Have you ever stopped in your tracks on a dog walk and thought, “wow, that pooch looks just like a wolf?” You’re not alone. Wolf-like dog breeds have been a staple of dogdom for centuries, with their distinctive features attracting both admiration and awe. Whether it’s their piercing eyes, broad chests, or dense coats – there’s something truly fascinating about dogs that bear a striking resemblance to their wild ancestors. Today, we’re going to look at 12 dog breeds that resemble wolves. Ready to unleash your inner wildlife enthusiast? Let’s dive in!
The Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are large, strong, and powerful, resembling wolves in both stature and strength. Originating from the Arctic region, they were bred to carry heavy loads across frozen tundra – a world away from their subsequent role as family pets! Their thick double coat and striking blue or brown eyes solidify their wolfish appearance.
Care and Maintenance
Owning an Alaskan Malamute demands commitment and patience. These dogs are known for their bossy personality and need for physical activity, and they don’t cope well with being alone. Regular brushing to handle their frequent shedding is a must!
The Siberian Husky
A breed that’s commonly mistaken for a wolf is the Siberian Husky. With their medium-sized frame and thick coat, huskies not only look like wolves, but their energetic, boisterous nature also mirrors the pack mentality—and just like their bigger cousins, they love to howl!
Care and Maintenance
Despite their remarkable endurance and strength, Siberian huskies are relatively easy to care for. They do love to run though, so make sure they have plenty of space and regular grooming to keep their majestic coats looking their best.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Arguably, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog bears the closest resemblance to wolves of any breed. Interestingly, this breed was engineered as a mix of the Carpathian Wolves and German Shepherds in the mid-20th century and has maintained its distinctively wolfish appearance ever since.
Care and Maintenance
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog combines the temperament of a German Shepherd with the physicality of a wild wolf, making it quite the handful. They require significant socialization from a young age to ensure they get along well with people and other pets. Intensive training is also crucial to harness their natural instincts responsibly.
There we have it – the first three of our 12 wolf-like dog breeds. Join us as we continue this fascinating exploration of man’s best friend and their wild counterparts.
The Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a captivating breed that was developed through fusing the genes of the European Wolf and the German Shepherd. The result? A large, vigorous dog breed that brilliantly captures the wild essence of the wolf in a dog’s playful spirit.
Care and Maintenance
Saarloos Wolfdogs are natural explorers and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They’re not the most social breed, so early socialization is necessary. Consistent and persistent training is key due to their independent nature.
The Northern Inuit Dog
Often mistaken for a wolf, the Northern Inuit Dog, made famous through Game of Thrones, is actually a blend of Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd. Their thick fur, erect ears, and striking facial markings make them the spitting image of a wolf.
Care and Maintenance
Northern Inuit Dogs are sociable and loveable, but they do have an independent streak, just like their wolf ancestors. They are not known to be particularly easy to train and need consistent, positive reinforcement. Regular exercise and mental stimulation is a must to keep this breed happy.
The Shikoku
Originating from Japan, the Shikoku is a stunning breed that shares ancestral roots with wolves. This medium-sized breed has a dynamic, sturdy build, curled tails, and a discernible wolf-like expression that hints at their wild lineage.
Care and Maintenance
Shikoku dogs are intelligent and alert, benefiting greatly from a structured regimen of early training and socialization. They have a higher prey drive and energy levels, hence a need for active outdoor activities or games. Regular grooming will help maintain their double coat in prime condition.
The Tamaskan Dog
No list of wolf-like dogs would be complete without the Tamaskan Dog. This Finnish breed is a mix of Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd, and looks every bit the part with their large size, erect ears, bushy tails, and wolfish profile.
Care and Maintenance
Tamaskan breed loves human company and gets along well with other animals, too, making them ideal family pets. Their intelligent and inquisitive nature requires consistent mental and physical activity. Well-rounded training is critical to prevent any development of destructive behaviours.
As we wrap up the second segment of our exploration into the world of wolfdogs, it is clear that these majestic creatures offer a unique blend of the domesticated and the wild. Stay tuned as we continue our journey next time.
The Wolamute
Renowned for its majestic size, the Wolamute is an extraordinary combination of an Alaskan Malamute and a Timber Wolf. Their muscular build, striking eyes, and dense fur make them closely parallel to wolves in appearance.
Care and Maintenance
Wolamutes are highly active dogs that require a substantial amount of exercise. They also need a lot of space to roam around, making them unsuitable for apartment living. Comprehensive training and consistent grooming are essential to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
The Belgian Tervuren
Not all wolf-like dogs are large in size. The medium-sized Belgian Tervuren also has many wolfish qualities. Their dense, double-layered coat and piercing gazes are reminiscent of wolves, making them seem wilder than they actually are.
Care and Maintenance
As a very active and intelligent dog, the Belgian Tervuren requires plenty of physical and mental exercises. Early training and socialization are key, and thanks to their heavy shedding, they do need frequent grooming.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog
Featuring a powerful build, a dense coat, and an energetic spirit, the Canadian Eskimo Dog looks remarkably similar to wolves. This robust breed thrives in cold climates and has high endurance levels.
Care and Maintenance
Active and energetic, the Canadian Eskimo Dog needs plenty of exercise to keep fit and healthy. Regular brushing of their thick coat is a must. Training and socialization from a young age can help them become a well-rounded dog.
The Samoyed
While not exactly following the grey or brown hues of wolves, the Samoyed‘s fluffy white coat, upright ears, and striking facial structure make it a part of this wolf-like list. This breed carries itself with grace and agility, similar to that seen in wolves.
Care and Maintenance
Samoyeds are sociable creatures who require a fair share of regular exercise and companionship. Proper training from the get-go and diligent grooming are necessary due to their thick, fluffy coat.
The German Shepherd
Last, but by no means least, the German Shepherd shares many characteristics with wolves. German Shepherds have a starling resemblance to wolves thanks to their towering size, erect ears, bushy tails and striking facial features.
Care and Maintenance
German Shepherds are very active and intelligent dogs. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial. They need lots of exercises, and regular grooming to keep their coats in good condition.
So there you have it: 12 breeds of dogs that capture the essence of the wild and bring a touch of the wilderness right to your living room. Each of these breeds gives us a unique glimpse into the canine world’s captivating diversity and its deep ties to the wild roots. We hope this voyage into the wolf-like world of dogs has inspired you to further your canine knowledge journey, if not, to simply appreciate the magnificent creatures that these breeds are. Until next time, happy dog gazing!
