I have owned a wolf hybrid (wolfdog). Please, I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but here are some things you should realistically expect. A lot of breeders don't let people know these things when they get their hybrid originally. A disclaimer: depending on the genes your pup has inherited, these issues may or may not arise. But since you have a pretty high percentage wolfdog, it is most likely these issues will happen. Now, these things usually won't happen until your pup reaches maturity and its adult temperament, but you still need to be on guard for them.
1. They are far more dominant than any domestic dog could ever hope to be. With a wolf, pack heirachy is everything. Domestic dogs, while they can be pushy, usually aren't out to take over your world. Wolfdogs are. If you read books on dog training, there are tips on how to deal with very dominant dogs: things such as going through doorways first, eating first, long downs, etc. You will need to these things with your pup from day one. Expect challenges to your authority throughout the life of your wolfdog, and don't ever back down.
2. Wolfdogs are shy and suspicious of strangers. Notice I didn't say aggressive. Wolves were not meant to socialize with strange wolves: they were meant to avoid them or defend their territory. Prepare to kennel your wolfdog when strangers are around, and don't encourage him to be social if he's obviously afraid.
3. Wolfdogs are famous for their ability to escape enclosures. A minimum fence for a wolfdog is 8 feet, with at least 2 feet buried. Check on the internet for more info-most wolfdog sites have large sections dedicated to secure containment for a wolfdog, and they're very helpful.
4. When you feed your wolfdog, do so in an area where nobody can interfere with him. Don't try to take anything food-related from him. With wolves, possession is 100% of the law. They won't try to steal food while you're eating, and they will expect you to give them the same respect. Wolfdogs are notorious for food aggression. If you try to take food or a bone from your wolfdog, you will get bitten. Mine bit my husband for that reason, before we knew any better.
5. Never, ever let your wolfdog bite anyone. If a dog bites someone, they are quarrentined and tested for rabies. If a wolfdog bites someone, they are usually euthanized, and their head is sent to a lab and tested for rabies. That is the policy in most states, last I heard. Extremely unfair, but true.
5. The Internet is your friend when dealing with wolfdogs, but be wary. Get your info from sites of wolfdog owners, not wolfdog breeders. I've learned that most breeder sites drastically downplay the wolf's temperament in an attempt to sell more pups. On the other hand, owner's sites, (like the wolfdog coalition) are far more likely to give you accurate information.
Good luck with your wolfdog. They are beautiful, noble animals. Take care of him, and please be ready to live with his real nature, instead of parading him around like a dog and trying to force him to be a dog. Make him an example of what a properly-cared wolfdog can be.
