Breeds of the Dogs That Looks Like Wolf

Dogs are not only man’s best friend; they are part of our family. We look at our furry friends as companions, and they come in various shapes, sizes and breeds. Some breeds even have the appeal of looking like wolves. Unfortunately, having an apex predator as a pet doesn’t exactly bode well in real life.

Wolves are not suited for domesticated life. They aren’t vicious animals as they are portrayed to be, but they are far too independent, predatory, and intelligent to be pets for us animal lovers.

If you dream of having a wolf-like pet, some dog breeds do resemble wolves that you can settle with raising. The good news is, they don’t pose any danger or challenges that an actual wolf would, but they can satisfy the desire to have a wolf-like pet.

THE DOG & WOLF CONNECTION

Wolves and dogs are closely related, which is not surprising. They share common ancestors. Dogs that became domesticated are most likely direct descendants of gray wolves, which later became domesticated by humans. Many of the dogs that we have as pets today may have evolved from the ancestors of living wolves as well.

It is easy to see that the two species share a multitude of similarities. For example, a dog that looks like a wolf typically sprouts facial features similar to wolf puppies. Dogs also possess DNA that came from wolves initially, but many of the traits no longer function.

The DNA changes because of breeding, where the animals have produced dog breeds that look like a wolf due to interbreeding, creating more of a dog-wolf hybrid. A domestic dog only differs from a wolf by around 0.2% of its DNA sequence, which is a pretty small percentage. The dog-wolf connection is fantastic news if you were hoping to be a wolf owner. If you truly want a dog that looks like a wolf, here are some of the best dog-like wolf breeds that you can choose as a pet.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

This dog is a true wolf-dog hybrid, hence the name. It is a relatively new breed of dog that was developed around the 1950s by the Czechoslovakian military, designed for patrol during the Cold War. These dogs are anything but vicious, having a loving temperament. It is primarily a German Shepherd breed with a bit of Carpathian wolf mixed in.

The Czech Wolfdog is used to herd, track and has also been utilized in search and rescue and agility. These breeds need at least a couple of hours of exercise every day to stay healthy since they enjoy hard work.

Saarloos Wolfdog

The Saarloos Wolfdog is another dog breed that looks so much like a wolf but has none of the traits you would associate with a wolf. Their behavior is timid, cautious, and gentle. These dogs do require strong leadership from their owners and are not typically recommended for children, even though they have a non-aggressive nature. They need socialization with other dogs since they prefer their company.

The Bond Vet clinic states that the facial expressions of this particular breed are almost identical to a wild wolf. This breed was developed by a Dutch dog breeder in the 1930s as a mix of wild European wolves and German Shepherds. Like the Czech Wolfdog, these dogs require a lot of exercise per day to stay healthy and happy.

Siberian Husky

Most people think of a Siberian Husky as the type of dog breed that looks like a wolf. Huskies are a popular dog breed and also a fairly typical family dog. They are friendly, vocal, intelligent, hardworking, and have endless loads of energy. They have very thick fur coats since they were created for hauling those heavy loads through the snow.

Siberia is where this breed hails from, hence its name, and more recently, some breeders have mixed the Siberian Husky with a wolf to create a true wolf hybrid. The problem is, this breed is more wild than domesticated, so the Husky is still the best domestic dog to have in your home. However, they do have some wolf-like characteristics since they prefer to howl instead of bark, and they enjoy being around other dogs of their kind.

Tamaskan

People often mistake Tamaskans for wolves since they are a rare dog breed and stand extremely tall, around 28 inches at the shoulder. However, it is primarily a Husky and Malamute crossbreed, with some other possible sled dogs in the mix. The word Tamaska means ‘mighty wolf’ in Indian languages.

Their personality is similar to the Husky - very high energy and very loyal, and easily trainable. However, Tamaskans require early socialization with other dogs and people. In addition, they have trouble with separation anxiety, so this isn’t a dog you’d want if you work outside of the home very often.

Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the oldest dog breeds, mixed with a Siberian Husky and German Shepherd. These, like the huskies, were used as sled dogs across Siberia and Alaska. Malamutes have a stubborn temperament, which can make them challenging to train. They need an assertive leader, or they will try to be the alpha within the home.

Like many of these other wolf-like breeds, Malamutes need a lot of exercise and open areas for exuding energy. Therefore, they need owners who can keep them on a daily regimen with hiking, running or sledding.

Kugsha / Amerindian Malamute

This breed of dog was initially dubbed as American Husky, but it did not stick and instead is now known as Kugsha or Amerindian Malamute. These dogs carry many wolf-like characteristics and don’t behave the best as domesticated dogs. They need a lot of open space for roaming, as well as constant stimulation.

Kugshas are independent but loyal and develop strong relationships with their owners. They are eager to learn and make excellent watchdogs.

German Shepherd

Another very popular breed like the Siberian Husky, the German Shepherd, is a very loyal and protective pet to own. When raised alongside children and other pets, they create strong bonds. In addition, they are intelligent, brave, and utilized in the military and with the police force often.

This dog likes to work, so it is essential to invest in plenty of toys and games to keep it entertained and stimulated. They also make excellent guard dogs and come in various colors, the closest looking to a wolf with a solid black and white-colored coat.

Canadian Eskimo / Inuit Dog

The Canadian Eskimo or Inuit breed is one of the oldest in the world. Also known as the Canadian Husky or Inuit, this dog originated from Canada and is portrayed as a much larger and fluffier wolf.

These dogs have become an endangered breed due to infection and disease. The breed has been struggling in numbers. They tend to be very affectionate with humans but more aggressive towards other dogs.

King Shepherd

The King Shepherd is a rare breed stemming from the German Shepherd, created to be a larger version of the popular breed. They tend to look more wolf-like than German Shepherds, too, and healthier since backyard breeding has led to multiple defects in purebred German Shepherds.

They have long hair and portray strength and confidence, making them another excellent option for a great guard dog. Additionally, they are versatile and can be used as working dogs to do search and rescue, police work, herding, and service.

Utonagan

One last dog breed that looks like a wolf is the Utonagan, a cross between a Malamute, Husky, and Shepherd. These dogs are a newer breed and were specifically bred to look like wolves. However, they are easily trainable and get along well with people and children.

They are also known as the Northern Inuit, depending on where you are from. They were used in the popular tv series “Game of Thrones” as the ‘direwolves’ that were given to children as pets. Utonagan means ‘spirit of the wolf,’ which they certainly do have since they exhibit a high level of prey drive and will dart after rabbits, squirrels, and the like.

TIPS FOR THE TRUE WOLF LOVER

If you are interested in bringing one of these breeds into your home as a pet, you should make sure to do some research on breeders and animal shelters ahead of time. Unfortunately, many false breeders claim to have actual wolf-hybrid dogs, but the reality is that it is one of the many breeds listed above.

While many of the dogs listed above are great companions, sometimes people want as close to a wolf as possible for a pet (thanks, Game of Thrones). Wolf hybrids are not meant to be domesticated animals, so if you genuinely want them, you must understand the risks involved in raising such an animal.

Wolves and genuine wolf hybrids don’t like to be cuddled or have much socialization with other people. Most prefer to be within their “pack.” Be sure to also check on wolf hybrid laws and regulations since they vary by state, and you may not be allowed to have a hybrid in your residence. It is much easier to respect and admire the wolves from a distance. If you are a wolf lover, consider getting a domesticated, wolf-like breed of dog that you can enjoy.