Wolf dogs breeds, also known as wolf hybrids, are unique dogs that cross between a domestic dog and a wolf. They are known for their striking appearance and loyalty. Dogs are our best friends, and wolves are big and strong animals. Some people think dogs come from wolves, but that’s not true. They came from the same animal a long time ago. People like dogs that look like wolves because they look cool, but they can also live with people without any problems. If you like these animals, you should check out a list of 9 dog breeds that look like wolves. Maybe you already know them all!
Wolfdog
An unusual dog breed, the wolfdog is unlike any other canine. The hybrid animal shares characteristics of both dogs and wolves. You can acquire them from people who breed wolves and specialized dogs together. They come in three different types, depending on how many wolves DNA they have.
- The first type, known as Low Charge, they have 1-49% wolf DNA and look more like a regular dog.
- The second type is the medium Charge; they have 50-74% wolf DNA and look like a mix between a dog and a wolf.
- The third type is the High Charge; they have 75% or more wolf DNA and look and act like wolves.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most common dog breeds in homes worldwide. Undoubtedly, this dog of Germanic origin is one of the most popular because of its physical and behavioral characteristics. They are dogs reminiscent of wolves because of their similar physical appearance, muzzle, fangs, ears, tail, and even coat type. However, the color differs entirely from the Canis lupus. They are brilliant dogs, obedient, easy to train if one tries, protective, and always willing to learn, all of which make them ideal for police and firefighting work
Tamaskan
That’s right. Because of the high genetic load of wolves, Tamaskans are wolfdogs. Little by little, the breeders of this new breed originating in Finland are improving their level of socialization. These dog attributes are more predominant.
For medium to large breed dogs, measuring between 60 and 70 cm at the withers and weighing between 30 and 40 kg, they have longevity, as so far it has been proven that they can live up to 20 years if they are well cared for, something uncommon in dogs of this size and wolves.
How did the Tamaskan breed originate? The first specimens seemed in Finland from crosses between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky, two breeds reminiscent of the Canis lupus. Later, breeders added crosses with wolves, which gave them their current appearance.
Calupoh
Calupoh is a special kind of dog that looks like a black wolf. It’s from Mexico, and only a few people know about it. It’s a new breed, and it’s cool looking.
Some people in Mexico found this breed in 1999. People do not make it. It happened naturally because dogs in Mexico mixed with the Mexican gray wolf long ago.
Calupohs are big and black, with yellow or orange eyes. They look more like wolves than dogs. The only group of people that recognize Calupoh as a breed is called Federación Canófila Mexicana. They say there are also Calupohs that are smoky black, black with white spots, dark color, and even white.
Siberian Husky
Undoubtedly, this is one of the dog breeds that most reminds us of Nordic wolves. At the same time, it is one of the most popular in the world, not only for its wolfish appearance but also for its incredible character. Huskies are dogs of Russian origin and are active, curious, funny, protective, and familiar.
Another feature that makes them more popular is that within the wolf-like dogs, this breed has the shortest hair, although very dense and with many layers, and is slightly smaller than its relative Alaskan Malamute.
Pomsky
If you like dogs that look like wolves and small dogs, then the Pomsky will undoubtedly catch your attention. As you might guess from its name, it is a hybrid between the pomeranian and husky dog breeds. We have just seen that, without a doubt, the Husky is a dog that looks very much like a Nordic wolf, and a result of mixing these two breeds is to get dogs that look like small wolves.
This breed still needs to be well known and recognized in some parts of the world, as it is very recent.
Alaskan Malamute
Also, close to the huskies, we find one of the large dog breeds that look like wolves. We are talking about the Alaskan Malamute, also dogs very similar to wolves in cold areas. Still, they are more significant than Siberian Husky dogs and have longer coats.
They are American dogs, specifically from the State of Alaska, as their name indicates, but they are also widespread worldwide.
Samoyed
If you like white wolves, you will surely enjoy this breed of dogs that resemble wolves. Samoyed breed dogs originate from Russia and have a long white coats, reminding us of wolves from low-temperature areas.
They are dogs with lively and alert characters, familiar and friendly. If you like dogs that look like white wolves, the Samoyed is undoubtedly the one that will catch your attention the most in this list. If so, check out the information we tell you here about How to take care of a Samoyed.
Utonagan
This breed is little known and is from Great Britain. It is a wolf-like dog that comes from the mixture of three dog breeds we have already mentioned in this list: German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute.
The Utonagan dogs are large. They can exceed 70 cm in height at the withers and weigh more than 40 kg. Their coat is medium on the body and longer on the tail, a trait inherited from the Alaskan Malamute, which gives them a Nordic wolf-like appearance. It is a breed suitable for children, mainly because they do not have very wolfish traits in their character, being very cheerful, active, familiar, and loyal dogs.
If you have no experience with wolf dogs, this can be one of the best breeds for you.
FAQ about Wolf dogs breeds
What do wolf dogs look like?
Wolf dogs can vary greatly in appearance depending on their percentage of wolf and dog genetics. They can have a range of coat colors, from gray, black, and white to reddish-brown. They often have a lean and athletic build, with pointed ears and a long, bushy tail.
How big do wolf dogs get?
The size of a wolfdog can vary depending on the size of the dog and wolf parent breeds. On average, adult wolf dogs weigh 50-90 pounds and can reach 2-3 feet at the shoulder.
Are wolf dogs dangerous?
Wolf dogs can be unpredictable and may have a higher tendency towards aggressive behavior than domestic dogs. However, proper socialization and training can help mitigate these risks. It’s important to remember that wolf dogs are not domesticated animals and have wild instincts that may not be suitable for all households.
Are wolf dogs legal to own?
Laws regarding wolfdog ownership vary by state and country. Some places have banned wolfdog ownership altogether, while others have regulations to ensure proper care and containment. It’s essential to research the laws in your area before considering a wolfdog as a pet.
Can wolf dogs be trained?
Yes, you can train wolf dog breeds, but it requires patience, consistency, and a lot of positive reinforcement. They may be more challenging to train than domestic dogs and need a professional trainer with experience working with wolf dogs.
How long do wolf dogs live?
The lifespan of a wolfdog can vary depending on its genetics and living conditions, but it can live between 12-15 years on average.