Updated DNA trait chart and potential future matches

The Dire Wolf Project melds genetic and biological science

with the observable natural world.

One of the most unique features of the Dire Wolf Project is that we DNA test each and every puppy born into the project.

The reason for this is because we know there are only TWO WAYS to “know” for certain what lies hidden within the genetics of a population:

1. DNA testing
2. Trial Mating

We either test for what geneticists have been able to discover in the last twenty years, or we breed to learn what arises in the millions of combinations of traits that could potentially be placed together to create the next generation.

As a benefit to DNA testing every DireWolf Dog, we have a pretty good idea of where we can go from here to achieve our ultimate goal, which is 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.

Today, I want to give you an opportunity to peek into the genetics foundation that goes into our work.

First of all, it’s fun to picture the ideal look we are after.

(NOTE: Appearance is the last feature we work on after superior health and a companion dog temperament have been accounted for.)

The ideal “known” genetic traits for outward appearance we would like achieve are as follows:

1. small, slanted yellow eyes
2. long coat
3. no feathering (long hair between the toes, behind the legs, etc)
4. clean muzzle (no furnishings: long hair on the muzzle)
5. solid pigmentation (no white spotting)
6. agouti coat type (aka: wolf gray)
7. light silver, silver, silver w/gold highlights, or dominant black color options (no solid white, black/tan, or recessive black)
8. straight coat (no wavy or curly coats)
9. wolf mask, also called a self mask (no white mask or black mask)
10. small, erect ears
11. short tail w/o curl
12. no dilution (no blue or chocolate coloring)
13. giant size (height: 30-31 in; weight: 110-140 lbs)
14. webbed feet
15. high seasonal shedding

Knowing that, let’s take a look at what genetic traits the dogs bred by the Dire Wolf Project currently carry:

If you are saying to yourself,

“That looks like a bunch of meaningless code”

Never fear!

Click the link below to read the DNA Cheat Sheet I created to help you:

https://direwolfproject.com/dna-cheat-sheet/
(Best viewed on a phone)

In the trait chart above, you’ll also notice some of the potential matches I have thought about for the breed.

Some are crossed off because, after reviewing the information about that match, I decided it wouldn’t be in the breed’s best interest to pursue them.

The bolded text are the traits we require to move forward with that line.

I love imagining the millions of potential combination of traits we could see in comparison with the puppies that arrive.

If you are interested in a future puppy from the Dire Wolf Project, you’ll need to sign up and be approved.

Here’s the link to get started:

https://direwolfdogs.com/puppy-application/

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.