WOOBY THE WOLFDOG

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak (Wolfdog) began as a breeding experiment for military border patrol in former Czechoslovakia. In 1955, the first Carpathian wolf was bred to a German Shepherd to produce canines exhibiting the best qualities of each - the trainability of a dog with the endurance, senses, and health of a wolf. Several more matings produced additional hybrids. Over the next few decades, selected hybrids from different litters were bred back to German Shepherds. It wasn't until 1982 that the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog became a recognized breed in Czech Republic and Slovakia, and by 1989 the breed was accepted by the largest breed organization in the world, Fédération cynologique internationale (FCI). In 2001 Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs were entered into the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service and became fully recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2006.

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Having a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a lifestyle. This is a very intelligent, high energy, high maintenance breed. They are not suited to apartment life or being left for long periods of time. Ample daily exercise is not enough, they need constant mental stimulation. This is one of the reasons Lupin loves doing photo shoots and film work so much - the novelty of the experience keeps him thinking. Lupin will often get bored visiting the same hiking spots, and even feels underwhelmed with roaming free in the wooded acreage around where we live. He knows his own territory, he wants to see what's beyond it. They need consistent training, and they are too clever for overly repetitive methods so you need to keep it interesting. Lupin has an extensive collection of brain games for rainy days including puzzles and plenty of items for scent tracking indoors and out. 

 

We are lucky enough to have the active lifestyle, time, and flexibility to give Lupin what he needs - and he will let us know when we fall short. This breed becomes intensely bonded with their pack, meaning that they are extremely loyal but are also prone to separation anxiety. Their intelligence and dexterity means they are master escape artists. Lupin is capable of opening doors, windows, and cabinets when he wants to grab our attention.  

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That said, this is an extraordinary breed. Having Lupin has been life-changing. His personality, ability to communicate, and problem solve, and think independently has made us re-examine everything we thought we knew about the canine-human connection. We take him everywhere we can with us and he never ceases to amaze with how confidently and intelligently he approaches new situations. Lupin is extremely communicative, using a wide array of sounds, body movements, and facial expressions to make his feelings known. We often joke that he is more human than most people we know. It's an absolute joy to watch him learn something new every day. 

 

It takes a lot of commitment, but it is worth every minute. 

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FAQ

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What does he eat?

 

Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs should be fed a raw diet. Lupin typically eats over 2 lbs of raw meat with ground vegetables every day. All natural treats include turkey tendons, chicken or beef jerky, and his favorite, bully sticks. For photo shoots, we use high value treats like smoked salmon and liverwurst.

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Is he friendly?

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Lupin is mostly aloof with strangers, which is on par with the breed standard for Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs. Unless a person engages with him, he will largely ignore them altogether. Lupin responds to peoples' energy and will pick up on nervousness, which does make him more inquisitive about the person. He is protective of our 'space' and will bark or growl if someone approaches our home or vehicle when he's in it. We typically tell models during a photo shoot to relax, act like he isn't there and not make eye contact so he'll do the same (and stay focused on the task at hand). Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs do have a strong tendency towards same-sex aggression with other dogs, and unfortunately Lupin is no exception. We have to be conscious of other male dogs when we're out and about so we can help him maintain his composure if needed. 

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Does he howl?

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Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs make a very wide range of noises and can be extremely vocal. Many also love to howl, but the only times we have heard Lupin howl is when he is separated from us. We don't try to encourage it as it's his expression of sadness. Lupin's extensive repertoire of other sounds is one of the ways he lets us know how he's feeling and what he needs. 

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How much does he shed?

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A lot. This breed has an extraordinary double coat that changes throughout the year, so brushing and fur control is an all-season challenge. However, we have been amazed at how well Lupin keeps himself groomed. He is catlike in his meticulous attention to personal hygiene and although we give him regular baths, very rarely does he smell 'doggy' even after swimming. All the better for snuggling. 

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How is he with kids?

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Lupin is usually aloof with children as he is with most adults, though a rambunctious kid on approach will make him wary. It's important to know this breed plays rough by default. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs use their paws and mouths a lot and take roughhousing to the next level. We have lost many coats - and often our footing - to an over-enthusiastic greeting from Lupin. 

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How is he with you?

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Lupin is the smartest, sweetest, most affectionate dog either of us have ever had. He has a unique relationship with both of us and is in-tune with our emotions in way that often leaves us stunned. Lupin is a therapist, comedian, fitness coach, adventure buddy, and constant source of inspiration.