A Secret Breeding Revealed!
By Jennifer Stoeckl, MAT - Dire Wolf Project CEO, Jan. 27, 2025
In the quiet chill of late December 2023, a secret breeding took place, cloaked in mystery and curiosity.
This pairing wasn't born out of the usual celebratory announcements or community discussions.
Instead, it was guided by a scientific purpose—a desire to better understand an unusual behavior witnessed in one of our American Dirus dogs, Max.
Max was different.
Unlike the highly submissive nature typical of our dogs, Max displayed dominant behaviors that were out of character for the breed.
His actions raised questions:
Was this newfound trait hereditary?
OR
Was it a learned behavior shaped by circumstance?
To answer this, I decided to undertake a discreet experiment.
Max was bred to Opal, a sturdy and intelligent 50/50 Lab/Shepherd cross.
This pairing was carefully chosen, not only to explore Max's genetic influence but also to produce farm-ready puppies well-suited to the active, outdoor-loving families in our local community.
Without any public announcements, the litter was born on Christmas Day—a secret gift wrapped in snowy silence.
We named the puppies the Reindeer Litter, in honor of the holiday, and each of the eight pups carried a name reflecting Santa's legendary sleigh team:
- Dasher,
- Dancer,
- Prancer,
- Vixen,
- Comet,
- Cupid,
- Donner,
- Blitzen.
As the puppies grew, it became clear that none exhibited the dominant behaviors Max had shown.
No food aggression.
No pushy attitudes.
Instead, they mirrored the typical submissive, easygoing nature of their Lab and Shepherd lineage.
The conclusion was clear—Max's dominance was a learned behavior, not a hereditary trait.
The mystery unraveled, bringing relief and clarity to the breeding program.
Among the litter, I had my eye on a calm, intuitive black male named Blitzen.
He was quiet, thoughtful, and had a serene presence that captivated me.
But Blitzen’s path diverged from ours due to a health issue—
A single undescended testicle, a minor flaw but one that disqualified him from future breeding.
Blitzen found a wonderful home with a loving family, where his personality shines.
Instead, we kept Donner, an extra-large silver male with striking golden eyes and a black mask.
Donner’s personality was bolder, more confident, and full of the zest for life.
His short, waterproof double coat and webbed feet were gifts from his Lab ancestry, while his Shepherd influence gave him the alertness and loyalty to be an ideal outdoor companion.
Donner stands out in many ways.
While he lacks the calm gentleness typical of American Dirus dogs, his bold and confident demeanor adds a valuable layer of diversity to the breed.
His genetics bring a completely new haplotype to the bloodline, strengthening the breed’s genetic foundation.
Donner's unwavering composure, even when scolded, offers a balanced confidence that complements our more emotionally sensitive lines.
He’s a dog built for adventure—a perfect fit for an active, outdoor-loving family. Whether hiking through forests, camping under the stars, or hunting in rugged terrain, Donner thrives in the elements.
He doesn’t wander, remaining close and checking in constantly—a loyal trail companion with an innate sense of partnership.
Donner has officially sired the Early America Litter, solidifying his contribution to the future of the American Dirus breed.
With his role as a sire complete, Donner is now ready to find his forever home.
He’s an exceptional dog, but his bold personality and high energy set him apart from the calmer, more laid-back temperaments we typically promote.
If you’re looking for a strong, adventurous companion who’s as comfortable in the rain as he is on the trail, Donner might just be the perfect match for you.
With his natural bird-flushing instincts, soft mouth, and love for the outdoors, Donner is ready to become someone’s loyal best friend for life.
To learn more about Donner, visit our “Adults for Sale” page.
https://direwolfdogs.com/dogs-for-sale/adults/
MOVIE MONDAY
This week’s movie shares the basics of the science behind breeding a modern Dire Wolf.
Enjoy!
Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.