he is 4 months old web had him at 2 months old. We got him from someone who got it from someone else so were not sure about stuff we’ve always had amercian Eskimo and a German shepard before that so any useful tips would sure come in handy. Thank you
Hi Kim
This site is about the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, not the Irish Wolfdog.
Sorry 🙂
hi i recently have been adopted by 2 stray dogs 1 a shep/chow mix lady who just had puppies and more importantly a wolfdog timber/malamut 50/50 i understand why lady stayed shes a dog so food and a safe happy home are perfect for her but my male sparky decided to be with me and im surprised because i always thought wolf or wolf dogs rather be free somewhere on their own he follows me everywhere (i walk alot locally) i just got him his shots and fixed so he cant make anymore babies hes 3yrs old and a wonderful funny INCREDIBLY INTELLIGENT creature i am looking for any reliable information regarding general proper care especially ways to keep sparks entertained when i must travel and cant bring him with me which is rarely as he even goes to church with me now what i am really wondering tho is what makes a dog such as this pick the person it wants to be with i did not go looking for him he chose me thanx for any feed back
Hi, I live in Canada and I’d really, really, really love to own one, do you know how I can acquire one in BC and how well it would do in the climate? I don’t want to move out of the province but I also don’t want to stay in a place that the Czech Wolfdog would have a hard time living in.
Hi we have decent la got a german shepherd cross chezchlavakian wolf hound and have had ppl in the street giving us different advice about hip displasia! Can u tell us for sure how 2 stop this from happening? She is 12 wks old so would like 2 start putting practises inin2 place now rather than down the line wen its 2 late! Thank u! Matt
Hi Matthew
As far as I know, HD is an illness a dog is born with. You can operate it to the better or do absolutely nothing at all.
In training it’s possible to pay attention not to over train the dog with HD, but some dogs are almost invalidated with a HD category C and some dogs never stops working even though their hips are HD D.
When your dog is 1-2 years old, take him/her to the pet and get an x-ray. This will tell you whether your dog has HD or not.
Then the pet can give you good advises for training and activities.
No need to worry as long as it is a puppy.
Be gentle with the activities though, not because of the breed, but because og the young age.
Do not let your dog run next to a bike before it is 1 year old.
Do not train jump or long running distances before it is 1 year old.
A CsW puppy has a lot of stamina and endurance, so it might often be you who needs to stop and calm the dog, as it cannot stop itself.
That’s your responsibility now 🙂
Hope this was helpful, or please contact your pet vet, he or she can explain you more about HD.
Kind regards, Kim
Hey. where do you live? Do you live in Denmark? If not, its okay. I live there btw. I would ask about: how to live with this breed. Because there is wolf in this breed, is this breed more dominant than Presa Canario and Anatolian shepherd, so therefore, would this dog challenge you for leadership? Wolves even kill each other for leadership or food. So would this dog be loyal to you like a dog or been a wolf, who would use alot more of different behavior. I understand dog and wolf behavoir. And one day, when I have the right place for this dog to live in, I would love to own one. I asked one, who own this breed, he toll me, that it was used for tracking, and his wolfdog behaved more like a wolf than dog. I am an experienced dog owner, who understand the basic behavoir of wolves and dog.
Yes, I live in Denmark. If you ever come near Fyn, feel free to meet our dogs. It’s a lot easier than explaining it all by mail.
You can also buy my book: Tjekkoslovakisk Ulvehund – manualen vi ikke fik med.
That should give you a lot of information.
Kind regards, Kim
hi, i’m korean who is interested in czechoslovakian dogs. Small dogs commit accidents in korea, too. Their leaders always say that my dog don’t bite. It wouldn’t be. Huh! No way. Anyway, i’ll raise czech in near future. Thank you for your info.
Hi, I have a csv, Roo, he is now 5 months old. A real sweety, a real challenge, and so very loyal. His every emotion is so intense, from his play, his cuddles and his questions (every day)to see who’s boss. We have 5 other huskys and a husky cross GSD, but Roo is in a league of his own. A working knowledge of pack leader skills and body language are essential to be able to live happily with a csv, don’t be too furniture proud either as everyone I know who has this breed has basic furniture that isn’t precious. Youe site is really good and i enjoy ewading everyones comments, keep up the excellent work. Nik
Ladies and Gents, to all of those who are planning to get a CsV. Ask your self few questions. Do you have minimum 3-4 hours per day, everyday to spent with CsV outdoors? Do you have a large yard/park/forest near your house? Can you let go some of your hobbies in exchange for unforgettable life experience? Are you ready to have everything in your surroundings chewed up with teeth marks everywhere, during the first 1.5 years? Are you strong enough to overcome some disappointments in training? Do you have patience? Can you do all of that with out getting angry at any point? CsV can kill cat,deer,fox or any other animal around your house at moment notice without any warnings, are your ready to deal with the consequences?
