FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are serious about the lives we bring into this world.
We place equal priorities on health and temperament. The look of the dog never takes precedence over these core priorites, which is why the colour and type of the breed may take longer to develop. We are in no rush and are patient in our breeding goals because we do it the right way.
Important: Please read up on The Lykos Wolfalike Council of Australia's "Frequently Asked Questions" page here.
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WHY THE LYKOS?
Being involved in purebreds for such a long time, I developed my blood lines up to a excellent international standard, where I am satisified that little needs to be done in their improvement. I am a firm believer that each litter bred should be a serious attempt to improve type, health and temperament. I do not beleive in breeding puppies for the sake of it, nor ever for money (trust me, if you breed the right way, you don't make money!), so I have no burning desire to regularly produce litters when there is nothing equally good enough to breed them to. I beleive in breeding fowards, not backwards.
After learning about the other breeds in development overseas, such as the Northern Inuit, British Timber Dog and Utonagan, I knew that I would love to have one myself.
There are certain breeds in Australia that are not recognised or registered that have been imported from overseas that resemble a wolf type of dog, but after investigation and first hand experience with them, I was not satisfied with their temperaments and ability to fit into the average family as a stable companion. These breeds are also are known to be illegal in Australia.
One of these breeds was a Czech Wolf Dog (Kita, pictured above in 1st and 3rd photo and below). She was a lovely young girl with a very sweet nature, but extremely high energy (rare for her to sit still for 2 seconds- the photo below was the only time she rested for 2 minutes), severe separation anxiety (screamed when I left the room) and she could not be left in a backyard with high fences (attended or unattended!). Within 10 seconds of being outside, she tried to jump our 6 foot fence - and would have succeeded if I hadn't grabbed on the way over! Kita was then transferred to a facility in QLD who was very experienced in her breed. Not a breed I would recommend for the average family home. Her breeder had imported her parents and was vastly inexperienced according to reports. When I found Kita, she had 2 other siblings up for rehoming in different parts of Australia, due to their level of difficultly for a family home without a fully fenced secure enclosure. Backyard breeders are inbreeding dogs from this breeder, with no health testing and selling them for $8000!
I had the offer of including Kita in my breeding program, but felt very strongly that her behaviour traits would not be a positive inclusion to the Lykos breed.
The wolfy looking breeds that I know of have reported to have very skittish temperaments, unreliable recalls, separation anxiety and not the best health results. This is not something I wish to see in the Lykos. I believe these other breeds need full-time companionship and owners needs to be very experienced in canine and wolf content behaviour. Not something really suitable for a family pet. People should not just purchase pets for their "look", but make sure priority is put on health and temperament that suits their lifestyle.
It is my aim to breed dogs of fantastic temperament and health, suitable for a companion/family dog, using only the soundest and suitable breeds possible in body and mind.
ACTIVITIES/TRAINING
I feel that it is important for all dogs to experience a great life, with regular fun activities and outings. Dogs should be reliable in their obedience, friendly companions that fit well into the wider community.
Over the years, I have owned and bred dogs that excelled in conformation showing as well as working ability. At the end of the day, most people will agree, that the most important thing is that the dog have a great temperament suited for the family lifestyle. At the end of a dog's journey here on earth, one does not first remember the show ribbons or titles a dog attains - it's their temperament and companionship that makes the deepest mark on our hearts.
Obviously, a well behaved pet only comes from a) the right genetics and b) the right upbringing and training.
It's the breeder's job to select the right genetics and raise their puppies with lots of love, care, handling and positive experiences with different people. Then, it's over to the new owner to create a good environment and routine for the dog, with proper training. For me, these things are the bare basics.
RECOGNITION
Being involved in the recognition of the other Australian breeds, I am well versed in how the canine bodies work and the requirements for the recognition of a new breed. Our main focus at the moment is to develop the breed, which if done carefully will take a long time, but if all goes well, and there are other breeders doing the right thing and the breed's numbers are sufficient, recognition shall be achieved for in the distant future when the appropriate requirements are fulfilled.
BREEDING ETHICS
We are passionate about dogs, their husbandry, correct training methods and general care. We are dedicated to helping others and will always provide advice to those asking for it.
We breed for the right reasons and select dogs very carefully and after long consideration and investigation into their health, behaviour and genetics and only after they have proven themselves via diagnostic testing.
Our homebred girl, Neva (Lykosia Asena Dawn)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Important: Please read up on the Lykos Wolfalike Council of Australia's Frequently Asked Questions page here.
Do you take reservations for future litters?
Sorry, no we don't. We tried this for many years, but found that when we did have a litter and contacted people, they had found a puppy elsewhere. If you are interested in a litter, please enquire at the time the litter is announced. Please keep updated out on our website or Facebook page.
How common is this breed?
The Lykos Wolfalike breed is still fairly small in numbers due to it being in the early stages of its development. Once the breed has become more developed and achieved the requirements needed to have it formally recognised, the aim is to become a recognised and registered breed with a canine authority.
What is your policy for selling a breeding dog?
There may be an occasional opportunity where we sell a puppy under co-ownership under breeding/possible future breeding terms. This procedure is explained in our Puppy Sale Agreement which is a legal document. You can only obtain this agreement if you are genuinely interested in purchasing a puppy and fill out our online Puppy Application. The puppy can only be bred under our express permission and supervision for our Lykos breeding program.
The Lykos Wolfalike breeding program is done with rigorous health testing with a focus on temperament and desirable traits. The breed is governed by an official incorporated association (Lykos Wolfalike Council of Australia Inc - LWCA), which is associated with the Victorian Government, under a formal, legal structure.