Diefenbaker, though he is nearly always referred to as a wolf, is in fact half wolf, half sled dog.
Most likely the dog half is Siberian or Alaskan husky, going by his appearance.
He is a very intelligent animal, possibly even more so then he lets on, and he has a strength of will that rivals Fraser's. Dief's will usually revolves around his own desires rather then doing good, however. Nonetheless, he always does his part in the fight for right- and seems to enjoy it.
In the first two seasons Diefenbaker's coloring is mainly white, with some cream markings on his back and head. His eyes and nose are the color of milk chocolate. In the third season, however, his coat becomes more of a light-red and white and his eyes appear amber rather then brown due to the casting of a new dog in the role.
Dief is supposedly deaf, a fact which has never been adequately proven, and Fraser claims that he is able to read lips in both Inuit and English. Fraser originally found the dog as a puppy, in a mine shaft that had been converted to a bear trap. In turn for Fraser saving his life by tossing him out of the hole, Diefenbaker saved Fraser by throwing a piece of wood down to him that he could use to climb out. They have been together ever since.
In spite of Fraser's fears, Dief has adapted well to city life- even going so far as to develop a not-so-secret proclivity for junk food. He doesn't seem to miss the wilds of the Yukon, but Fraser is afraid that the wolf dog is going soft from easy living and will not be able to track or hunt as well as he used to. Dief doesn't seem to be lacking in those abilities, however. He is often a very active partner in Fraser's and Ray's attempts to bring criminals to justice.
Dief is very vocal, communicating with Fraser through various whines, growls, moans and yips, and Fraser appears to understand him. Even Ray, who pretends to dislike the wolf dog but in fact has a secret soft spot for him, has 'talked' to him on occasion when the need arose.
Dief enjoys riding around in cars and sleeping in beds, things he wasn't able to do in his Yukon home, but he is also comfortable roaming through the woods whenever he gets the chance. He is approximately 3-5 years old, and is an unneutered male. He has sired at least three puppies during his time in Chicago. Because of his intelligence and willfullness, Fraser grants Dief the free will to go wherever he pleases inside and outside of their home, considering him a friend and partner rather then a pet. Nevertheless, he does worry about Dief's safety in the dangerous world of city life. So far, the fears have been unfounded. Dief can take care of himself.
Diefenbaker is originally played by canine actor Lincoln, a pure-bred Siberian husky trained by Ted Haggis and his daughter, Joey Young. In the third deason, however, Lincoln is replaced by another young Siberian, Draco, trained by Canadian Wranglers.
For more information about Fraser, Ray V., or Ray K., please return to the main site.
