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Location: london, UK
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 583
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Originally Posted by
aerolor
I do accept that wolves and dogs are different - evolution has moulded them so and they have been very successful (by this I mean time, adaptation, selection and breeding usually for a purpose desired by men). I do not know much about Czechs and Sarloos - I know that they are classified as dogs and are different "breeds" from each other. I understand that their "wolf" blood is much fresher than more established breeds and it is a very interesting subject, but I do not know if they are still, or should remain "betwixt and between" as you mention. I would prefer that they are dogs. I think you have chosen the more attractive breed with your Sarloos, although I am sure someone will disagree.
50,000 acres does not seem very much to have very many wolves in Scotland and I sincerely hope it does not happen.
You are right, history seems to have proved that man is incapable of treading lightly, but he is capable of thinking about what he is doing and the consequences. I myself have done my fair share of being greedy and exploiting for gain. (Gotta survive). Guilty yer 'onner !! - but I am going into rehab. to see if I can learn to modify it.
By the way it has been said that if the dog as a species were to return to the wild (and enough could survive long enough) it would take very few "dog" generations - only 8 or 10 I think, for them to turn, back into a "type" of wolf (albeit probably a funny looking one). What would it be feral dog or wolf ? - What do you think ? Should we try it up in Scotland - would it earn us a buck or two ? and would anyone be interested in paying to have a look at them ?
For Scotland; I think it's probable that Paul Lister, the owner of Alladale, has had a financial awakening of late and his plans to build a safari park of once native predators (wolves, bear, Lynx) is being looked at with caution. I was quite interested in the concept to start with, as it would be fairly unique but would wonder how well a bunch of predators could live together in the confines of a fenced park and suspect wildlife 'management' then becomes necessary. The re-introduction of wolves into the crowded British Isles is unlikely at best. My personal opinion is that we should concentrate of preventing the killing of wild wolves elsewhere in Europe rather than waste time with introduction. If the European countries would uphold the Bern Convention that they signed then that would be
huge progress.
As far as I am aware, studies indicate that dogs become feral but do not revert to wolves or wolf like behaviour: having made a genetic transition. Given enough time who knows how they would develop?
As for which is better a Czech or a Saarloos, I have heard all the arguments. I am a big fan of both breeds and was very tempted with a Czech pup when I first looked. I have no regrets on my choice though and they have taught me a lot, cost me a lot of money and lost me friends and meant I had to move house, but hey, I can't say life is dull with them around!