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Enormous Wolf-Dog Hybrid Puppy Weighing 35 Pounds at 12-Weeks-Old Takes TikTok by Storm

Social media has fallen in love with Syrus, a "massive" wolf-puppy.

Dr. Lindsay Butzer, a small animal veterinarian, is known for posting TikToks of her adorable furry clients. She racks up thousands of likes and comments with quick clips of her four-legged friends, but one video has captured the hearts of social media. A 12 week-old wolf-dog hybrid is getting a lot of buzz and people can't get enough of him. 

Meet Syrus

dr_lindsaybutzer/TikTok

In the 22 second clip, Dr. Butzer struggles to hold Syrus, who is a giant puppy weighing 35 pounds at just 12 weeks. "This is Syrus and he is a huge baby," she explains in the clip. "He's massive." Syrus looks content as he's being held and looks down as Dr. Butzer is talking, but you can still see his gorgeous face, which will make anyone fall in love with him.

Owning a Wolf-Dog Hybrid is 'Not Easy"

lindsaybutzerdvm/Instagram

Syrus continues to be well behaved in the next clip as Dr. Butzer is kneeling down on the ground with him. She holds him close while he rests his paws on her knee. He sits calmly as Dr. Butzer looks down at him lovingly. In the video text she wrote, "owning a wolf-hybrid is not easy." She told Newsweek, [People] purchase them thinking they are cool to own, without knowing all of the hormonal issues and disregarding that they are half wild animal," she said.

Wolf-Dog Hybrids Need a Lot of Training

dr_lindsaybutzer/TikTok

In the video, Dr. Butzer stated the breed needs "a ton of socialization and training time every day." She elaborated more with Newsweek and said without consistent training and socialization, they can become aggressive and shared they don't have the  "same sense of loyalty and respect" as other dogs who have developed those traits over years of domestication. 

Syrus is a "Very Sweet Boy"

dr_lindsaybutzer/TikTok

From the video, Syrus looks like such a sweet dog and he is! Dr. Butzer told Newsweek, "He is a very sweet boy. He plays with bigger dogs such as German shepherds and Dobermans." She added, "He does not bite at all. He is sensitive so I had to go slow with him, but when he feels safe and warms up he is an energetic and silly puppy."

Syrus Has a Good Family

dr_lindsaybutzer/TikTok

There were a few negative comments on the video, but Dr. Butzer cleared up anything regarding Syrus' family. One person wrote, "Thousands of wolf dogs are euthanized each year for being dangerous, aggressive, and unmanageable. And this vet is basically promoting them." Another stated, "I feel like the actual owner is someone irresponsible." Dr. Butzer explained to Newsweek that the pup is being raised by a local breeder. "Syrus' mom is 40 percent wolf, 30 percent malamute, 20 percent German shepherd and 10 percent husky. His dad is 20 percent wolf, 60 percent Siberian husky, as well as part malamute and German shepherd," the outlet reported. "He has had a great upbringing with his humans," she said.

People Can't Stop Gushing Over Syrus

dr_lindsaybutzer/TikTok

Viewers instantly fell in love with Syrus and many commented how they wanted to take him home. "I had a wolf hybrid for 12 years! Her name was Nayashee (Nay-yaw-shee). She was amazing," someone wrote. "Omg I need him," another person commented. "He's absolutely perfect," a viewer explained. "OMG!! I WANT HIM, HE'S GORGEOUS!!!," stated. 

Wolf-Dog Hybrids Are Legal in Florida But You Need a Special License

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Syrus lives in Florida and according to Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers' website, not just anyone can own a wolf-dog hybrid. "There are ways to legally own an animal that is a wolf hybrid. However, if you are wondering whether you can own a wolf hybrid as a pet, then the answer is no. Wolf hybrids are considered captive wildlife, which means you can't own them as a pet anymore than you could own a crocodile as one." The website also states the following:  "Captive wildlife regulations apply to zoos or animal preserves. If you want to own a wolf hybrid, you need to acquire a specific license — which is only given to people or organizations that have a legitimate reason to own a wolf hybrid — to keep it. If you are caught owning a wolf hybrid, you could face criminal charges. If a wolf hybrid that you own bites someone, you could end up paying extensive damages to the victim."

Heather Newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more
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