Humans have been breeding dogs for centuries. With such adorable breeds as pugs and Pomeranians, it can be easy to forget where all of these dogs are descended from. Many modern dog breeds don’t look anything like their ancient ancestors; wolves. However, there are still plenty of breeds that resemble the wild creatures they were descended from. So here are the top dog breeds that look like wolves and what you’ll want to know about them.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are large, muscular dogs that were bred to pull sleds. The dense coat, plumed tail, and erect ears remind anyone that this breed was descended from wolves. This is an extremely intelligent breed, but their independent streak can make Alaskan Malamutes difficult to train.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are another breed of wolf-looking dogs. Like the Alaskan Malamute, they were bred as working dogs, particularly for pulling sleds. Siberian Huskies are highly active, and they need tons of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A huge backyard is a must for any Siberian Husky, as well as at least one walk every day.
Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is an ancient breed that was created by the Inuit people to help hunt and transport sleds. Their thick coat helps them to thrive in cold temperatures. This breed was meant for accomplishing a hard day’s work, which means that Greenland Dogs need plenty of enrichment to feel happy.
Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are extremely active dogs. Though medium in size, the Finnish Lapphund’s spitz features, which include a long muzzle, erect ears, and a plumed tail, all make this breed closely resemble the wolf. Finnish Lapphunds have a long coat with a tendency to shed. This is a friendly breed that requires constant companionship to feel fulfilled. With proper training, the Finnish Lapphund will make a loving and devoted companion!
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are among the big dogs that look like wolves. These large, sturdy dogs are well-suited to all kinds of work. While they were initially bred to herd sheep, many German Shepherds today find work as police dogs. This is a courageous and incredibly intelligent breed that is easy to train. As a result, German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds today, second only to pugs.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are beautiful dogs with a long, white coat, pointed ears, and a curled and plumy tail. Their gorgeous coat isn’t just for appearances, however; they can withstand some of the coldest temperatures on earth!
Samoyeds closely resemble wolves in appearance, as well as in temperament. This breed relies heavily on pack instincts, which means that, during training, you must quickly establish your position as the alpha. Otherwise, your Samoyed could take control of the house!
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan may be a newer breed, but there’s something ancient about its wolf-like features. It may even be one of the most wolf-like dogs on this list! However, it is important to recognize that Tamaskans are not for first-time dog owners. This is a difficult breed to train and care for. They are extremely active and intelligent, which can make them a handful for anyone who isn’t experienced with dogs.
Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog was created in 1935 when a Dutch breeder crossed a German Shepherd with a Eurasian grey wolf. As of 2015, the Saarloos Wolfdog contained more grey wolf DNA than any other dog breed on record. This makes them one of the wildest dog breeds in existence! However, this breed is extremely rare, and difficult to find.
Czech Wolfdog
The Czech Wolfdog was created in 1955. It is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Carpathian grey wolf. This is an incredibly rare breed, but it is slowly gaining popularity across the United Kingdom. Due to the wolf-like behavior of this breed, however, Czech Wolfdogs are notoriously difficult to train, and not for first-time dog owners.
Shikoku
The Shikoku is a medium-sized Japanese dog breed. Shikoku are working dogs, as they were bred to hunt game such as wild boar. This is an energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise. Shikoku dogs are intelligent and agile, which makes them well-suited to agility competitions. They have short coats, plumed tails, and pointed ears.
Akita
Akitas are another Japanese dog breed that closely resembles the wolf. They are powerful, muscular dogs that are highly protective of their families. If they are not well-socialized from a young age, Akitas can become aggressive.
However, with proper training, the Akita can easily become a loving and devoted companion. Akitas do not do well with strangers, and they usually don’t tolerate any other animals in the house.
Pomsky
Pomskies are small dogs that look like wolves. They are a cross-breed between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. While Pomeranians don’t have many wolf-like features, the Siberian Husky helps make the Pomsky look more like its ancient ancestors.
Pomskies aren’t a true breed yet, but this adorable mix has been gaining a lot of attention. While most small dogs are intolerant of cold, the Siberian Husky heritage makes Pomskies well-suited to colder temperatures.
Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika was used long ago to herd reindeer and pull sleds. This large dog is a devoted family member that gets along exceedingly well with children. Yakutian Laikas can be reserved towards strangers at first, but their friendly nature makes them ill-suited to life as a guard dog. The breed is known for sometimes having striking ice-blue eyes.
Alaskan Klee Kai
If you’re looking for dogs that look like wolves, the Alaskan Klee Kai is another breed to consider. This is a relatively new Alaskan breed, and it is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small breed that closely resembles the Siberian Husky.
This is an energetic canine that requires plenty of enrichment to keep out of trouble. Alaskan Klee Kais are sweet and loving dogs who make wonderful family companions.
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