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During the last 30 years, a natural return of wolves has been recorded at local, national and international levels over several mountain ranges in the Alps and, more recently, in both hilly areas and plains in Europe. Accepting the natural return of wolves in human-dominated landscapes is a major challenge, especially in places where memories and experience of coexistence have been lost. After the success of the LIFE WolfAlps project, which ended in May 2018, the European Commission has approved and co-financed LIFE WolfAlps EU (2019-2024), a new project to support wolf--human coexistence at European and pan-Alpine scales. As the expansion of the wolf population knows no administrative boundaries, the presence of the species requires actions effective at local level to improve its coexistence with humans on an international scale. The new, international project works to support local communities in the prevention of wolf attacks, and decision makers in the adoption of the best possible solutions to improve management of wolves, thus improving public acceptance of their expanding distribution and populations, notwithstanding the potential risks. Concrete actions are being implemented to involve all stakeholders interested in and affected by the wolf's presence, in order to make human--wolf coexistence possible across borders, traditions and beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most canine tumors of the eyelid are tumors generally encountered in the skin. They are most commonly of epithelial origin and benign. In this report, we describe the cases of two sibling Czech wolfdogs presented, one year apart, with a subcutaneous mass involving the left eyelid. Both lesions were histologically consistent with a diagnosis of subcutaneous fibrosarcoma. Immunohistochemical analyses of the tumors revealed a mild positivity for vimentin and negativity for GFAP, desmin, αSMA, myoglobin, S100, PNL2 and calponin, excluding all differential diagnosis (i.e. peripheral nerve sheath tumor, melanoma, perivascular sarcoma, myofibroblastic sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma). To the best of author's knowledge, this is the first report of canine eyelid fibrosarcoma. Since this rare tumor has been observed in two full siblings, we could speculate the existence of some genetic predisposition to sarcoma, however the present data did not allow any definite conclusion on the etiopathogenesis or genetic basis of these tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a unique dog breed that originated from hybridization between German Shepherds and wild Carpathian wolves in the 1950s as a military experiment. This breed was used for guarding the Czechoslovakian borders during the cold war and is currently kept by civilian breeders all round the world. The aim of our study was to characterize, for the first time, the genetic composition of this breed in relation to its known source populations. We sequenced the hypervariable part of the mtDNA control region and genotyped the Amelogenin gene, four sex-linked microsatellites and 39 autosomal microsatellites in 79 Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, 20 German Shepherds and 28 Carpathian wolves. We performed a range of population genetic analyses based on both empirical and simulated data. Only two mtDNA and two Y-linked haplotypes were found in Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs. Both mtDNA haplotypes were of domestic origin, while only one of the Y-haplotypes was shared with German Shepherds and the other was unique to Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs. The observed inbreeding coefficient was low despite the small effective population size of the breed, possibly due to heterozygote advantages determined by introgression of wolf alleles. Moreover, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog genotypes were distinct from both parental populations, indicating the role of founder effect, drift and/or genetic hitchhiking. The results revealed the peculiar genetic composition of the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, showing a limited introgression of wolf alleles within a higher proportion of the dog genome, consistent with the reiterated backcrossing used in the pedigree. Artificial selection aiming to keep wolf-like phenotypes but dog-like behavior resulted in a distinctive genetic composition of Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, which provides a unique example to study the interactions between dog and wolf genomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed-species exhibits are becoming increasingly common in the captive management of a wide range of species. Systematic evaluations of enclosures consisting of multiple subspecies, however, are relatively infrequent. The aim of this study was to measure seasonal trends in aggressive behaviors within a captive pack of wolves and wolf-dog crosses in a sanctuary setting. The frequency of intrapack social behaviors occurring within scan-sampling intervals was recorded for wolves and wolf-dog crosses during autumn, winter, and spring (2008–2009). Both subspecies displayed distinct seasonal trends in aggression. Wolf-dog crosses exhibited overall higher levels of aggression than wolves, although these instances were mostly noncontact and no significant differences were observed in the relative frequencies of aggressive behaviors between subspecies during any season. These findings suggest that wolves and wolf-dog crosses may be housed successfully given continuous behavioral monitoring, and these findings represent the first empirical account of wolf-dog cross behavior directly compared to wolves. Future studies should be conducted with similar packs to determine if this dynamic is universal. Such research will aid in the development of management and welfare strategies for captive facilities that provide permanent residences for wolves and wolf-dog crosses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pituitary dwarfism in German Shepherd Dogs is associated with autosomal recessive inheritance and a mutation in LHX3, resulting in combined pituitary hormone deficiency. Congenital dwarfism also is encountered in breeds related to German Shepherd Dogs, such as Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs. Objectives To investigate whether Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdog dwarfs have the same LHX3 mutation as do Germans Shepherd Dog dwarfs. A specific aim was to determine the carrier frequency among Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs used for breeding. Animals Two client-owned Saarloos wolfdogs and 4 client-owned Czechoslovakian wolfdogs with pituitary dwarfism, 239 clinically healthy client-owned Saarloos wolfdogs, and 200 client-owned clinically healthy Czechoslovakian wolfdogs. Methods Genomic DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reaction ( PCR). In the Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdog dwarfs, PCR products were analyzed by sequencing. DNA fragment length analysis was performed on the samples from the clinically healthy dogs. Results Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdog dwarfs have the same 7 bp deletion in intron 5 of LHX3 as do German Shepherd Dog dwarfs. The frequency of carriers of this mutation among clinically healthy Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs used for breeding was 31% and 21%, respectively. Conclusions and Clinical Importance An LHX3 mutation is