26 dogs that look like wolves

All dogs are originally descended from wolves. The following 26 dogs even look like wolves:

Since all dog breeds originally descended from wolves, much of their DNA is still the same. If you will, dogs are nothing more than that domestic wolves. [1]

In contrast to wolves, dogs were tamed for domestic life around 15,000 – 40,000 years ago. They are therefore much more used to people. [2]

Okay, enough words. Then let's take a closer look at the individual breeds.

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#1 Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky looks like a wolf due to its ears, coat color and stature. They are also very persistent, which is why they are also used as sled dogs.

The dogs need one just like wolves do strong leader («Alpha»). But their behavior is fundamentally different. Because they are considered friendly, gentle and alert. [3]

Their double-layered fur keeps the animals warm even in the dead of winter. The Nordic dogs are also considered to be very clean. However, Siberian Huskies shed a lot.

Fun fact: Siberian Huskies usually have blue eyes. However, some specimens also have a brown or gray eye on one side.

#2 Kugsha

The Kugsha has its origins in Russia. Visually it can hardly be distinguished from wolves. Laypeople can only tell that they are dogs by their behavior.

This breed is considered loving, playful and at the same time loyal and adventurous. They are also very primitive dogswhich must be trained at a young age.

Despite its wolf-like appearance, this breed is primarily used as a working and guard dog. They also need an above-average amount of exercise and rigorous training. [4]

Fun fact: Kugshas only bond with a single master – the “Alpha”. Dogs safely ignore commands from other people.

#3 Samoyed

Samoyeds also originally come from Russia. They are also closely related to wolves not only visually but also genetically.

The dogs can only be distinguished from white arctic wolves by their tails and behavior. They also serve primary purposes as sheepdogs in cold areas.

Otherwise, the dogs are known for their playfulness and loving nature. But they often howl like wolves and shed relatively heavily. [5]

Fun fact: In some specimens of this breed, the mouth is slightly curved upwards at the back. In the neutral state it therefore looks like a permanent grin.

#4 Northern Inuit Dog

Northern Inuit Dogs are the result of an English breeding project in the 1980s. The goal was to produce a breed of dog that visually resembled wolves.

Mission accomplished. It is a cross between Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and probably Samoyeds. [6]

That would also explain her behavior. Because they are considered particularly familiar, good-natured and calm. They also need a lot of attention and a lot of exercise.

Fun fact: Since the release of Game of Thrones, the Northern Inuit Dog has also been known as the “Wolfhound.” The series increased demand for the dogs by more than 300%.

#5 Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute has its origins in – you guessed it – Alaska. Although the dogs look like wolves, they are considered to be very devoted, loyal and friendly.

You can even go up from a distance arched tail realize that these are not real wolves. They also have a friendlier look.

Despite their thick fur, the dogs are very clean and have little odor. On the other hand, they shed a lot and need more than average exercise. [7]

Fun fact: The Alaskan Malamute has a particularly strong protective instinct towards babies and small children. That's why he was literally used as a babysitter.

#6 Groenendael

The Groenendael is actually a subspecies of the Belgian Shepherd Dog. However, due to their strong visual differences, they are also recognized as a separate breed. [8]

Because of their erect ears and their athletic stature, the dogs also look like black wolves out of. They are also considered very powerful and active.

Additionally, this breed is known for its intelligence, good nature, and loyalty. They are also easy to train and make excellent sheepdogs.

Fun fact: Due to a gene mutation, the dog's optic nerves do not cross each other enough. This would lead to significant vision problems in humans. However, according to studies, the dogs see quite normally. [9]

#7 Saarloos Wolfhound

The Saarloos Wolfhound was created by crossing a German Shepherd and a Eurasian Wolf. It is therefore a so-called “wolf hybrid”.

Since such hybrids as unpredictable and dangerous apply, keeping them is prohibited in Germany without official approval. [10]

Because they not only look like wolves, but they also behave very similarly. They have no desire to associate with people and are very skittish.

Fun fact: Wolf hybrids often react extremely panicked to bicycles and strollers. For many people, going for a walk in the park is impossible.

