At last I received a reply from the author. It goes like this:
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I had a look at the web site. It is a good site, and they are very nice looking dogs, but at this point in their development, I saw nothing to change my mind regarding working ability. I found no advanced working titles. The bitework was adequate, but not impressive, although still pictures can be deceiving. The obedience did not show a lot of good attention work, although this can be just training. The working dog fraternity is very quick to utilize dogs with real talent, and so far no, or very few, Czech Wolfdogs have been competitive, as far as I know, at the top levels of sport. Nor are they making serious inroads in service. The Czech bred German shepherd is one of the most popular service dogs in the world because there is a large market demanding good dogs. The Malinois was very uncommon in North American only a few years ago, but its working ability was quickly recognized around the world. I have yet to see a Wolfdog in North America in any service capacity.
If Wolfdog breeders seriously want to produce working dogs, they need to select more on the basis of ability and less on looks. Bring in top trainers for seminars. Get involved in DVG and compete with the best dogs, not just each other. These are nice dogs, and it would be good to see them on the podium, and working in the mainstream. In the meantime, they simply do not rank anywhere near the GSD, and my comments stand.
As far as crossing dogs with wolves, I assume the crossing in CW was many generations ago, and is no longer being done. In that case the wolf influence can be muted, although a trainer friend who has seen these dogs observed quite a bit of skittishness. The wolf is not a good cross if you want a working dog, as the nerves, pack drive and dominance can all be adversely affected. It’s hard enough to breed stable temperament in dogs, without bringing in the skittishness of wolves. If you want a good working dog you have to select for the dog characteristics, and away from the wolf temperament. Physically, it can be an advantageous cross, if your dog lines have problems. Strong dog families have no need of “improvement” with wolves. I remain of the opinion that crossing wolves with dogs is not a good idea, especially if you want working dogs. Better to breed top working dogs and go from there.
Regards
Linda Shaw
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Per Olav
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