Even the name of this mixed breed sounds mysterious and ethereal. In reality, not much is known about the Lycan Shepherd. If you want to expand your knowledge, we have got you covered. Here is a compilation of what is currently known about this dog and what you can expect:
What is a Lycan Shepherd Dog?
The first thing to be aware of is that the Lycan Shepherd dog is an emerging crossbreed. Unlike most other mixed breeds, this potential dog is a combination of a working line German Shepherd, Blue Bay Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois.
The goal of breeders when it comes to breeding the Lycan Shepherd is to create a dog with high intelligence, superior physical capabilities, and a good work ethic. The wolfish appearance of this crossbreed is also a plus point.
As this crossbreed is still being perfected, its physical and temperamental tendencies remain little-known. Due to this, there is plenty of speculation when it comes to what the Lycan Shepherd might be like. It is important to take the following estimates with a grain of salt.
What Should You Know About the Blue Bay Shepherd?
One reason that so little is known about the Lycan Shepherd is due to its parent breed – the Blue Bay Shepherd. Not much is known about this dog because it is a mixed breed as well. On top of this, the Blue Bay Shepherd has only existed for about a decade.
The Blue Bay Shepherd is a mix of an Old Blue German Shepherd from a working line and an Eastern Timber Wolf.
Old German Shepherds are remnants of the older generations of German Shepherds. They are large dogs with square physiques. They lack many of the physical characteristics found in German Shepherd show lines. These dogs also have a very rare blue coat color gene.
As for the wolves, only F6 generation wolf dogs were involved in the breeding program. It does mean that the average Blue Bay Shepherd can have as much as 12 to 16 percent of wolf DNA.
The wolf DNA, in combination with the fact that this breeding program is quite new, means that there is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the Blue Bay Shepherd.
It’s not just the potential versatility with physical characteristics, however. There is concern regarding how aggressive this mixed breed can be, given their wolf DNA. As the mixed breed is still being “tweaked”, they aren’t recognized by the AKC either.
What are Some of the Potential Basic Traits of a Lycan Shepherd?
- Height: 22 – 25 inches
- Weight: 55 – 80lbs
- Coat: Double coat
- Good for First-Time Owners: No
- Preferred Climate: Moderate to cold
- Trainability: Moderate to high
Will a Lycan Shepherd Resemble a Wolfdog?
One of the main reasons why Lycan Shepherds are bred is due to their wolf-like appearance. On this note, will all Lycan Shepherds resemble wolves or at least wolfdogs?
As mentioned, this breed is too new to make any claims. The Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd do look alike and are often mistaken for one another. These physical genes may be more dominant. It is just as likely that a puppy will resemble a wolf-like Blue Bay Shepherd, though.
In terms of size and physique, these dogs will be smaller than German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois. You can expect them to have a rangier physique, possibly narrower and leaner. Their fluffy coat may hide this smaller frame, though.
It is almost certain that these dogs will have a thick, double coat. Their fur is likely to be longer as well. Depending on how careful the breeder was, it is a guarantee that this dog will have dark blue, almost black fur.
Are Lycan Shepherds Good for First-Time Owners?
No, the dogs aren’t suitable for first-time owners. For one there is too much uncertainty regarding the temperament and behavior of the dog. As such, you need a seasoned owner who can adapt their tactics to suit the nature of the dog.
To add to this, the pups aren’t easy to take care of. They can have a dominant nature and you will need to know how to circumvent this at a young age. If you fail to do this, you may find a stubborn and misbehaving Lycan Shepherd on your hands.
These dogs may require special attention when it comes to their diet and physical activity requirements. Once again, a long-time dog owner will be better equipped to figure out.
Can Lycan Shepherds Be Around Children?
Lycan Shepherds are bred to have a more gentle nature. Most breeders actively try to get rid of any aggressive qualities associated with wolves. This is why they choose Blue Bay Shepherds with less wolf DNA.
The goal is to allow the gentleness and loving qualities of the German Shepherd to become forefront.
Despite this objective, the Lycan Shepherd breeding program is too new to provide guarantees. Some of these dogs may be great around kids while others may not put up with them well. Be mindful of the fact that, in general, children should be watched while they’re around any dog.
Will Lycan Shepherds Get Along With Other Dogs?
This is an interesting point to consider. On the one hand, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois don’t always work well with other dogs. With proper socialization, though, they can learn to get along with pups.
Blue Bay Shepherds are pack animals by instinct. They work well with other dogs and can even thrive in their presence. It is not certain which of these traits that the Lycan Shepherd will pick up. With proper introduction or training, this crossbreed should get along with other dogs.
Are Lycan Shepherds Healthier Than Other Breeds?
It is a well-known fact that mixed breeds tend to be healthier than purebred dogs. This is because when one dog has the genetic makeup of two different breeds, there is a lower chance of them inheriting certain genetic disorders.
