BBC ALBA DANCES WITH WOLFDOGS
WOLFDOGS - NA COIN MHADADH-ALLAIDH
Monday 17 May at 9pm on BBC ALBA
Two distinctly wolfish beasts emerge from the trees and approach a solitary man. With their glinting amber eyes their appearance might unsettle some. However, the handsome pair sidle shyly up to the man who ruffles their coats affectionately!
They are Raani and Tali, Saarloos Wolfdogs (a breed originating in the Netherlands), who are just a few generations from their wild wolf ancestors, and they are the unlikely stars of BBC ALBA’s new Trusadh documentary ‘Wolfdogs - Na Coin Mhadadh-allaidh’. The programme is presented by Donald ‘Sweeny’ MacSween, who undertakes a journey of discovery into the extraordinary world of the Wolfdog and their owners.
Lewis-born Martin Flett with Wolfdogs Tali and Raani
Sweeny hooks up with a selection of owners including Martin Flett, a Lewis-born fitness coach, who scooped gold at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in India in January, and who is also the proud owner of Raani and Tali.
Martin said: “I wondered what people in Lewis would think about them but the reaction was 100 per cent positive. These dogs may look like wolves, but you only have to meet them to see what wonderful, gentle animals they can be. Hopefully this documentary will help dispel negative myths, usually started by people who know nothing about these creatures.”
Former breeder, Steve Ferguson also from the Isle of Lewis said: “It was great to meet Martin Flett’s Saarloos Wolfdogs. Watching how they interacted with my Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs was both educational and fun. You could even see the formation of a ‘pack’ among the Wolfdogs as they played.”
Former breeder Steve Ferguson from the Isle of Lewis with Wolfdog Kane
Despite their fierce looks, Steve believes Wolfdogs have a lot to offer commenting: “Wolfdogs are friendly, loyal and truly part of the family. As with all primitive breeds, they have a high prey drive and owning a Wolfdog or a wolf-like breed should not be considered for those who cannot commit the time required to ensure they have an enriched life among people.
Shaun Ellis with wolf called Tejas (taken June 2008)
“Physically they can be very large, they may be anywhere between the size of a wolf or a dog, However, they are generally free of all the health problems that have been caused by closed breeding with traditional dog breeds.
“Hopefully this documentary will dispel some myths about little Red Riding Hood and the big bad wolf, and also highlight to those who are considering having a Wolfdog as a pet, the much needed investment of cost, time and energy.”
In England Donald MacSween also meets up with wolf expert Shaun Ellis, of the hit TV series ‘Mr and Mrs Wolf’.
Produced by mactv and directed by Magnus Graham for BBC ALBA, ‘Wolfdogs - Na Coin Mhadadh-allaidh’ will be broadcast on Monday 17 May at 9pm.