Wolf Looking Dogs
Wolf looking dogs have become progressively popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With their shrewd eyes, thick coats, and majestic manner, these breeds express the wild beauty of their lupine ancestors.
Dogs (Canis familiaris) are descendants of wolves and are classified as a subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus). However, recent genetic studies have revealed that dogs emerged from an extinct species that diverged from modern-day grey wolves around 40,000 years ago.
Due to their close genetic similarity, dogs and wolves share many physical traits. Wolves, however, are stronger with higher levels of energy and ability. Their instincts and temperament also differ dramatically. Wolves are stubborn, unpredictable, difficult to train, and can be dangerous to children and other small animals. These traits make them a poor choice for guard dogs or household pets.
Wolf Looking Dogs Majestic Breeds
There are many wolf looking dogs breeds in the world, but we’ll discuss here 10 most popular wolf looking dogs breeds as,
1. Siberian Husky
The striking appearance of Siberian Huskies has made them one of the most recognizable canines out there. Their stunning eyes, compact bodies, and erect ears remind us of their wolf looking dogs ancestors, but their lively and friendly personalities help them become quick friends with anyone. Siberian Huskies are athletic, energetic, and love to work. It’s no surprise they were reliable sled dogs. So, before bringing a Husky home, ensure you have a solid plan for daily exercise, fun games, and brain-teasing challenges to keep them occupied.
2. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful animals and one of the oldest sled wolf looking dogs. They are also highly intelligent with a distinct stubborn streak, making them difficult to train and not ideal for new dog owners. With their thick black and brown coats marked with white, these dogs are often mistaken for being part wolf and have even been used in movies, but they are 100% domestic. Originally bred for hunting and hauling heavy loads, these dogs have immense energy and stamina that can be challenging to exhaust.
3. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are one of the world’s most famous and recognizable breeds. Known as Alsatians in the UK and parts of Europe, they are the second most popular breed in the US and the fourth in the UK. Once the breed of choice for military and police dogs, German Shepherds have earned a spot as one of the most beloved breeds. Their devotion and loyalty to their family are hard to match. They are among the most intelligent breeds — these dogs learn quickly and excel under competitive pressure.
German Shepherds are known for their unwavering loyalty and protection of their families, though they tend to be aloof with strangers and other animals initially. Generally, however, German Shepherds are loving with their people and good with children.
4. Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog has a head shape and facial features similar to a wolf, a lean and athletic body, and strong ties to wolves. “It originated in the Netherlands and is a crossbreed between a German Shepherd and a Eurasian wolf,” says Dr. Sauvageau. Created in 1935, this grey wolf hybrid is one of the few to make the leap into an official breed (recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale). In fact, DNA studies show it has grayer wolves in it than any other breed.
The Saarloos Wolfdog’s strong and hardy nature means it has a lot of stamina, requiring daily varied exercise. A home with a large property for roaming and running is essential. Best for those who don’t want a lap dog, these dogs prefer to sit at your feet. “They are loyal, protective, and make excellent guard dogs,” says Dr. Sauvageau. Like wolves, they avoid contact with strangers and unfamiliar environments, but Saarloos Wolfdogs are affectionate with their human families.
5. Northern Inuit Dog
This breed stood in for the direwolves on Game of Thrones, and a Northern Inuit plays the role of Rollo on the TV series Outlander. “Developed in the UK, the Northern Inuit Dog resembles wolves and was originally bred for its wolf looking dogs,” says Dr. Sauvageau. These dogs come from a cross of several dog breeds, none of which include wolves. Despite this, they are not ideal for first-time owners. Although very intelligent, this breed is stubborn and challenging to train, so dedication and willingness to properly socialize and train your pet are essential. Northern Inuits prefer to live in a pack or family, so if you are building your “wolf pack,” they will welcome canine siblings.
6. Tamaskan
With pale eyes and long legs, these dogs can appear intimidating, but they are genuinely friendly creatures that will shower you with kisses and snuggles at the drop of a hat. “Originating in Finland, the Tamaskan is a recent breed developed to resemble a wolf and is not directly descended from wolves,” says Dr. Sauvageau. Want to see a Tamaskan in action? Watch a North Carolina State University game.
A Tamaskan named Tuffy III is the school’s mascot. These large and agile dogs enjoy physical challenges but are generally more laid-back than other “wolf dog” breeds on this list. Like other breeds, Tamaskans can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for more than a few hours, leading to destructive behaviour.
7. Shiloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd was initially bred to enhance the German Shepherd breed. They resemble German Shepherds and are about the same size, but their soft and agile coats are more akin to other dog breeds. “Shiloh Shepherds are known for their intelligence, calm manner, and loyalty,” says Dr. Sauvageau. However, they are not yet recognized by major kennel clubs. While their energy levels are typically lower than the average German Shepherd, these dogs were bred to work all day, so they are not satisfied with just a day’s worth of activity and play.
8. American Alsatian
The American Alsatian truly are wolf looking dogs. Created by breeders in the late ’80s to replicate the look and size of an extinct wolf — minus the temperament of a real wolf. Unlike wolves, American Alsatians are surprisingly calm, and their large frames fit perfectly with other gentle but giant dog breeds. A cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a German Shepherd, this breed was developed to be a devoted companion rather than a working dog. The American Alsatian is overall very affectionate and quite calm but requires ample space to run around to stay healthy.
9. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a Russian breed named after the Samoyedic people of Siberia. They are strong, well-built, and have broad heads wolf looking dogs. They are very lively and make excellent companions. One of their distinguishing features is the “Sammy smile,” which is very noticeable due to the contrast between their white coat and black lips. Samoyeds are calm, devoted, very friendly, and cheerful dogs that love everyone. Their color is white with long, thick fur. They were bred for hunting. They love hiking, trekking, and keeping their owners warm by sleeping on top of them at night. They are great family dogs, very good with children, and very playful.
10. Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is a muscular, heavy-set, and powerful animal that has been used as a working dog in Greenland’s cold climate for centuries. They are wolf looking dogs (Huskies) in many ways, with thick double coats, a characteristic curled tail, and a stubborn, independent nature that can make them difficult to train. They are quite rare nowadays as their jobs have been taken over by faster Huskies and snowmobiles, but their wolf-like appearance is a beautiful sight to behold.
Conclusion
Wolf looking dogs have achieved popularity for their wild and majestic appearance, like their lupine ancestors. Despite their look like wolf looking dogs, these breeds are domesticated and vary widely in temperament and needs. From the energetic Siberian Husky to the relaxed American Alsatian, each breed offers unique traits. Old owners should be well informed of their specific requirements to ensure a happy, healthy bond. These breeds provide a perfect combination of wild beauty and loyal companionship, attracting dog lovers worldwide.