Considering this logic, a dog made up of three separate breeds may even be stronger. This is due to one of the parent breeds having wolf DNA. Is this the case with the Lycan Shepherd?
Be aware that although many people believe wolves to be healthier than domestic dogs, this isn’t the case. A wolf is just as capable of developing the same health issues as a dog, but the risk may be lower due to lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors.
This means that if a dog with wolf DNA is raised in domestic conditions, these protections may also fade. As such, a Lycan Shepherd may have a lower risk of developing certain diseases than all mixed breeds, but they may still suffer from:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies
- Eye conditions
It’s only by individually testing each parent breed and testing a Lycan Shepherd puppy that you can know for certain just how healthy a particular dog is.
You will also need to be mindful of the fact that a Lycan Shepherd can suffer from non-genetic conditions. A proper diet, enough exercise, proper care, and a good vet can help improve their general wellbeing.
Will a Lycan Shepherd Live Longer Than Other Dogs?
There is a question mark regarding this factor as well. On average, a German Shepherd Belgian Malinois mix may live between 11 to 14 years. Breeders are not certain of how long a Blue Bay Shepherd can live, though.
The first certified litter of Blue Bay Shepherds was only delivered in 2011. This makes the oldest dogs just a decade old and it is difficult to be sure of how long they can live. To add to this, this is a small sample size and you can’t draw definite conclusions from them.
What Type of Food Do Lycan Shepherds Eat?
You will need to discuss a Lycan Shepherd’s diet with a vet. Domestic dogs have evolved to eat an omnivorous diet, while wolves will only eat meat. Due to this, you may need to feed a Lycan Shepherd a dog food with higher protein content.
It is important to choose high-quality dog food with quality food sources. There should be no fillers or preservatives as these can cause issues with the dog’s digestive system.
Do Lycan Shepherds Need a Lot of Physical Activity?
In general, these dogs are high-energy. They can also cross great distances. As a result, this crossbreed will need a lot of exercise each day.
It can be difficult to ascertain but you should assume that a Lycan Shepherd may need between an hour and two hours of moderate exercise. This can vary from one dog to another. You will have to find out how much a particular dog needs through trial and error.
For instance, you can start by providing your dog with an hour of brisk exercise. If they still appear to have lots of energy, you can slowly increase it. A well-exercised dog should be calm but not overly tired.
Do Lycan Shepherds Require Special Grooming?
The one thing you can guarantee is that your dog will have a thick, shaggy coat. They will also shed quite a bit – probably all year round. They may blow their coat a few seasons a year as well, with the shedding intensifying during this period.
Despite this, a Lycan Shepherd doesn’t require any special grooming. Just remember to brush them regularly. Three times a week should be enough. When the shedding season arrives, you may want to increase the brushing sessions to one a day.
As for bathing, remember that less is more. You should aim to only bathe this crossbreed a few times a year or when they are very dirty. Any more than this and you risk over-drying their skin and coat.
How Easy Is It To Train a Lycan Shepherd?
Lycan Shepherds have been bred to be as trainable as possible. To add to this, the dogs may have a strong work ethic and might enjoy being trained, especially as it offers them mental stimulation.
In this instance, the wolf instincts can make your dog better at various tasks and commands. Due to their independent streaks, wolves tend to be better problem-solvers. They may also work harder to get to a particular solution.
That being said, these dogs can be quite stubborn as well. You will have to first establish dominance before they can be trained to do what you want.
Can Lycan Shepherds Live in Any Type of Housing?
It is best to have these dogs in medium-sized homes that have a backyard. Not only does this crossbreed need more exercise than usual, but they may also have a greater need to walk around in fresh air.
You should also be aware that some apartment complexes may not accept Lycan Shepherds. They do look a great deal like wolves and will not be registered by any kennel clubs.
Is It Easy to Find a Lycan Shepherd Breeder?
It is best to wait a few more years if you want to get a Lycan Shepherd. This crossbreed is still emerging and there are many health and behavioral kinks that need to be worked out.
Also, be aware that you need to be careful with any breeder that claims to have a Lycan Shepherd for sale. It is not that easy to find Blue Bay Shepherds. Currently, there is only a single, legitimate source.
What’s more, some breeders that try to breed Lycan Shepherds may not be paying close attention to the health and genetic background of this dog. This can put you at greater risk of getting a sick dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions:
Can You Get a Lycan Shepherd?
This is a new and rare breed and it is unlikely that you will be able to get one just yet.
What Does a Lycan Shepherd Look Like?
This dog looks a lot like a wolf, although they can also have strong German Shepherd genes.
How Much is a Lycan Shepherd?
These puppies can cost between $3,000 and $5,000 depending on the breeder and availability.
This is what you need to know about this brand-new crossbreed. The Lycan Shepherd is a fascinating dog and there is still so much to learn about them. It is unclear what future developments will reveal, however. Just know that it might take some time before you can adopt one for yourself.