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Three large canines discovered wandering the streets of Preston, Lancashire, just before Halloween, have been confirmed as wolf-dogs after DNA testing by specialists. Initially believed to be a German Shepherd-type breed by the local council, the dogs’ distinct wolf-like appearance captured widespread attention online. The siblings, named Little Timmy, Boo, and Brooke, were rescued and transferred to Wolves of Wiltshire, an animal charity that specializes in the care of exotic breeds, where their hybrid status was officially verified.
Oli Barrington, a trustee at Wolves of Wiltshire, shared that the three wolf-dogs were found in a severely emaciated condition but are now “comfortable, safe and recovering from the ordeal.” The Preston City Council explained that their kennelling contractor had initially identified the dogs based on physical characteristics without performing DNA analysis. This lack of genetic testing meant the council only cared for the animals during a short statutory period before passing them to rescue organizations. Meanwhile, social media platforms have seen millions of views on videos featuring the dogs and their DNA test results.
Wolf-dogs are hybrids created by breeding domestic dogs with wolves, and in the UK, ownership laws depend on how many generations removed they are from the original wolf ancestor. According to the PDSA, only wolf-dogs three generations or more away from a wolf can be kept legally without a license, whereas first and second generation hybrids require special licensing as exotic animals. Barrington explained that Wolves of Wiltshire holds specific licenses to care for these hybrids, since their needs and potential danger levels are not fully known. He noted that the DNA tests showed the pups were almost half Gray Wolf (49.1%) and half Czechoslovakian Vlcak (50.9%), a dog breed that contributes to their hybrid status.
Concerns have been raised about the legal framework, which focuses on generational distance from wolves rather than the actual percentage of wolf DNA in the animals. Barrington criticized this approach, highlighting that irresponsible breeders can produce high-content wolf-dogs that remain legal on paper but are exceptionally challenging to care for properly. The RSPCA echoed this caution, emphasizing that wolf-dogs are large and demanding animals requiring handlers with significant experience in both dogs and wolves. They warned these animals do not make suitable family pets and urged potential owners to be aware of legal restrictions. Nonetheless, some dedicated members of the wolf-dog community, such as Laura Mackenzie-Hawkins from Greater Manchester, successfully provide appropriate care. She owns four wolf-dogs and a rescued Belgian Malinois, managing their needs through constant supervision and suitable home adaptations. As she explained, keeping wolf-dogs safe is a serious responsibility, especially given the public’s fearful reaction to their wolf-like appearance
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