The founder of a rare animal charity has asked people to do their “homework” before they think about getting "beautiful" but high maintenance, wolf dogs, for pets.

Wayne May, founded Artisan Rare Breeds in Dartford, 25 years ago.

The charity takes in a wide range of animals from turtles to goats, dogs, rare spiders and reptiles.

Mr May has taken in 11 wolf dogs in the past five years.

He said: “We started rescuing them about five or six years ago and they were brought in because of their ill health.

“Subsequently we had a few more brought in because as they get older they become quite destructive in a ‘normal’ home environment.”

Wolf dogs are cross between a domesticated dog and a larger dog like a German shepherd.

Mr May explained they need more attention than an average pooch.

He said:”People assume they are getting a normal pet dog, but wolf dogs are not like that.

“They need that extra work and training and extra exercise that an average dog would not need.

“One wolf dog did actually destroy a woman’s kitchen in Margate.”

Mr May asked people to research before they look into buying a wolf dog.

He said: “Everybody should do a bit more homework before they buy them. They’re absolutely stunning, beautiful dogs.

“But we need to be sure that with the wolf dogs they are an F3 or upwards, which is the only generation you can keep in the UK without a dangerous animal license.”

The animal lover explained the breed was not outgoing in nature and in his experience, had not been aggressive to humans.

He said: “Depending on what kind of dog they are crossed with, they are quiet dogs and generally shy.

“They never come across as aggressive to humans, they have the wolf trait of being timid and nervous. “They are loyal to their handlers but they don’t like strangers. It takes time to generate their trust.

“We never re-home them, they stay with us and we have them neutered. They are with us for life.”

[BLOB] You can donate to Artisan Rare Breeds by its PayPal account, for more information log on to www.artisanrarebreeds.org