Dogs and wolves have a lot of connection due to their DNA; they share their DNA, and that’s no wonder why we compare dogs to wolves. After thousands of years, wild predators have turned into household pets that we love today. Many dogs have completely transformed, but some wolf-like dog breeds still are stunning and astonishing.
The dog breeds that look like wolves aren’t only beautiful, they have genetic markers and physical traits that bridge the gap between domestic companions and the wolves that once roamed freely across the continent. You can look at those piercing eyes and thick coat and the way they carry themselves with ancient dignity.
Dog Breeds That Look Like Wolves
1. Siberian Husky
There are few dogs that capture your heart like a Siberian Husky does. These energetic companions were purposely bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. They have striking blue or heterochromatic eyes and erect triangular ears, and a dense double coat.
Huskies have high energy that comes from their heritage. They need daily exercise that has to go more than a simple walk. These dogs love to play and utilize their energy. They want to be indulged in dog sports and running. Their thick coat protects them against the cold weather, but in summer, it’s a big struggle.
What you might not realize that how much these dogs are vocal. Unlike many breeds that bark, Huskies howl. It totally belongs to wolves, you know. They also love to wander around and cover territories just like their ancestors did. This dog breed needs families that understand what makes them happy and should know about their independent nature.
2. Alaskan Malamute
These powerful dogs were originally bred by Mahlemut, as the American Kennel Club mentions, to haul heavy loads across the harsh Alaskan terrain. Their cousins, Huskies, were bred to pull sleds, and Alaskan Malamutes were built for strength over speed. This breed has impressive size that makes them look like wolves.
Malamutes need owners who provide for their needs of leadership and mental stimulation. Families that have a sense of what exactly this dog breed wants deserve to have them. They are intelligent dogs and are strong-willed. These dogs need proper exercise to stay active and in shape to fit their lifestyle.
You also need to know what their seasonal coat changes are. Their thick double coat needs regular brushing to manage the incredible amount of fur they lose. They are also prone to hip dysplasia, and that’s why it’s important for these dogs to maintain weight.
3. Utonagan
Utonagan emerged from the idea to have a dog that’s just like a wolf. It was developed in the 1980s in the United Kingdom. These dogs combine the appearance of wolves with the good temperament needed for family life. The name Utonagan means spirit of the wolf in Chinook Indian.
These dogs are perfect family dog breeds, along with their perfect appearance. They are affectionate and gentle with children and kids. If you see their wolf-like appearance, and then you see them playing with kids, you definitely stop there for a moment.
Utonagans need people around them, and they can’t live alone if they are left for extended periods. They are intelligent, and they are excellent dogs for sports and activities. They are eager to please their owners and maintain independence to make training interesting.
4. Saarloos Wolfdog
Saarloos Wolfdog has a lot of resemblance in nature and has traits like wolves. They were craeted in Netherlands by Leendert Saarloos. This breed was developed by crossing German Shepherds with European Wolves.
They have many wolf-like structures and instincts that include a natural flight response when they face an unfamiliar situation. They do best when they have other dogs as companions. They have some complex behaviour issues, but mostly they are kind and lively.
They love to be with people, and they need an owner who knows what athletic activities they want to do. They are built to stay active, and this makes you responsible for helping them maintain their energy levels.
5. Akita Inu
These dog breeds have good strength. These impressive dogs carry themselves with dignity, and their connection to wolves and their genetic makeup influences their personality. Akita are known for showing their affection towards people and children. They also have a protective nature.
They stay vigilant when it comes to strangers, so they know everything about the people coming into the space and leaving. They have a good bond with their family and are loyal to them. They want an owner who makes them good leaders. They need perfect training, and their intelligent nature makes them strong and set boundaries.
They may show aggression towards other dogs, as Hill’s Pet states.
6. Chow Chow
They have a fluffy appearance and blue black tongue might seem far removed from wolf characteristics. This ancient Chinese breed maintains primitive traits despite its teddy bear appearance. They have a reserved and independent nature that makes them unique from other dogs.
PetMD states that they do not bond with random people; they selectively create bonds with people who they think are their family or can be. They have an interesting cat-like personality. They are clean and prefer a well-managed routine. They are also very particular about their food intake.
They need regular grooming, especially in summer when their thick coat can be a problem. You can easily make a bond with them when you’re brushing them or taking them on a walk. This way you won’t feel unfamiliar with their wolf-like structure, instead you’ll be connected to them.
7. Tamaskan Dog
These dogs were arctic breed crosses of Alaskan Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Canadian Eskimo Dog, German Shepherd, Labrador Husky, and Siberian Husky. They were developed in Finland, and these dogs were specifically designed to look like wolves.
What makes them unique is their incredible versatility. They are perfect in various activities from agility and obedience to sledding and hiking. Their wolf-like appearance is so convincing that they’ve become popular choices for movies and television shows requiring wolf doubles.
These dogs require owners who can match their energy levels and intellectual needs. Tamaskans are problem solvers who need mental challenges to stay happy. They’re also incredibly social, and they prefer to live with other dogs rather than being alone for extended periods.
Conclusion
If you want to pick from the breed that’s near to a wolf, you have to assess a lot of things. This isn’t about looks only. You have to think about the traits, the energy levels, and the commitment you’ll have to make to be around such a dog. You have to understand what exactly they want.
Your bond matters the most with your pet, and that means you don’t have to choose only you have to go through whatever they like or dislike. This is not a big deal, but not easy at all. If you’re a passionate person who wants a dog at home or your space, you can definitely enjoy every bit of being with them
