Dogs and wolves are said to share common ancestry. Genetic divergence between dogs and wolves took place around 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, explains PetMD. A lot of this divergence is the result of selective breeding done for dog domestication.
On the other hand, the wolves became stronger and more energetic! Due to this genetic similarity, several dog breeds share common physical characteristics with wolves. Wolf-like dog breeds are known for being strong-willed.
Do you know? Wolves and dogs belong to the same species, Canis lupus. They share 99% of their DNA.
Dogs that resemble wolves have strong pack instincts, high prey drive, and are naturally wary but not aggressive. Such dog breeds are usually energetic and a bit independent. They might not be ideal candidates for first-time owners.
Here are the top 9 dog breeds with a wolf-like appearance.
9 Dogs that Resemble Wolves
1. Saarloos Wolfdog
Breed Profile
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 70 and 90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Saarloos Wolfdog is a proud and lively dog breed with having independent nature. Their wolfish good looks are a clear reflection of their ancestry. They have a strong and balanced appearance, and there is a pronounced difference between males and females.
Saarloos Wolfdog is a rare dog breed hailing from the Netherlands. A Dutch breeder named Leendert Saarloos aimed to create a robust dog less susceptible to the diseases that domestic dogs commonly suffered from. Saarloos Wolfdog was obtained by crossing a German Shepherd with an Eurasian Grey Wolf.
This canine retains many traits of wild wolves, such as independence, strong protective instincts, and high energy levels. They are aloof towards strangers but form strong bonds with their owners.
2. Shikoku
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 22 inches
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Shikoku, also known as Kochi-Ken, is a small dog that looks like a wolf. This Japanese dog was bred for hunting wild boar in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture. They possess wolf-like endurance, enthusiasm, and persistence.
Shikoku is a primitive dog breed that has retained some of the characteristics of their wolf ancestors. These intelligent and aloof dogs are strongly independent, having a cat-like behavior. These clean-cut and attractive dogs also resemble foxes in appearance.
These high-energy dogs require two to three long walks per day and at least an hour to play outside. The American Kennel Club also recommends indoor activities like hide and seek or chasing a ball.
3. Akita Inu
Akita is another Japanese dog that looks like a wolf. Originally bred as hunters, they now serve as police dogs and make excellent family pets. This Spitz-type dog is characterized by its thick and dense fur, fox-like tail, webbed toes, and pointed ears.
Akita Inu loves to be surrounded by family and friends and forms strong bonds with its owners. They get the courage and love for challenges from their wolf ancestors. Akitas are a bit wary of strangers and do not form relationships quickly.
These energetic dogs need at least one to two hours of daily exercise. They are quite intelligent and get bored very easily; boredom can lead to destructive behavior.
4. Utonagan
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 30 inches
Weight: 55 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Utonagan is a wolf-like dog breed having a big, fluffy coat and a sweet personality. These friendly dogs are known for their gentle temperament and sociable nature. They are loyal and friendly and form strong bonds with their owners.
These medium-to-large-sized dogs sport a thick coat that comes in a variety of shades, which are seen in wild wolves as well. Utonagans are agile and strong dogs having a muscular build. Despite having a wolf-like appearance, they are not aggressive.
Utonagans are easily trainable due to their high intelligence and thrive on positive reinforcement. They are versatile and can adapt to various living environments.
5. Tamaskan Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 24 to 33 inches
Weight: 55 to 95 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Tamaskan is an athletic dog that looks like a wolf. This rare and large dog was created by breeding Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds. The breeders aim to create a gentle and trainable domestic dog that resembles a wolf in appearance.
Tamaskan dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and sociability. They form strong bonds with their owners and do well around children and other pets. These gentle giants thrive on human companionship.
Do you know? Tamaskan dogs are often used in movies in place of wolves.
They love participating in obedience training, outdoor adventures, and agility courses. They require regular exercise for adequate physical and mental stimulation.
6. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are the smart yet stubborn dogs who resemble wolves more than any other dog breed. Oldest of the six native Japanese breeds, Shiba Inus helped hunters by chasing birds. They are active, alert, and high-spirited dogs.
Shiba Inus are characterized by their fox-like face, cat-like behavior, and big personalities. They are the neat freaks who are very easy to house train. Shiba Inus that live in sunny areas have a lighter coat, whereas those living in colder climates have a thicker coat.
These curious dogs need 40 to 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay happy and healthy, explains PetPlan.
7. Shar Pei
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 20 inches
Weight: 45 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years
Shar Peis do not have a wolf-like appearance, but genetically, they resemble wolves a lot. Shar Pei is a Chinese dog breed that is genetically very ancient. They are steadfast and loyal to their family, but are a bit standoffish toward strangers.
Shar Pei was bred for hunting and guarding, but then became popular as a fighting dog. These intelligent, alert, and protective canines make excellent guardians. Shar Peis are calm and devoted companions. These loyal and playful canines have an independent nature.
Shar Pei is an adaptable breed; individual dogs vary in their exercise needs. On average, they require 30 minutes of daily exercise along with short walks.
8. Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky is another wolf-like dog breed that might confuse people who are not quite familiar with dogs. The history of this breed traces back to ancient Siberian wolves. Huskies were originally bred to be sled dogs. Now, they make wonderful family pets and agile police dogs.
Their almond-shaped eyes, facial features, and pure white, gray, or brown coats resemble their wolf ancestors. However, Huskies are a bit smaller than wolves. A major difference lies in the behavior of wolves and Huskies.
Wolves tend to socialize within their pack only, while Siberian Huskies are friendly with humans and other animals as well.
9. Chow Chow
Having East Asian origin, Chow Chow is one of the ancient dogs that emerged right after dog domestication. The most prominent features of these dogs include a lion-like mane, blue-black tongue, and teddy bear-like appearance.
Chow Chows share a strong genetic connection with wolves. They are intensely loyal to their owners, but aloof towards strangers. Improperly trained Chow Chows can even become aggressive when they come across unfamiliar faces.
They make wonderful guard dogs. These alert yet moderately active dogs require 40 to 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay fit.
Conclusion
Dogs evolved from wolves, which is why many breeds still share a striking resemblance to their wild ancestors. Pet parents who want a dog with a loving temperament but a wolf-like appearance can consider these breeds as great companions.
However, proper training and early socialization are crucial to ensure these canines are well-behaved around strangers and other animals. Many of these wolf-like dogs are naturally protective and can make excellent guard dogs when trained correctly.
With the right care, patience, and consistent training, these majestic, wolf-like pets can be both loyal family companions and dependable protectors, offering the best of both worlds, wild beauty and unwavering devotion.
