Dogs are one of the most popular pets around the world. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, each with their unique characteristics. Some dog breeds are bred to resemble wolves, with their pointy ears, bushy tails, and thick fur.
The similarities between dogs and wolves
Dogs and wolves belong to the same family, Canidae. They share many physical and behavioral traits, such as their sharp teeth, keen senses, and social structures. Both dogs and wolves are pack animals that rely on their family members for survival.
They communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scents. In fact, dogs and wolves can even interbreed and produce viable offspring, although it is not recommended due to ethical and health concerns.
The physical characteristics of wolf-like dogs
While there are many breeds of dogs that resemble wolves, they share certain physical characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. These may include a broad, wedge-shaped head with pointed ears, a thick, double coat that can be gray, black, or white, and a long, bushy tail that may curl over the back.
Breeds of dogs that resemble wolves
Many dog breeds are bred to resemble wolves, either for their looks or their working abilities. Some of the most popular breeds include:
- Alaskan Malamute
- Siberian Husky
- German Shepherd
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Northern Inuit Dog
- Saarloos Wolfdog
- Tamaskan Dog
- Canadian Eskimo Dog
- Utonagan
These dogs are often large and energetic, with thick fur that requires regular grooming. They are loyal and intelligent, but they also need a lot of exercise, socialization, and training to thrive.
The Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large, powerful breed that was originally developed to pull heavy sleds in the harsh Arctic climate. With their thick, double coat and distinctive wolf-like appearance, they are often mistaken for wolves. However, while they share many physical characteristics with wolves, they are loyal, affectionate dogs that are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities.
They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy, and can make great family pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.
The Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is another Arctic breed that is often mistaken for a wolf. With their piercing blue eyes and thick, fluffy coat, they are a striking and distinctive breed that has become popular as both a working and companion dog.
Siberian Huskies are known for their energy and intelligence, and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They can be stubborn and independent, but with proper training and socialization, they can make loyal and loving family pets.
The Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit Dog is a relatively new breed that was developed in the UK in the 1980s. Originally bred for use in the film industry, they are a large and striking breed that closely resembles a wolf. Northern Inuit Dogs are intelligent and affectionate, and can make great family pets for those who are willing to provide them with plenty of exercise and socialization.
They are also popular as therapy animals, and have been used to help people with a variety of mental health and emotional issues.
The Utonagan
The Utonagan is another breed that was developed in the UK to resemble a wolf. They are a medium-sized breed with a thick, double coat that can be gray, black, or white. Utonagans are intelligent and sociable dogs that thrive on attention and interaction with their owners.
They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, and can make great family pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a relatively new breed that was created in the Czech Republic in the 1950s by crossing a German Shepherd with a Carpathian Wolf. The result is a striking and athletic breed that closely resembles a wolf in appearance, with a muscular body, thick coat, and pointed ears.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are intelligent and loyal dogs that are often used in police and military work, as well as search and rescue operations. They require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, and can make great family pets for experienced dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.
The Tamaskan
The Tamaskan is a breed that was developed in Finland in the 2000s to resemble a wolf. They are a large and athletic breed with a thick, woolly coat that can be gray, black, or red. Tamaskans are intelligent and social dogs that love to be around people, but can be reserved with strangers.
They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, and can make great family pets for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize them.
The Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a breed that was developed in the Netherlands in the 1930s by crossing a German Shepherd with a Eurasian Wolf. The result is a large and striking breed that closely resembles a wolf in appearance, with a thick coat, pointed ears, and a muscular body.
Saarloos Wolfdogs are intelligent and independent dogs that can be difficult to train and require a lot of socialization to prevent fearfulness and aggression. They are not suitable for inexperienced dog owners or families with young children, but can make loyal and loving companions for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly care for them.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, also known as the Qimmiq, is a large and powerful breed that closely resembles a wolf in appearance. They have a thick, double coat that can be white, gray, or black, and they are known for their incredible endurance and strength.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs were traditionally used by the Inuit people for pulling sleds and hunting, and they have a strong prey drive and high energy level. They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be reserved with strangers and require plenty of socialization from a young age. They are best suited to experienced dog owners who are willing to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
The Northern Kenyan Ridgeback
The Northern Kenyan Ridgeback, also known as the African Lion Hound, is a rare breed that closely resembles a wolf in appearance. They have a thick, dense coat that can be gray or black, and they are known for their incredible speed and agility.
