The issue of wolfdog ownership has been growing in the past couple decades and is reaching all time highs.

Due to the complicated process of determining the accurate genetics and the lack of regulation in the wolfdog breeding markets, it is difficult to get accurate statistics on the issue. So, all figures are conservative estimates; the real numbers are likely higher.
Here are some rough facts and figures to illustrate the scale of the issue:
- There are at least 250,000 to 500,000 wolf dogs in US, although this number is likely higher.
- 200,000 wolfdogs are euthanized each year
- 65% of pet wolfdogs need to be rescued or euthanized before the age of three
The Source of the Problem
It all comes down to supply and demand.
Due to the viral nature of wolfdog content on social media, millions of people see wolfdogs online, and many go out and impulsively buy one without doing proper research.
As the demand for wolfdogs grows, more uneducated buyers enter the market. These new potential owners are unaware of the specific behavioral challenges associated with wolfdogs.
Responding to the increased demand created by social media, backyard breeders and unregulated facilities begin to breed more wolfdogs for profit, often prioritizing quantity over quality and profit over animal welfare.
As a result, there’s a surge in wolfdogs with high wolf content, unpredictable behavior, and genetic issues due to inbreeding or poor breeding practices. This of course only makes the problem worse because these animals are even less likely to be successful as pets.

Wolfdog sanctuaries, which provide care and space for animals that can no longer stay with their owners, are often overwhelmed and at full capacity.
As the breeding and abandonment of wolfdogs increases, the number of wolfdogs needing rescue outpaces the number of spaces available in sanctuaries.
With most sanctuaries running on limited resources and funding, they simply can’t accommodate the volume of wolfdogs in need. Because of this, many wolfdogs that can no longer be cared for by their owners have nowhere to go.
This leads to an increase in animals being abandoned in the wild, where they are unlikely to survive, or brought to animal shelters that may not be equipped to handle their unique needs.
In some cases, the only option left is euthanasia, particularly for wolfdogs with high wolf content that exhibit dangerous or destructive behaviors.
The Cycle
As wolfdogs are continually glamorized on social media, the demand for these animals increases. More breeders enter the market, capitalizing on uneducated buyers who are unaware of what they’re getting into.
When these animals are surrendered or abandoned due to behavioral issues, it puts more strain on sanctuaries, which cannot keep up with the rising need.
This cycle perpetuates the problem, as the availability of wolfdogs increases and more unprepared people become owners, leading to the same tragic outcomes—abandonment, euthanasia, or life in inadequate conditions.
This cycle is driven by social media, profit-driven breeding, and a lack of understanding, but by addressing each part of the chain, the situation can be improved to prevent further suffering for both wolfdogs and their owners.