After publishing the findings of his 100-pound dog’s DNA test, which showed that he is in fact partially wolf, a TikToker went viral.
After several viewers questioned if his pet was indeed a wolfdog, Patrick Fitzgerald, who goes by @patrick.fitzgerald1 on TikTok, shared the results of his 2-year-old “big boy”‘s DNA test. Fitzgerald responded to naysayers in a now-viral video that has received over 7.4 million views.
Before disclosing the DNA findings, he added in the video, “For all the TikTok experts who have let me know what he is…” There are a staggering 52.6 percent gray wolves, 17.6 percent German shepherds, 21.4 percent Alaskan Malamute, and 8.4 percent Siberian huskies.
Fitzgerald affirmed, “He’s a mid content wolfdog,” and sent some cute video of the big puppy.
People posted their thoughts in the comments section as the video went viral, conclusively demonstrating that the 2-year-old canine was part wolf.
“That 8 perfect husky keeping you alive,” jokingly said one commenter.
Someone more commented: “Anyone saying this isn’t a wolf shows that humans have lost some of our basic survival instincts.”
“That’s a high content wolfdog if I ever saw one. Wow. Gorgeous doggo,” another person commented.
Some people used the occasion to draw attention to the responsibilities that comes with being a wolfdog owner.
“PSA warning: while wolfdogs look really cool, they are NOT for the normal person! Do NOT get a wolfdog without doing the proper research,” stated Mackaylah Waibel. Fitzgerald himself replied: “That is very true, most people are unqualified for even a normal dog.”
In several US states, wolfdogs like Fitzgerald’s are considered to be in a legal gray area. It is strictly forbidden to own a wolfdog in several states, such as Alaska and New York.
Others, such as Florida, permit ownership under very specific guidelines. However, states like Nebraska don’t have any particular regulations on the subject.
Although owning a wolfdog is not illegal under federal law, owners frequently become perplexed by the varying state laws, which may lead to the animals being placed in sanctuaries rather than homes.
Although they need special care, experts suggest wolfdogs are not inherently more hazardous than domestic dogs.
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“Wolf dogs are more timid with people, and can be very shy and/or nervous,” said Jo Sellers, a dog trainer and founder of Pippin Pets Dog Training stated. “They are professionals at escaping and often display separation anxiety, which results in destruction around the home.”
Regarding Fitzgerald’s wolfdog, it appears that the internet has finally come to embrace him for who he is: not simply a lovely cross between a dog and a wild animal, but as one commentator put it, “100 percent Good Boy.”