associated with pituitary dwarfism in Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs. The rather high frequency of carriers of the mutated gene in the 2 breeds emphasizes the need for screening before breeding. If all breeding animals were genetically tested for the presence of the LHX3 mutation and a correct breeding policy would be implemented, this disease could be eradicated completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization with domestic or alien species poses a threat to many species of wild fauna. However, hybridization is not explicitly addressed in the provisions of the principal international legal instruments on nature conservation. This article reviews the relevance, scope and substance of wildlife protection obligations under the Bern Convention on European Wildlife and Natural Habitats and the European Union's Habitats Directive with respect to this issue. The problem of wolf-dog hybridization is singled out as a case study. The article concludes that addressing hybridization through preventive and mitigation measures is in conformity with the obligations of States under the Convention and the Directive, and may indeed be essential in order to comply with these obligations. In the wolf-dog context, this includes dealing with feral and stray dogs and captive hybrids, and removing hybrid animals from the wild. At the same time, it appears that the national prohibitions on the killing and capturing of wolves and other strictly protected species, as prescribed by the Convention and the Directive, also cover free-ranging wolf-dog hybrids and similar hybrids living in the wild. This entails that the removal of such hybrid animals from the wild is subject to the rules concerning derogations from strict protection. These rules, however, do not appear to stand in the way of such removal. The article's central recommendation is for the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention and the European Commission to adopt express guidance concerning hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We reviewed the various and complex interactions between wolves and dogs. [•] Our goal is to assess the potential impact of dogs on wolf populations. [•] Dogs can have both positive and negative effects on wolf conservation. [•] There is a strong need for more research on direct/indirect impacts of dogs on wolves. [•] Management of wolf–dog relationships implies a societal approach on boundaries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hybridization and introgression can impact the evolution of natural populations. Several wild canid species hybridize in nature, sometimes originating new taxa. However, hybridization with free-ranging dogs is threatening the genetic integrity of grey wolf populations (Canis lupus), or even the survival of endangered species (e.g., the Ethiopian wolf C. simensis). Efficient molecular tools to assess hybridization rates are essential in wolf conservation strategies. We evaluated the power of biparental and uniparental markers (39 autosomal and 4 Y-linked microsatellites, a melanistic deletion at the β-defensin CBD103 gene, the hypervariable domain of the mtDNA control-region) to identify the multilocus admixture patterns in wolf x dog hybrids. We used empirical data from 2 hybrid groups with different histories: 30 presumptive natural hybrids from Italy and 73 Czechoslovakian wolfdogs of known hybrid origin, as well as simulated data. We assessed the efficiency of various marker combinations and reference samples in admixture analyses using 69 dogs of different breeds and 99 wolves from Italy, Balkans and Carpathian Mountains. Results confirmed the occurrence of hybrids in Italy, some of them showing anomalous phenotypic traits and exogenous mtDNA or Y-chromosome introgression. Hybridization was mostly attributable to village dogs and not strictly patrilineal. The melanistic β-defensin deletion was found only in Italian dogs and in putative hybrids. The 24 most divergent microsatellites (largest wolf-dog FST values) were equally or more informative than the entire panel of 39 loci. A smaller panel of 12 microsatellites increased risks to identify false admixed individuals. The frequency of F1 and F2 was lower than backcrosses or introgressed individuals, suggesting hybridization already occurred some generations in the past, during early phases of wolf expansion from their historical core areas. Empirical and simulated data indicated the identification of the past generation backcrosses is always uncertain, and a larger number of ancestry-informative markers is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to estimate basic population parameters and compare resolution capabilities of two chosen STR panels (Mini-DogFiler, MDF; "ASCH"). Wolf´s like dog breeds, namely Czechoslovakian wolfdog (n = 55), Saarloos wolfdog (n = 22), and samples of the Eurasian wolf (n = 21) were selected for their close genetic relationship. Also, German Shepherd (n = 26) breed was included as a donor of dog genome for the Czechoslovakian wolfdog. Overall 228 alleles were detected using 20 STR markers (MDF 11 and "ASCH" 9 loci). Number of alleles ranged from 3 to 23 per locus, with median 11 alleles per locus for MDF and 10 for "ASCH". Both panels showed similar level of variability in the means of number of alleles per locus (k) and observed heterozygostity (H O) as there were not found statistically significant differences (Mann-Whithey U -test; p = 0.85 for k, p = 0.88 for H O). A group of wolves showed the highest variability unlike Saarloos wolfdog with very low variability within all measured parameters, although such differences were statistically significant only for k parameter of MDF panel (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA; p = 0.0003) and no other groups were different. Both microsatellite panels were able correctly distinguish 3 dog breeds and wolfs as was verified by STRUCTURE programme and several potential hybrids were identified. Moreover, this pilot analysis amenable creation of allelic ladders for MDF and "ASCH" panels and thus ensure consistency and reliability of future study with extended number of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a research on Canis lupus subspecies. According to the research, 13 subspecies of C. lupus have been found in Himalaya Mountains which do not have any taxonomic relation with each other. It further states that the subspecies found are the lineage of the wolf-dog clan and they have some different upgraded characteristics than present wolf varieties.

Presents a reprint of a response made by author Jack London to the criticisms against him by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, published in the September 3, 1908 issue of "Collier's Weekly." Opinion on how the difference of their opinion regarding the relative fighting merits of a bulldog and a wolf dog makes him a nature fakir and Roosevelt a vindicated and triumphant scientist; Comments from London on Roosevelt's understanding of evolution.

The article reports on the reintroduction of grey wolves in the western part of the U.S. Grey wolves in the area have a population of 5,000. These wolves often kill livestocks. As a consequence of this, some wolves are shot by ranchers and government animal control officers. However, the benefits of shooting wolves are short-lived, as it does not deter other wolves from killing livestock in subsequent years. According to researchers, it is cheaper to reimburse farmers for lost livestock than to kill grey wolves.