16 Animal Life 
If it is required to train a wolf up to be a household pet, a bitch cub should 
be selected, preferably one just weaned, as being quieter and practically free from all 
smell. ‘Teasing should be xrigorously avoided and a sharp look-out kept on the animal’s 
behaviour with children, as many otherwise docile wolves have an antipathy to children 
and are untrustworthy when in their company. Some years ago a very fine Huropean 
wolf was presented to the Zoological Gardens; it was reared by hand, and was most 
tame and confiding. It lved in the house and followed its master Just like a dog all 
about the country roads. But on one occasion it caught sight of a child running 
in the distance, and at once made after it in that loping, tireless gallop which is a 
characteristic of the wolf; fortunately it was overtaken before it came up with the 
child, otherwise there is little doubt it would have seriously injured the youngster. A 
young wolf cub can be bought for three or four pounds in May or June from almost 
any of the animal dealers and from some of the Zoos, such as the London or 
Rotterdam Gardens. 
Smaller than the common wolf, and equally, if not more, suitable for a pet, 
particularly for ladies, is the coyote. Owing to its thicker and longer fur and more 
bushy tail, the coyote appears to be a much larger animal than it really is. The howl 
of this animal is different from that of the grey wolf. It is a matter of doubt among 
many scientists as to whether the common or grey wolf (Canis lupus) and the North 
American timber wolf (Canis occidentalis) are specifically distinct. Personally, as a 
pet I prefer the look of the North American animal. It is now generally accepted 
that the HEsquimaux dog is but a reclaimed or domesticated wolf, in just the same 
way as the Hare Indian dog is presumed to be a domesticated descendant—through 
association with human beings—of the coyote (Canis latrans). 
The white variety of wolf, as may be seen, is a very beautiful-looking creature, 
but unfortunately anything but common, and a good price would have to be paid by 
a would-be possessor for an example—say fifteen or twenty pounds, just about double 
the cost of an ordinary grey wolf when adult. 
A PET GREY WOLF. 
