This dire wolf was one of my early experiments. It was meant as a caster, so strength is not maxed. As you can see on the not fully developed necro skills I was not that impressed. I rarely got this pet out for skill training.
The less than expected performance comes from both the Necromancy and the Life Leech choice. I wanted a sturdy pet and the innate health regen from dogs, combined with the reduction of incoming damage by Life Leech, and the healing from Spirit Speak was meant keep it alive while I cast on the enemy. Back then all necro pets did cast Corpse Skin, but due to the 100% physical damage the dire wolf no longer does (which is generally good), so I don't even get the fire resist debuff from it.
There are much better tanks and debuffers out there, so this is sitting in the stables. But I learned from the experiment.
