What dog breed is closest to a wolf
What Dog Is Closest To A Wolf (List Of The Closest Breeds)
Both dogs and wolves belong to the canine family, although both are completely different from each other. While one is mans best friend, the other is a dangerous species and top predator in the ecosystem.
Dogs were domesticated around 15,000 years ago to coexist happily with humans. However, wolves have remained in the wild and tend to steer clear from wherever humans are found.
However, that doesnt mean that some dogs arent still close to wolves. Some breeds are so similar to humans, in fact, that people often get confused between a dog and a wolf.
Lets take a look at the closest dog breeds to wolves and why theyre close to their distant relative the wolf.
What makes some dog breeds close to wolves?
The main reason why dog breeds are close to wolves is their genetics. Dogs are a distant relative of wolves and this can be seen by research done on these two animals.
Dr. Robert K. Wayne is a canid biologist and molecular geneticist who states that modern dogs only differ from grey wolves by 0.2% of their DNA.
This is an incredibly small difference considering that coyotes are often considered the wolfs closest relatives and also have a 4% difference between their DNA.
This means that dogs are 20 times closer to wolves than coyotes are in regards to their genetics. Some dogs are closer to wolves than others due to cross-breeding making them look and act so different from one another.
Dogs closest to wolves in regards to their looks
When people think of wolves and dog breeds, many will automatically think of the Husky. Both the Husky and wolves have boxy snouts, pointed short ears, muscular bodies, and similar eye shapes.
However, Huskies are smaller in size and have many different personalities from wolves. Another dog that looks very similar to a wolf is the Alaskan Malamute.
Both of these breeds are often mistaken for wolves, with some people even wondering whether they are actually domesticated wolves.
Below is a list of other dog breeds that look very similar to wolves, and therefore can be considered closest to wolves in regards to their looks.
Samoyed
While this breed is much smaller than a wolf, they could still be considered similar-looking to wolves. They have short and pointed ears with long snouts. Samoyeds are still used in Russia for pulling sleds and herding reindeer. This dog also has similar genetics to wolves.
Siberian Husky
This northern dog breed originated from Siberia where it is and has been used for pulling sleds. The Siberian Husky resembles a wolf both in looks and genetics. Its worth noting that the Siberian Wolf is different from the Siberian Husky, although many people get these confused.
Basenji
The Basenji bears a slight resemblance to its wolf ancestors and is a hunting dog from Africa. It has pointed ears, a long snout, and similar tendencies to the grey wolf. This dog is also genetically similar to the wolf, and you can see a few similarities between their faces.
Shiba Inu
This breed is a small Japanese dog, but you can see a small resemblance to wolves. They hunt rabbits and birds, also giving them a similar personality to wolves. Plus, their DNA is also similar. While it may be small, the Shiba Inu is very similar to its wolf ancestors.
Alaskan Malamute
Similar to the Husky, this breed is perhaps the closest to wolves in regards to their looks. This is partly due to the fact that their genetic make-up is still incredibly similar to their wolf ancestors.
Dogs closest to wolves in regards to their DNA
Scientists gathered data and DNA from 1,000 dogs of 85 different breeds. After analyzing the data, they found that four dogs were closest to wolves in regards to their DNA. These breeds were the Shiba Inu, Chow Chow, Akita, and Alaskan Malamute.
It is interesting to note that Huskies are not on this list. This shows that a dog does not have to look like a wolf to necessarily be close to wolves in regards to their DNA.
Below is a list of a few more dog breeds that are closest to wolves regarding their DNA and genetics.
Shih Tzu
This dog is a small, decadent-looking dog that has no visual similarities to wolves. However, the Shih Tzu is one of the closest dog breeds related to wolves in regards to their genetics.
Pekingese
Again, this lapdog looks nothing like a wolf and is extremely calm and loving in their personalities. However, they are extremely close to wolves in their genetic make-up.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are used as watchdogs for Buddist monasteries in Tibet, where the breed originates from. This dog is very small and fluffy. Despite this, their DNA is very similar to that of a wolf.
Tibetan Terrier
Similar to the Lhasa Apso, this dog originates from Tibet. This dog is not a true terrier; however, as they have been kept as purebred dogs for over 2,000 years in their native country. Despite this, its DNA is very similar to grey wolves.
Saluki
While the Saluki is larger than the other dogs that weve looked at on this list, it is much slimmer and less muscular than a wolf. They have long snouts, but this is pretty much where the similarities in looks end.
Salukis are often thought of as the oldest dog breeds in existence, dating back as far as 10,000 BC. Ancient rock art indicates that this is factual. As this dog is considered the oldest breed, it makes sense that they are incredibly close to their wolf ancestors.
Summary
There are many dogs that are similar to their wolf ancestors, both in their looks and appearance. With the breeds that look like wolves, its not difficult to believe that their DNA is still very similar.
However, its difficult to believe that many breeds, such as the Lhasa Apso or the Chow Chow, are still similar to wolves regarding their DNA.
