Keeping wolf-dog hybrids as pets has become extremely controversial, but for better or worse, they have been growing more and more in popularity. But one of the most common concerns is legality. Are wolf-dog hybrids legal to own?
One of the more recent sparks in the wolf-dog hybrid conversation is thanks to the Blue Bay Shepherd. A gorgeous-looking blue wolfdog with both German shepherd and Eastern Timber Wolf blood.
Due to their wolf ancestry and because they aren’t a recognized breed, I often get asked whether or not it would be legal to own one. Sadly it’s not a totally straightforward answer.
Are Wolf-Dogs Illegal?
The answer depends on where you live. In most states, owning a wolf dog is not illegal, but some states require an owner to get a permit, while others have outright banned wolf dog ownership.
Below, we have a list of all 50 states in alphabetical order and whether or not it’s legal to own a wolf-dog there. Keep in mind that this information can change at any time if laws are amended or new ones pass.
So if you are interested in owning a wolf dog, make sure you check your state code at the time, as well as city or county codes, as sometimes they will have their own bans.
| State | Wolf-Dog Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Legal |
| Alaska | Illegal (Grandfathered in) |
| Arizona | Legal |
| Arkansas | Legal (Regulated) |
| California | Restricted |
| Colorado | Legal |
| Connecticut | Illegal |
| Delaware | Regulated |
| District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) | Illegal |
| Florida | Regulated |
| Georgia | Illegal (Grandfathered in) |
| Hawaii | Illegal |
| Idaho | Legal |
| Illinois | Illegal |
| Indiana | Regulated |
| Iowa | Legal |
| Kansas | Regulated |
| Kentucky | Illegal |
| Louisiana | Illegal |
| Maine | Regulated |
| Maryland | Illegal |
| Massachusetts | Illegal |
| Michigan | Illegal (Grandfathered in) |
| Minnesota | Regulated |
| Mississippi | Illegal |
| Missouri | Regulated |
| Montana | Legal |
| Nebraska | Legal |
| Nevada | Legal |
| New Hampshire | Legal |
| New Jersey | Legal |
| New Mexico | Legal |
| New York | Illegal |
| North Carolina | Legal |
| North Dakota | Legal |
| Ohio | Legal |
| Oklahoma | Legal |
| Oregon | Legal |
| Pennsylvania | Restricted |
| Rhode Island | Illegal |
| South Carolina | Legal |
| South Dakota | Regulated |
| Tennessee | Legal (With Permit) |
| Texas | Restricted |
| Utah | Legal |
| Vermont | Regulated |
| Virginia | Regulated |
| Washington | Legal |
| West Virginia | Legal |
| Wisconsin | Legal |
| Wyoming | Illegal |
Can Cities Have Different Rules Than the State?
Yes, they can, but it’s strictly one-sided. If your state has outlawed ownership of wolfdogs, then no city within that state can pass a law allowing them. But if the state does not regulate or restrict owning a wolfdog, then cities, counties, and other jurisdictions within the state can pass their own laws banning wolfdogs.
For example, it is legal to own a wolf-dog hybrid in Colorado, but up until 2022, they were illegal within Aurora city limits.
Similarly, county-wide bans are also sometimes enacted. Wisconsin state has no rules restricting wolf dogs, but Lacrosse County does.
Before adopting a wolf hybrid, be sure to check your state laws as well as your city laws or those of an area you plan to move to. For additional safety, contact a local attorney, and they should be able to help you navigate the rules, if any.
Do Wolf-Dog Hybrids Make Good Pets
Like any dog, it depends on the individual. Wolf dogs can make excellent, loyal pets if properly trained and socialized. They tend to have a more instinctual nature than other domesticated breeds, so they do need a strong leader capable of handling them.
If you have no experience handling dogs, especially bigger dogs, I don’t suggest starting with a wolf hybrid.
