I think I started this controversy, and after reading some of these posts, I first decided not to respond, because I am not trying to raise anyone's hackles, I also believe that we can learn from each other SO much, and there is no room for bickering, etc.
However, I decided I would like to add a few words here, because I think there are too many generalities--I hate generalities, they're never accurate.
I think the question was asked, why a wolf anyway? Well, I wouldn't have a pure wolf. They are wild animals and should live where they were meant to live, I don't even like to see them in zoos. Yes, they can be trusted when they accept you as a pack member, but you have to really understand the dynamics of a wolf pack, and understand all the postering, true canine behavior, etc. A number of people have done that, with one man actually living in the wild with them. They are affectionate, loyal, intelligent, and their family structure has actually been studied to further understand human dynamics.
The canines I have posted about have been wolf/GSD crosses, with the lowest wolf content of mine being 50%. Also, I have never had over 75%--I have other responsibilities, and would not have had the time to devote--that would be a full time vocation.
In one of my posts I pointed out that I did not, and would not, debate the issue of breeding dogs to wolves. They can be bred, and the resulting offspring are NOT hybrids (hybrids are almost always sterile--mules, for example). In fact, the DNA between a dog and a wolf is so close that examining DNA of a wolf dog cannot tell you whether it does or does not carry wolf blood, it will only tell you who the mother and father are if you have their DNA. The head of our animal control, in a casual conversation with me a few years ago (not because there was ever a problem with my animals) pointed out that, yes, there were lots of good people who were responsible caretakers for wolfdogs. But the fact that we purchased them from breeders encouraged irresponsible breeders, those who sold puppies to just anyone, regardless whether they could offer a good, responsible and caring home. I couldn't offer an argument to that, although the same can be said for any large, aggressive dog breed, we see rescues and shelters full of them.
His comment did make me think, however, and the last wolf shepherd I opened my home to was a rescue.
Why do we love them as we do? Contrary to what some have posted here (and I speak from personal experience) they ARE deeply loyal, they love children they are raised with (with proper supervision, just like with any large breed), they are extremely intelligent and affectionate. No, they are not always obedient, they are not always protective (it's often like, "umm, you're the alpha, I think you should handle this, let me get behind you..."), they require a LOT of time and attention, you aren't going to get many get-away vacations--but there are humans who make sacrifices to enjoy the privilege of sharing their lives with these animals. No, they are not for everyone, but neither are GSDs, pit bulls, rotties, dobies, mastiffs, malamutes, malinois, huskies--the list could go on.
So, for the sake of being peaceful, I won't post anything more about the wolf shepherds who shared my life in the past, and I will happily sit back and learn more here about the care and training of my favorite dog breed, the working line GSD. (Sorry for the length of this post!)
Susan