#8 Tamaskan

The Tamaskan has only been around since 1980. This breed of dog was specifically bred to look like a wolf while also behaving like dogs. [11]

It has its origins in Finland. Because of their intelligence and willingness to work, these dogs almost have to constantly busy become.

A large garden is almost a must for these dogs. Due to their loyal and social nature, they also make excellent family and house dogs. [12]

Fun fact: Despite their size, Tamaskan live to around 14-15 years. That's about twice as old as normal wolves. They are therefore colloquially referred to as “old hands”.

#9 Alaskan Noble Companion Dog

The Alaskan Noble Companion Dog was also specifically created to look like a black wolf. In terms of behavior, however, they are still dogs.

In total, more than 8 different dog breeds crossed. It is still considered very rare. This breed is not yet officially recognized. [13]

Otherwise, the wolf-like dogs are considered very friendly, obedient and tame. However, they need a lot of exercise and shed comparatively heavily.

Fun fact: The abbreviation of the Alaskan Noble Companion Dog is ANCD. In online forums, the animals are also jokingly called ACDC dogs.

#10 Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is an arctic dog breed that originated in Canada. There the dogs mainly serve as Hunting and sled dogs.

Due to their wolf-like appearance, the breed was originally thought to be a wolf hybrid. However, genetic tests were able to disprove this. [14]

In addition, the dogs are currently threatened with extinction. Already in 2008 there were only around 300 copies left. They are also considered loyal, courageous and vigilant.

Fun fact: Canadian Eskimo Dogs have such great endurance that legend has it they can run further than a snowmobile can go with a full tank of gas.

#11 Kolyma-Indigirka Laika

The Kolyma-Indigirka Laika has its origins in Russia. To this day, the animals still serve primarily as sheepdogs, hunting dogs and sled dogs. [15]

Visually the dogs look like wolves. Dogs also lived predominantly until the 18th century in the wilderness. However, they were always very friendly towards people.

However, they usually react cautiously and shyly to strangers. They also rarely get along with strange animals. They are also relatively difficult to train. [16]

Fun fact: Until the 18th century, the dogs were confused with white arctic foxes. Only later did it become clear that they were relatively shy dogs.

#12 Swedish Lapphund

The Swedish Lapphund is usually completely black and has its origins in Sweden. There they are mostly used to herd and guard reindeer.

There were also indications of one in the DNA Wolf hybrid as ancestor found. This explains why some of the dogs look like wolves. [17]

Otherwise, the breed is considered very active, playful and intelligent. When they are young, dogs also look very similar to bears. [18]

Fun fact: The Swedish Lapphund barks at an unusually high pitch. It's loud, but not threatening – ideal for giving reindeer directions without scaring them away.

#13 Seppala Siberian Sleddog

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog has its origins in Alaska. As its name suggests, the animals were primarily used as sled dogs.

Supposedly this breed has the same ancestors like Siberian Huskies. This also explains why the dogs have strong visual similarities to wolves. [19]

In addition, the Seppala Siberian Sleddog lives up to 16 years. He also needs a lot of exercise and is considered very good-natured and playful.

Fun fact: In 1976, a book with an almost cinematic history of the breed was published. However, to this day it is unclear whether the story is true.

#14 Utonagan

The Utonagan was also part of the English breeding experiments in the 80s. Here too, the goal was to achieve a wolf-like appearance in domestic dogs.

To achieve this, German Shepherds were crossed with the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. The Utonagan may look like a wolf, but it is not a wolf hybrid. [20]

Otherwise, the dogs are considered very energetic, protective and loyal. However, the animals are completely unsuitable for living in small apartments.

Fun fact: You probably know people who like to hear themselves talk. Not true? Well, the Utonagan is also included here. No matter what noises he makes, he loves to express himself acoustically.

#15 Caucasian Ovcharka

The Caucasian Ovcharka has its origins in cold mountainous areas of Eastern Europe. There the dogs served primarily as Guard and shepherd dogs.

From the front, the dogs also look very similar to wolves because of their mane. Especially if they have gray and white fur. However, her stature is significantly larger.

This breed is also considered fearless, strong and independent. Compared to your own…