Animal rescues often emphasize spaying and neutering your dogs, especially amid a massive overflow of dogs and puppies in shelters across the United States. When female dogs are in heat, they attract male dogs up to three miles away, which is why females need to be spayed as soon as possible or kept inside.

It turns out, dogs are not the only animals attracted to females in heat. One adventurous Yellowstone wolf decided to mate with an American pit bull who lived near the edge of the national park. The result was a unique litter of pit bull wolf pups that you have to see to believe.

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Pit-Wolf Hybrid Pups Are Safe at a Rescue

These precious pups’ story is about as interesting as their unique lineage. The Yellowstone wolf impregnated their pit bull mom because she was left outside while in heat. Unfortunately, the wolf met a sad end, but not because he fathered pit-wolf hybrids. He was killing off livestock and was put down. To keep the puppies safe, a Montana wolf rescue initially took them in and called the Pack 22 Alpha rescue in Colorado for final placement.

These pups, who are 50 percent gray wolf, 45 percent American pit bull terrier and five percent Chesapeake Bay retriever, have been with the Pack 22 Alpha rescue for two years. At the rescue, they have socialized with other wolf hybrids, dogs, and people so that they can eventually be adopted into responsible, loving homes. Out of the litter of eight, only two pups have gone to their forever homes.

In the video, Pack 22 Alpha shares that they took them in to raise them in safety. “Safety from judgment of those humans scared of one breed or the other.” Many people don’t understand American pit bull terriers, which is why so many of them end up in shelters. Being mixed with a wolf can certainly intensify that level of misunderstanding. Both breeds—wolf dogs and pitbulls—are huge responsibilities on their own. A mix takes a lot of time, understanding, and knowledge.

Pack 22 Alpha goes on to say that the pups were “raised with our other 110 wolves and wolfdogs that are free to be who they are at our rescues. Free to howl or bark, whatever feels more natural to them, sounds great to us!”

The pups they highlight in the video are clearly the sweetest things, cuddling up with the rescuers and even licking their faces, much like regular pitbulls would do. These just happen to have the most vibrant eyes you’ve ever seen, thanks to their wolf heritage.

The rescue shares that all the hybrids are paired with wolfdogs to help them develop their socialization skills. They focus on sweet but shy Bellatrix and her wolfdog buddy Bjorn. She doesn’t seem to want to get too close or cuddle like some of her siblings did, but she is definitely not shy about getting more chin scratches. After she gets her fair share of scratches, she jumps around the enclosed area, wanting to play. Bellatrix is such a cutie.

Related: Wolfdog Parents Show Why You Need to ‘Wolf-Proof’ Your Kitchen and Everyone Is Howling

What People Say About This Rare Mix

Many commenters were saddened that the wolf was put down, especially since he was only trying to hunt and feed himself. Others were upset that the pup’s mom was left outside in the first place. One viewer comments, “Thankfully, the pups went to your rescue! They’re so gorgeous but so sad how they came to be.” Everyone could agree that the rescue was the perfect place for them and that these babies are absolutely gorgeous.

Plus, so many people commented, saying they would absolutely take one of these pitwolfs and make it part of their family. The rescue puts a lot of effort into socializing these sweet pups and making sure they can go to a loving home. Of course, some are going to be a better fit than others, and you have to remember that taking on a wolf hybrid is a huge responsibility.

Since they are a hybrid, you also have to check your local and state regulations to ensure you can legally adopt one. Plus, I am sure there is a thorough application process to ensure the placement is a good fit. But the rescue is open to people reaching out to them to discuss possible placement. I hope these loveable pups all find the perfect homes to live out the rest of their days.

Related: Rare Czechoslovakian Vlciak Gets Mistaken for a Coyote While on Nature Walk

This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.