The two most prominent health issues in the American Dirus dog breed

The Dire Wolf Project aims to recreate the exact bone and body structure of the extinct, prehistoric dire wolf in a loving family companion dog using only domesticated dog breeds.

We are 100% dedicated to 0% wolf content.

As Dire Wolf Project breed founder, Lois Schwarz, clearly states, “The wolf is not a domesticated animal; it is a wild animal. Dogs are domesticated, and no one should breed any domesticated animals with wild animals. It defeats the purpose of being domesticated.”

If you have been with us for only a short time, you may not know that we are much more than a dog breeding facility. We combine genetics, facts, sound breeding practices, and strong ethical morals to achieve our goals.

The American Dirus dog is a breed-in-progress. Although we work hard each day to complete our mission, we have not yet achieved our ultimate objective. This is why we are considered a project.

We are thrilled that you have joined our growing movement to reverse the harmful practices of the global elitist “wait-to-breed” prevention model dog breeding industry. We fundamentally reject this way of breeding. We believe with every fiber of our being that no one can ever “prevent” health issues from plaguing a dog breed. No amount of so-called health testing will prove a dog is genetically healthy.

Instead, we practice the elimination model of dog breeding. We can only eliminate health issues from a dog breed when they are first KNOWN TO EXIST. DNA and trial mating are currently the only two ways to find out what negative health issues plague a dog breed.

That is the reason why we DNA test every single dog born into the Dire Wolf Project.

This allows us to track over 172 genetically inherited canine diseases within the breed. Every single American Dirus dog used for breeding is 100% free from ALL genetically inherited canine diseases identified on the canine genome. We use Embark Veterinary Services, the most comprehensive canine DNA test available.

DNA isn’t perfect, though. Many inherited canine diseases continue to elude geneticists. We must supplement the DNA test with the scientific breeding practice of trial mating. In order to utilize trial mating to the fullest, we rely on current American Dirus dog owners to regularly share with our community any and all health issues that may arise.

This is THE reason why we promote a healthy community of American Dirus owners. Encouraging owners to share the experiences of their dogs in a safe and accepting environment is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Health clubs exist around other breeds, but not with the open owner/breeder participation we have been able to achieve. Thank you for being willing to share the health of your dogs with the world.

We cannot hope to change the downward trend of inherited dog health without breaking the silence around what devastating health issues owners and breeders face.

If you would like to be a part of this incredible movement dedicated to open and honest canine health communication, join us in the DireWolf Dog Health group on Facebook.
Here’s the link:

facebook.com/groups/direwolfdoghealth

In the event that an American Dirus dog does end up with a genetically inherited canine disease, we provide the comfort of a lifetime genetic health guarantee. This is hands down the MOST COMPREHENSIVE health guarantee in the world.

To date, the genetically inherited health issue with the highest reported incidence rate within the Dire Wolf Project is hypothyroidism. The American Dirus dog breed shows just over a 3% reported occurrence rate within the last ten years.

The next highest reported health issue within the breed is panosteitis (growing pains) reportedly affecting 1.8% of our breed’s teenage population within the last ten years.

You can check out all of the Dire Wolf Project’s reported canine health issues since the beginning of the breed at the link below:

https://direwolfproject.com/direwolf-dogs/our-health-foundation/health-database/

Health and longevity are the Dire Wolf Project’s number one priority. We do not compromise on this no matter the consequences. After all, a great companion dog should be with us for as long as possible.

Lots of myths abound about our reasons for declining to follow the global elitist dog breeding industry that pushes breeders to conform. If you find yourself intrigued by the science behind the breed, get ahold of the Dire Wolf Project book. You will come away with quite a brain full of information you never knew you wanted to know.

The link below will take you there:

https://www.amazon.com/Dire-Wolf-Project-Creating-Extraordinary/dp/1950333019

Be warned, though.

You might find you thought you knew so much more than you actually do. While the stories break things up, the science is intense. This book isn’t meant for the fleeting passer-by.

If you just want to see pretty pictures of dogs that look like wolves, this book isn’t going to cut it for you.

If you don’t want to be challenged, then better to skip over this one.

It’s 387 pages are going to make you think again about what truly goes into creating a new dog breed.

But if you make it to the end, you will never understand the dog breeding world in the same way again.

Oh, the Dire Wolf Project is SO MUCH MORE than just a gorgeous new dog breed.

---

We would like to send you a free gift for spending some time with us at the Dire Wolf Project.

10 Ways to Alter Your Dog's Diet for Immediate Health Results

---

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.