Wolves and dogs, you say? Wolves are wild animals while dogs are our pets. Well, not exactly. It’s true that they’re different in many ways but there are actually breeds of dogs that descended from wolves or look like them which is why they are called dog breeds related to wolves. Scientists believe that the domestication of dogs happened over 15000 years ago when they saved us from early extinction during harsh climates by providing food through their flesh and pelts.
Would you like to know which dog breeds look like wolves and what’s the difference between them? If your answer is yes, we’ve compiled a list of 10 dog breeds related to wolves. Maybe some of you will find that they own such dogs as these guys are widespread nowadays. So here they are:
1. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is one of America’s oldest Arctic sled dog breeds which was used for utilitarian purposes such as pulling loads and travel like dog breeds related to wolves. They are powerful, well-built dogs that resemble Siberian Huskies with their wolflike appearances like almond-shaped eyes and triangular ears. These dogs are very protective of their owners and they require lots of space as they were originally bred for endurance and to travel long distances.
Alaskan Malamutes are generally not recommended for apartment living and they do best in moderate climates with lots of open space. If you own an Alaskan Malamute make sure that you include him in your daily pack walk or run because these dogs need a lot of exercises to keep them healthy and happy.
2. Basenji
The Basenjis were bred to hunt vermin in Africa by barking but never actually catching them which is why they’re so slender and look nothing like other dog breeds related to wolves. They are full of energy even though they don’t need constant exercise because they can better use their energy when given some sort of challenge every day. They are very independent, intelligent, and clean dogs which is why they don’t drool or shed.
Basenjis always need something to do so if you’re not ready for this commitment buy another breed. They are wonderful with children but they don’t like strangers so socialization is important at an early age. They can be difficult to train so you have to be consistent with them.
Basenjis are not recommended if you live in an apartment because they need lots of room to run around. Make sure that the Basenji is always kept on a leash because he can easily get lost if he sees something interesting or smells something that catches his attention.
3. Canaan dog
The Canaan dog came from Israel thousands of years ago where it was used as an intelligent sheepdog before the times of Christ. They’re not very big or strong or fast therefore they won’t be able to protect you like other dog breeds related to wolves. They are very obedient, trainable, and eager to please but sometimes they lack confidence.
Canaan dogs are known for their hunting abilities which is why they’re great for watching over your house while you’re gone. This breed has separation anxiety which means that if left alone he will quickly destroy everything around him so it’s important to take him on your daily pack walks.
Canaan dogs are not the best choice for people who live in apartments, preferring more open spaces with lots of room to run around.
4. Dingo
The Dingo was brought by the Aborigines of Australia where they were used as guard dogs, for hunting and companionship before Europeans arrived in the land that is now known as Australia. They are one of few wild dogs left today that can still fend for themselves without human interference which is why most Australian people don’t want to keep them as pets even though they’re considered part of their national heritage because of their wolflike appearance with sharp teeth and upright triangular ears.
They are still used today to hunt kangaroos and other wild boars because they have a very strong prey drive which is why you can’t trust them with small pets. This dog is the perfect choice for the active pack walk or run where this breed will gladly lead you and your family if you decide to run together so he doesn’t push you to run faster than you can handle.
Dingoes are very difficult to train because they don’t like obeying people which is why they must be treated with respect and firmness. If treated this way these dogs will make great pets who not only look like wolves but also have a wolflike personality which makes them perfect as guard dogs.
5. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds today because of their intelligence, strength, and sharp looks which resemble wolfdogs or hybrids between dogs and wolves. They’re great for search and rescue missions or as a police dog but they’re also used as service dogs by the blind and deaf, a Seeing Eye dog.
This breed is recommended for all ages because they’re very patient with children and older people if given enough exercise. They also do great in most types of weather so you don’t have to worry about taking your dog out when it’s raining or snowing outside.
German Shepherds are very loyal, protective dogs who will do anything to protect you from danger which is why they make an excellent choice as guard dogs. But because of their intelligence and strength, they can be a little difficult to manage sometimes, needing experienced owners who know how much discipline to impose without destroying the dog’s confidence.
6. Gray Wolf
The Gray Wolf is a well-known wild canine that inhabits the northern hemisphere including North America, North Africa, north of India, and north of China. They live in packs like most other wild animals which makes them act more like dogs than wild animals even though their wolfish looks make it hard to tell whether they are wild or domesticated especially with those piercing eyes staring at you unwavering like only wild animals can do.
Gray wolves are not recommended for first-time dog owners because they take a lot of responsibility and discipline which is why they usually attack more than one person if they become aggressive. This breed is also very stubborn so it’s important to train him from an early age or else you might lose this battle of wills.
Gray wolves love open spaces where they can stretch their legs and explore new places so it’s important to take him on many walks around the park or hiking trips if you have enough land for him.
7. Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic sheepdogs share certain similarities with both huskies and malamutes which means that they’re related to these breeds as well as wolves. They were bred for herding and hunting in the highlands of Iceland during the early 20th century which is why they’re often called a “Viking dog”.
Icelandic sheepdogs are very loyal to their owners but they’re also wary of strangers so they make excellent guard dogs. They have a thick double coat which means that they need daily exercise during the winter months and whenever the weather is too hot or cold for outdoor trips.
This breed can be aggressive towards other animals so it’s recommended that you socialize it from an early age especially with other dogs.
8. Indian Wolf
The Indian wolf or Golden Jackal looks so much like its cousin, the Gray Wolf even though their temperament couldn’t be any different from each other’s with Indian wolves being more peaceful than Gray Wolves living alone or in small family packs rather than big ones.
When Indian wolves are confronted by strangers they tend to run away or hide but if threatened then they turn into fearless fighters that will even fight wild animals for self-defense.
Indian wolves are very intelligent, curious dogs that should be supervised when outside because of their tendency to try and escape whenever the chance arises. But other than this issue Indian wolfdogs are very healthy and easy to train as long as you start early enough.
9. Karakachan Bear Dog
The Karakachan Bear Dog is a Bulgarian working dog that was bred to guard livestock against predators, hunt large game and serve as a companion which makes them somewhat similar to dogs breeds related to wolves. However, they’re not used for sledding or pulling carts like most dogs are which is why they’re built low to the ground with short fur and “cotton ball” tails that make them look more like large rodents than dogs.
Karakachan Bear Dogs are very loving, loyal dogs that make excellent family pets but they tend to get jealous of their owners so they need early socialization or else they might become aggressive. They also hate being left on their own all day which means that you should consider getting two if you work full time.
If you are living in an apartment or if you don’t have a medium-sized yard then this is probably not the breed for you. Karakachan Bear Dogs are also wary of strangers which means that they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners who might run into problems while socializing them.
10. Kuvasz
The Kuvasz is an ancient breed of livestock protection dog from Hungary where it was used as a flock guardian, hunter, herder, and sometimes even fighter until nobility took over its training after World War I which made them one of the rarest dog breeds in existence nowadays. They have an unusual appearance that sets them apart from other dogs breeds related to wolves but their history goes back many centuries during times when all dogs were said to be able to talk just like humans.
Kuvasz dogs are excellent flock guardians that bark at anything suspicious and run towards the danger with great courage to drive predators away from their territory. They can be aggressive towards strangers but this is something that should be trained out of them as early as possible because it’s not very safe for your small children or other pets.
These dogs require a lot of attention from their owners as well as space to roam around because they become very frustrated when cooped up all day long. But if you have a large yard with a fence and plenty of time then a Kuvasz might just be the right dog for you.