Watching your dog grow from a playful puppy into a loyal adult companion is a bittersweet journey. On one hand, it’s heartwarming to see your furry friend mature, but on the other, you miss that curious little pup who used to explore everything with boundless energy. Thankfully, many of us document these precious moments to cherish forever. Alyssa did just that, but when she shared her fully-grown pup on social media, the internet was left stunned.
Meet Lupin
Photo Credit: lupin.the.direwolf
Lupin is far from your typical dog. At five years old, his breed is a rare and intriguing mix that you don’t come across every day. Speaking with Newsweek, Alyssa, Lupin’s owner, revealed that he is a blend of German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Irish Wolfhound. And that’s not all! His lineage also includes other giant breeds like the English Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, and Great Pyrenees, tracing back in his genetics.
When Alyssa posted a video showcasing Lupin’s transformation over the past five years, the internet was astonished – not just because of his striking orange beard. “When he was a baby, he only had a few gray whiskers on his chin that we thought might fall out eventually. Ironically, they multiplied and grew into the patchy featherings you see on him today,” Alyssa shared.
Photo Credit: lupin.the.direwolf
Despite his wise wizard-like appearance, Lupin is a big softy who loves human company just like any other dog. “It’s fun to see people smile when they meet him; he gets excited and rubs his face all over their legs like a giant cat. Our most common comment is how he looks like a werewolf, which is quite true,” Alyssa added.
About The Dire Wolf Project
Photo Credit: lupin.the.direwolf
Lupin is part of the Dire Wolf Project (DWP) breeding program. The DWP was initiated by Lois Elaine Denny in 1967, aiming to create a breed resembling the prehistoric Dire Wolf. By incorporating genes from German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Anatolian Shepherds, Pyrenees, and English Mastiffs, it took decades to develop the desired physical and temperamental traits of the Dire Wolf.
These traits included upright ears, yellow eyes, large eyes, and a long, choppy coat with wild patterns. Temperament-wise, the goal was to create a loving and kind pup well-suited for companionship. Each generation of these dogs was carefully monitored to retain these characteristics, ensuring the breed’s consistency and quality.
Thus, the American Alsatian breed, and ultimately Lupin, was born! Now, Lupin not only educates the internet about his unique heritage but also enchants everyone with his majestic appearance. Alyssa noted that the viral success of her video wasn’t planned, but she finds joy in knowing it brightens people’s days just a little bit more.
Lupin’s incredible story and unique appearance have captured hearts everywhere, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected transformations are the most magical.
