Last Updated on September 20, 2023
*. Are you looking for a wolf-like breed of dog but aren’t sure which one would be best for your family? We humans have been fascinated by wolves for thousands of years. From their looks to how they care for their pack, We have been awed by their magnificent nature , for a long time. This is why there are so many folklores about them. They are wild animals that are not suitable for domestication. Although you may not be able to get the real deal, there are many wolf-like wolf breeds that can satisfy your wolfy desires Some wolf hybrids exist, but they are difficult to obtain and their ownership is usually regulated.
This guide will cover everything you need about the wolf-dog relationship. We will also discuss why it is not a good idea to keep one as a pet. We will then run you through 18 wolf doppelgangers, complete with pictures. This will allow you to see the different dog breeds. Let’s get down to business with these beautiful, wolf-like dogs.
Wolf-Dog History
Many believe that domesticated dogs (canis familiaris) are descendents of the graywolf (canis Lupus). Over time, we humans have domesticated the gray wolf. Although this was the common belief for a while, it wasn’t as simple as ..
Recent research shows that rather than domesticated dogs being the great-great-great-great grandpups of wolves, they are more like long-lost cousins. So lost that they descend from an ancestor of the wolf (not the wolf himself), which were domesticated between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago. A lot has happened since then.
We know that domestic dogs share many of the same genetics as wolves .. We can even pinpoint their rough times and areas in their past, which allows us to determine their connection with wolves.
We also know their DNA is very similar as they can mate and create wolf hybrids. You can also reactivate certain genes by breeding different domesticated dog breeds together to make them more wolf-like. The following list contains commonly-mated dogs that look wolf-like.
This is great news for anyone who wants to own a domesticated dog within a wolf body. So, just for you, we have found 18 of the very best wolf-like breeds for you to choose from.
18 Wolf-Like Dog Breeds
Let’s move on to the part that you are here for: the wolf-like dog breeds! This is our top pick of dog breeds that most closely resemble wolves. Some look like wolves and others would double-take in the forest ,. Others are cute enough to be carried around in your purse, but not a large one. )
A few of these guys are wolf-wolf hybrids. These were directly derived from scientific experiments. Some rely on the above-mentioned reactivated wolfy gene. This section covers everything you need to know, including whether they are wolf-like or hybrids.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky
is the most wolf-like dog everyone can think of when thinking about dogs that look like wolves. The most loved dog breed is the Siberian Husky. It’s also one of the most popular family dogs. He loves being the center of attention and is vocal and funny. Huskies love being cuddled by their owners.
He is from Siberia where he was born. His purpose was to haul heavy sleds across vast, icy expanses. This guy can carry both people and goods and has great stamina. This guy is energetic and you should have an active family that can keep up with him.
Recently breeders mixed the Siberian Husky and a Wolf Hybrid . to create . This sounds fascinating, but he’s more wild than domesticated. He is not suitable for most families due to his high wolf content. He is still a beautiful !creature.
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan is another easily misunderstood wolf-dog ,, but unlike the Saarloos or Czech Vlak, there are no records that he has wolf blood. He is actually a Husky/Malamute mix with other unknown sled dogs. In many Northern American Indian languages, Tamaska is referred to as ‘Mighty Wolf’.
He is similar to the Northern Inuit in personality and temperament to the Husky. He would be a great fit for your family, provided you are able to handle his energy. He is more relaxed, dedicated, and trained than the Husky. This is why he is often used as a therapy dog and working gun dog.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is the Husky’s BIG brother, so big that he can be twice as heavy as the Husky. If you don’t like fluffy fur, this handsome boy might not be right for you.
He is super cuddly, affectionate, and if you ever dreamed of cuddling a Wolf, this is the best (and most secure!) place to do it. chance. He’s a Husky, but he is calmer at home and behaves more like a gentle giant.
The Malamute originates from Alaska, and he was used by the Alaskan tribes to pull heavy carts between tribes. The freight boy is very energetic and has lots of power. He needs a strong leader. If you want to get him, you will need to show him how to walk on the leash.
Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog, another wolf doppelganger is breeders believe that his facial expressions are very similar to a wild wolf. A Dutch breeder created him in the 1930s, and he is also a mix of wild European wolves and German Shepherds.
The Saarloos is a gentle pooch. However, he doesn’t get too attached to his people. He is a wild dog and loves to be with his fourlegged pack .. He’s similar to wolves in his ability to avoid unknown situations and avoid contact from strangers.
The Saarloos Wolfdog is friendly with humans and will sit at your feet during the evening. This makes him a great choice for people who don’t like lapdogs. He is not a first-time owner and requires hours of intense exercise to keep him happy.
Northern Inuit Dog / Utonagan
Many people believe these dogs to be different breeds. However, they are all the same. Their names just represent different places. These dogs might be familiar to you if your favorite TV series is The Game of Thrones .. Northern Inuits were chosen because they were the closest-looking wolf-like dogs and were safe enough to be used on set with children.
They are another new breed created in the 1980s, and it is thought that they are a mix of the Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and the German Shepherd. Their personality is similar to the Husky ,, which is friendly, energetic, and funny. These guys make great companions for children if you’re lucky enough to own one.
Kugsha
The history of the Kugsha is not documented , and is surrounded by confusion. We can only ascertain that he is an Alaskan Malamute mixed with wolves. But it all depends on whom you ask. He doesn’t count if he has been mixed with wolves.
He was originally called the American Husky. However, this did not go down well among Husky lovers. He is now known as the Kugsha, or Amerindian Malamute.
In terms of size and weight, he is between a Husky and a Malamute .. They are independent dogs that are difficult to train (first-time dog owners should be cautious), but he is a very sensitive dog who hates being left alone. If you’re thinking of welcoming this boy into your family, it is important that someone is available for him most of the day.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a well-known doggy in the canine world, and he is the 3rd most popular dog breed in America. His standard coat and colors aren’t similar to the wolf’s, but he has rarer colors such as pure white, pure black, and less commonly blue.
The
German Shepherds share the same wild-looking frame and face as wolves and are used in many wolf crossings due to his training ability, human loyalty and reactivating wolf genes. Some people say that the longer-haired German Shepherds look quite a bit like a wolf you’d find in the wild.
He is a highly intelligent and energetic dog that needs to be surrounded by a loving family. To keep the boy’s smart mind stimulated, it’s important to buy lots of toys and brain games. This breed is a great choice if you’re looking for a guard dog that looks like wolves.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a heavenly canine cloud that loves to cuddle. Another ancient sled dog, he can pull one-and-a-half times his weight. Which was to cuddle his human pack during the freezing nights to keep them warm, which is why their love of humans is so strong. He is a wonderful family companion.
The Samoyed looks very much like the wolf but his coat is much fluffier. If you aren’t a fan of the remnants of a white coat on your outfit or furniture, this boy is not for you because he is a heavy shedder. He is clean because his mouth turns up to stop him drooling.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog
is one of the most rare dog breeds in the entire world. It’s thought that there are less than 300 left in the world today. If
you’re able to meet this boy, expect lots of cuddles and love. He’s a sled dog during the day, and a hot water bottle at night.
He can weigh up to 105 pounds if not used as a working dog. This breed is larger than the Alaskan Malamute. You can often tell him apart from a Malamute simply by the color of his eyes because they are any color apart from blue. He looks very wolf-like with his yellow eyes.
Shikoku
The Shikoku is a Japanese dog breed, which is also known as the Kochi Ken or the Japanese Wolfdog. His head is reminiscent of a wolf’s and he was once a hunter for wild boar in Japan.
He has similar facial mask patterns to Arctic sled dogs and his coat is the same. His curly Akita-like tail, and his smaller pointed ears are the main differences. He is now and can be found in families , where he completes his rounds as the guard dog. After a long day of protecting his family, he is happy to cuddle in the evening.
American Alsatian
The American Alsatian is also a derived dog breed from the German Shepherd. This dog is often referred to as the “American version of the German Shepherd dog”. These dogs are typically shorter and taller than regular German Shepherds .. These pups can weigh upwards of 90-100 pounds when fully grown.
