1.  Can trace the heritage of their breeding stock for at least five generations with truth and accuracy.  Breeders cannot reliably trace heritage back that far with no registration of breeding stock with a REPUTABLE wolf-dog hybrid registry. Contact us for the names of the few registries that really know wolf-dog hybrid pedigrees.

2. Has a written breeding program which is strictly adhered to - developed to enhance function, temperament, and conformation.  It needs to be peer reviewed and should stress the best interests of the breed/type of canine. Breeders should be willing to disclose their breeding program to prospective buyers in as much depth as required; particularly in relation to health issues within said breed/type.

3. Has a professionally formulated temperament testing program - tests all breeding stock, and keeps pups long enough to temperament test them. Those breeders who pull pups from the dam early and send to new homes to be bottle fed from age 2 to 4 weeks do not fit this criteria.

4.  Has homes lined up with deposits taken before allowing a breeding to occur.  The homes should be pre-screened to assure the new owners have the proper containment and facilities to own such an animal.  Makes sure buyer knows the needs of and drawbacks to owning wolf-dog hybrids. Never ships a pup under the age of 8 weeks - it is illegal to ship younger.

5. Places pups only in legal areas. Many area have banned wolf-dog hybrids and/or f1 wolf-dog hybrid crosses. Sending a pup into an illegal area can be a death sentence. Know your state, county and municipal regulations. State regs can be found here: http://www.rudelhaus.com/st_regs.htm

6. Breeds only to advance or protect the type - wolf-dog hybrids are not a breed.  Does NOT breed just to produce pups or because 2 animals live on the same premises. See our Puppymill section.

7. Does all health screens appropriate for their breed, this may include PennHip or OFA of both hips and elbows for dyplasia; PRA, and any other genetic abnormality that are known to be a problem in each of the dog breeds in the wolf-dog hybrid. The popular argument that wolves don't have CHD and other abnormalities is fallacious. If dogs are descended from wolf, where would ALL the genetics have come from?

8.Does not breed a female more than once every 2 years. A wolfdog normally cycles once a year.

9.  Has breeding related health checks done of the breeding pair prior to allowing a tie to rule out any infections and to ensure good health.  Does your breeder test for brucelosis each time the animals are bred?

10.    Provides temperature controlled, draft free whelping and nursery facilities that are separate from any other animals.  These would preferably be off the ground to help prevent the transmission of parasites and infections. And speaking of parasites, breeder has a good de-worming and vaccination program in effect, and can provide dates of all such treatments.

11.  Has adequate funding available to provide for the unknown medical needs of the bitch, including C-Sections and/or prenatal monitoring should problems occur.  And funding available for treatment if veterinary problems arise in neonatal pups, no matter what those problems/complications might be.

12.  Provides the new owners with a written, enforceable contract of sale, that guarantees the health of the pup for a minimum of two years from genetic health problems.  Offers refund or replacement during this time.  Contract should also offer a term of 72 hours to 2 weeks period if a pup becomes ill. For change of mind, with no questions asked, refund/take back period is typically 30 to 60 days from the date of sale. The refund would be prorated for time owned and veterinary care needed.

13. Provides the new owners with an educational packet of information upon sale.  This packet should include heritage and pedigree information, health records of the pup, and general wolfdog information along with training and care tips.  

14. Provides pups with initial shots, worming, and vet check.

15. Provides pups with good socialization and beginning training.

16. Always allows visits to their facilities and to meet and interact with the parents of the pups.

17. Is active in the rescue and rehabilitation of wolf-dog hybrids.   

18.  Never refuses to help one of their own who has been displaced.  Either by taking the animal back themselves or by helping to get the animal into an appropriate rescue and paying for the animals costs of re-homing, health and rehabilitation while in rescue.  

19. Provides a lifetime commitment to the new owners for education about the pup.

20.  Microchips and/or tattoos any animal that is sold.  Microchips with whatever breed/type of animal the originator chooses (huskyX, malX), as well as the breeder and current owner. The only way to INSURE breeder responsibility for the life of the animal is to microchip.