Northern Kenyan Ridgebacks were originally bred by the nomadic tribes of Kenya for hunting large game, and they are independent and intelligent dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be wary of strangers and require plenty of socialization from a young age. They are best suited to experienced dog owners who are willing to provide them with plenty of space and opportunities to run and play.
Caring for dogs that resemble wolves
If you own a dog that resembles a wolf, you need to provide them with proper care and attention. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior
- Train your dog using positive reinforcement methods and socialize them with other dogs and people from an early age
- Groom your dog regularly to prevent matting and shedding
- Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs
- Keep your dog up-to-date with vaccinations, deworming, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian.
The origins of wolf-like dogs
The history of wolf-like dogs dates back thousands of years, when humans domesticated wolves to help them hunt, guard, and provide companionship. Over time, certain traits were selected and bred for, leading to the creation of new dog breeds.
Some of these breeds, such as the German Shepherd, were specifically developed to resemble wolves for their working abilities, while others, such as the Northern Inuit Dog, were bred for their appearance.
The myths and misconceptions about wolf-like dogs
One of the biggest misconceptions about wolf-like dogs is that they are dangerous and aggressive. While it is true that some breeds, such as the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, have a strong prey drive and require experienced handlers, most wolf-like dogs are gentle and affectionate with their families.
Another myth is that these dogs need to be trained differently from other breeds, which is not necessarily true. While wolf-like dogs may have some unique traits and needs, they still respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and socialization.
The ethical considerations of breeding wolf-like dogs
Breeding wolf-like dogs raises ethical questions, particularly when it comes to the welfare of the animals involved. Some breeds, such as the Saarloos Wolfdog, have a high incidence of health problems, such as hip dysplasia, and may suffer from behavioral issues if not properly socialized and trained.
Moreover, breeding for appearance alone can lead to the exaggeration of certain traits, such as overly large ears or heavy coats, which can compromise the dogs’ health and well-being. It is important for breeders to prioritize the health and temperament of the dogs over their looks, and to only breed responsibly and ethically.
The appeal of wolf-like dogs
Despite the challenges of owning a wolf-like dog, many people are drawn to their unique looks and personalities. These dogs are often seen as majestic and regal, with a wild and untamed spirit. They can also be fiercely loyal and protective of their families, making them great guard dogs. For some owners, owning a wolf-like dog is a way of connecting with their primal instincts and experiencing a deeper bond with nature.
Wolf-like dogs may also be larger and more muscular than other breeds, with a powerful build that reflects their working origins.
Wolf-like dogs in popular culture
Wolf-like dogs have been featured prominently in popular culture, from movies and TV shows to books and video games. Perhaps the most iconic example is the direwolf from the Game of Thrones series, which was based on the Northern Inuit Dog breed.
Other notable examples include Balto, a Siberian Husky who led a dog team on a heroic mission to deliver medicine to a remote Alaskan village, and White Fang, a fictional wolf-dog hybrid who navigates the harsh wilderness of the Yukon.
Wolf-like dogs as therapy animals
Wolf-like dogs are increasingly being used as therapy animals to help people with mental health and emotional issues. Their calm and gentle nature, combined with their striking appearance, can be comforting and uplifting for patients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. In some cases, wolf-like dogs have even been trained as service animals to assist people with disabilities, such as autism or PTSD.
The future of wolf-like dogs
As with all dog breeds, the future of wolf-like dogs is uncertain. While some breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky, are well-established and recognized by major kennel clubs, others, such as the Northern Inuit Dog and Utonagan, are still relatively new and unregulated.
As more people become interested in owning wolf-like dogs, it is important for breeders, owners, and organizations to work together to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of these animals. This may involve developing breed-specific standards, promoting responsible breeding practices, and providing education and support for owners.
In conclusion, there are many dog breeds that closely resemble wolves, each with their own unique characteristics and needs. It is important to approach these animals with care and respect, and to provide them with the love, attention, and training they need to thrive as healthy and happy members of your family.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.