….if you have answered to any of these question “no”, please consider getting another breed….CsV is not for you! CsV is not a pet but a working, absolutely loyal companion that requires your full attention all the time, hates to be left alone and will find a way how to “punish” you if she or he gets little or none of your time.
Everything you read in this blog about Pandora is a mirror image of my girl, so if you think that some of it is just related to Pandora and will not happen to you, think again. Owning CsV is a challenge and not everybody are up to it.
On the other hand I do believe that for all of that you will experience some of the nicest moments in your life. Bond between a “beast” and a human can’t be any stronger. The fun and laughs are priceless. I would not exchange my girl CsV for anything and love her dearly.
We are about to take on an 18 month old a CsW that is in need of a home. It has blotted its copy book big time, the reason at this stage not clear however we will know before the final decision to take him is made (we think a dead neighbours sheep may be the cause. We have a team of 1 border collie, 1 terrier Cairn/Fox cross and two 9 month old Drahthar pups. They all enjoy a 10k forest walk daily so giving a CsW sufficient exercise and interest is not likely to be a problem. From your excellent blog it seems clear that a CsW will fit in to the pack, my question is; given his age and the possibility of little or no training is likely to be a lost cause?
We have always had a mix of large and small dogs around the place but have no experience of this breed is there any history of them attacking domestic animals or, as we hope in this case, generally a one off due to circumstances?
Very much enjoyed reading your site
David
Hi David
Sorry for my late reply.
Well no training at all seams to be quite a risk, but if your other dogs are living as a sort of pack, the wolfdog will learn from them, and frankly, having more than one dog when you have a wolfdog, you’ll always have the challenge, that the wolfdog will prefer the other dog(s) over you. The are so into their pack instinct, that you’ll always have to compete. Therefor, your wolfdog might want to follow the other dogs quite closely, and it may be a success.
The age of the dog is of more concern. How will it react to the rest of your dogs? Is he or she dominant? Or will he or she accept the other dogs.
Personally I would NEVER introduce a female dog into at pack with other female dogs. Not CSWs nor any other breed. So be very careful.
Male dogs are more reliable but if the new csw is dominant you carefully would have to see if they work together.
I wish you luck whatever you choose.
Kind regards, Kim
Hi, I have a question about this breed. I have 5 Golden retrievers at home, they are all very well trained, we compete in rescuing people from water and hunting. They are also theraphy dogs, so they are socialized. Now I want to add a 6th dog to the pack – CWD. Do you think it’s a good idea? With my dogs I do only clicker training, and they have no problems with others, but they are not rough players. Do you thing the pup would get along with them? And if yes, what temperament should I look for in the pup – a more dominant one or a submissive one… If the pup became the leader of the pack, do you think they would not eat each other?
Thanks a lot, Kate
Hi Kate
I just answered David here, but to repeat:
If you got a female dog in your pack, I would definitely recommend that you get a male dog.
The CSW is very much a pack dog, so it may work very well together with the rest of your dog.
If you get it as a puppy, my experience is that they will learn each others language and the grown ups will learn that the CSW puppy plays with a lot of noise.
CSWs are great with clicker training, actually the only kind of training we have had great success with.
Because the breed is so sensitive, rough words, shouting and physical abuse will make it loose all trust in you. Therefore clicker is – in my world – the best way of training.
DO remember, there will be hardly any progress in training in the age from 8 month to 2 years as the wolfdog is in its teens for quite some time.
MUCH longer than your Golden retriever. So patience.
Let me hear what you decide, and send me pictures if you get a puppy 🙂
Kind regards, Kim
Hi Kim,
Thanks for you response.
In fact I had some mis information when I first mailed you. He is in not 100 percent CSW, he does have a bit of Great Dane which makes for a very large Dog however he seems to have all the characteristics of CSW. He came from an environment where he was causing stress through “playing” with other domestic animals resulting in a dead lamb and a few stressed out chickens. The previous owner was reluctant to let him go but I don’t think they had sufficient time to give him the attention that he clearly needs.
As you explained, being a male, he fits in well with the rest of the team, albeit playtime is a bit rough for the others (we have two other males, a collie and a terrier as well as two female Wire Haired GSPs) are all relatively young so seem to be enjoying the rough and tumble. He currently accepts the collie as pack leader but that will probably change, the collie is very easy going and is already happy to back down when play gets boisterous. In the house he is incredibly gentle and in the space of two weeks gives the impression he has been here all his life. He is still only 14 months so I guess he may add to his already 52 kilos. We have plenty of space and they all get a 10 km forest/canal track every day. I have yet to start a training programme with the big boy. But I have every confidence that we are all going to get along fine.
I found your comments re Pandora very helpful, many thanks
David