The American Alsatian breed was created by crossing the Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd. From there, other breeds were introduced, including the Great Pyrenees and the Anatolian Shepherd to name a few. The Alsatian gained some size from this. Depending on their genetics, Alsatians can have shorter or longer hair. Their eyes are amber in color adding to their wolf-like appearance .
Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund, with its fluffy exterior and Spitz-like features, is a clear Nordic breed. His appearance is very wolf-like, with his fluffy exterior and Spitz-like face. His startle reflex is strong and has been preserved from his wild days. Be careful not to wake him, he may jump up and snap.
He is quick and agile making him an excellent agility course participant. This is a great way to show your dog how intelligent and loyal he is. Finnish Lapphunds love their family, but are cautious around strangers. He enjoys a quiet, cuddly lifestyle with his family.
Caucasian Shepherd
The Caucasian Shepherd originates from Russia and is often referred to as the Russian Bear Dog. These furry beasts are a very furry wolf-like dog breed, and a large part of that is due to their long fluffy coat. These dogs are tough and can withstand harsh mountain conditions.
These dogs serve as protectors and guardians for their flocks. These dogs are best suited for farms as they thrive in cooler climates. Caucasian Shepherds require plenty of space to roam and can be both stubborn or protective . males. These puppies are not recommended to be first-time dog owners. They will need firm leadership throughout puppyhood.
King Shepherd
King Shepherds are a rarer breed, and they have similar genetic lines to the German Shepherd. They are the Shiloh Shepherd and German Shepherd. The King Shepherd was designed to create a larger version of the German Shepherd. It has been very popular.
Breed Health was also important, since backyard breeding has become very popular and can cause genetic defects in purebred German Shepherds. The Shiloh Shepherd created the King Shepherd to create a stronger, healthier breed. King Shepherds will almost always have long hair. This headstrong breed might even look more like a Wolf than their German Shepherd parent.
Shiloh Shepherd
Similar to the King Shepherd, the Shiloh Shepherd was originally bred to create a larger line of the German Shepherd. This was achieved by combining the lines of an Alaskan Malamute. They introduced the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and the Canadian White Shepherd later to increase genetic diversity.
The Shiloh Shepherd is a larger version of a regular German Shepherd. They can have shorter or longer coats, and they are not recognized by the AKC. You should know that fluffier and longer coats are more common. If you intend to bring one home, they should be allowed to roam freely. They are gentler and more energetic than standard German Shepherds making them an ideal choice for families .
A Wolfy Word Of Warn
First, dodgy breeders are rising in popularity due to the desire to have a wolf-like pet dog. Dodgy breeders may claim to have bred rare wolf hybrids or high-content wolf dogs for sale. They are just one wolf-like dog listed above .. Don’t let them fool you and don’t pay more than you should.
Secondly, the famous Game of Thrones series has been blamed for popularizing the idea of a pet dire wolf, and people rushed out to get their hands on a wolf hybrid. Things change when they reach their adolescent stages. They quickly became a part of the family and were not like domestic dogs. Many families are unable to cope with wild animals and so they surrender them to wolf hybrid sanctuary.
If you still believe that you want a hybrid wolf and wolf dog, do more research. They are not domesticated dogs and are not suitable for most families. You shouldn’t expect cuddles, walksies, or any other type of care while on vacation.
Wolf Hybrid Laws
Wolf-hybrid laws can vary from one state to another and between countries. The majority of the breeds listed above are wolf-like dogs and not hybrids. The only 2 breeds on this list that may count as hybrids are the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and the Saarloos Wolfdog.
You will need to talk with your breeder about whether your dog is an official Wolf hybrid. They will inform you. You should also check your local laws regarding hybrids to see if they are allowed to be imported, sold, or owned in your area.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the top 18 wolf-like dog breeds that look seriously similar to wolves. Warn your neighbors if you’re considering bringing one of these dogs into your home. Reassure them that there is nothing to be concerned about.
We do not recommend a wolf-wolf hybrid being kept as a pet, except for the two hybrids on this list. These hybrids have been bred over decades and are no longer true wolves. Respect and admire them in their natural habitat. Admire your wolf-like domesticated doggo while he lies on your lap and drools.