10 Wolf-Like Dog Breeds That Are Anything But Wild
Dogs and wild wolves share over 99 percent of their DNA. But thousands of years of selective breeding means domestic dogs suit being family companions. That doesnt mean majestic wolves or hybrid wolfdogs, like White Fang in the famous Jack London novel, dont continue to hold a fascination for many. And their allure has grown even more with the introduction of the dire wolves in Game of Thrones, one of the most popular TV shows of all time.
Fan attachment to Ghost, Nymeria, and their ill-fated littermates meant a surge in demand for controversial wolfdogs. Consequently, theres been a sad spike in irresponsible, unscrupulous breeding and hard-to-care-for hybrids ending up in wolfdog sanctuaries.
And the Game of Thrones effect also saw more Huskies and other Northern breeds end up in shelters because of impulse buying. After all, these dogs are usually super smart and high-energy, with an independence of spirit and drive to worknot ideal candidates for traditional first-time dog owners and their lifestyles.
But, if youve done a ton of research, can offer bags of exercise and appropriate enrichment, and dont mind your furnishings getting covered in shedding fur, you might be able to offer one of these wolf-like dog breeds a loving and fitting home.
Alaskan Klee Kai
Developed as a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky in the seventies, this Foundation Stock Service (FSS) breed comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes. This little wolf look-alike might be compact, but Alaskan Klee Kai have big personalities. Inquisitive, intelligent, and energetic, they form strong bonds with their families but are often aloof and wary of strangers. Known for being more trainable than Huskies, you should still be ready for the wolf-like woo these spitz-type dogs emit when excited.
Alaskan Malamute
Its no surprise this ancient basal breed reminds some people of their lupine forebears. Resembling their smaller Husky cousins, Alaskan Malamutes commonly have thick, gray-white, wolf-colored coats. Mals are dignified, devoted, heavy-duty dogs made indispensable because of their ability to pull heavy sleds over long distances in harsh arctic conditions. Playful, biddable, and affectionate, these family favorites still need plenty of socialization and gentle coachingan unruly lump of a Mal (weighing about as much as a Gray Wolf) wont be easy to handle.
Like all the double-coated breeds on this list, youll need a good vacuum and de-shedding brush for heavy molting Mals.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak (CSV)
Of all the dogs on this list, the Czechoslovakian Vlcak (CSV) shares the closest resemblance to their wolf relatives. This FSS breed was originally bred in the 1950s by crossing a German Shepherd with a Carpathian Wolf. These working dogs, who patrolled borders with the Czech military, love having a job to do.
Despite being smart, loyal to a fault, and athletic, they dont make good pets for average first-time dog owners. Independent, aloof with outsiders, and with a short attention span, they need oodles of exercise and enrichment to keep them happy and out of trouble.
Finnish Lapphund
Traditionally reindeer herders for the Sami, also known as Lapp, people from Lapland, the Finnish Lapphund could be mistaken for a silky-coated susi (wolf in Finnish). Like wolves, theyre clever, courageous, cordial, and calm. Popular pets in their home country, they crave closeness with their family and excel in herding trials and other dog sports.
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog might not look quite as much like Canis lupis as some of the Nordic spitz-types on this list, but you can certainly see some wolf-like aspects in this all-purpose workers appearance. And its no surprise it was a GSD they crossed with a wolf to create the first Czech Vlcak. As one of the top 10 most popular breeds in the United States year after year, with the right training, socialization, and exercise, this steady, smart, and stouthearted dog makes a wonderful family pet and guardian.
Norwegian Elkhound
Broader and boxier than a wolf, the Norwegian Elkhound is another ancient Nordic spitz breed that looks a little wolfish. Sailing and hunting with the Vikings, they went on to herd sheep and guard rural Norwegian farms. These days, their natural stamina and dependability make them ideal eager herding competitors but watch out for their high prey drive and independent streak. Their dense, silver-gray coat adds to their wolf-like appearance, and, like their wild counterparts, theyre wary of strangers but unmistakably loyal and loving to those in their trusted circle.
Samoyed
Another sled dog with a thick coat, enduring stamina, smarts, and a strong social side, the Samoyed could be mistaken for a fluffy, white-coated wolf from afar. The Sammies famous smile might be a practical breed trait designed to prevent drool from turning to icicles on their face, but it fits in with their happy, friendly disposition and love of being in the center of their pack. This social side is why Sammies suit best being part of a family they can be with most of the day to prevent separation anxiety from rearing its head.
Siberian Husky
If you ask people what dog reminds them most of a wolf, the Siberian Husky is a routine response. The most well-known and beloved of all the spitz breeds, their speed, stamina, and svelte lines made them popular sled racers when they came to North American shores in the early 20th century. These days, theyre also desirable family pets with fun, cheeky, outgoing characters. But, if you cant put enough effort into exercise and education, a Husky, with its roaming, pack-life wolf traits, wont be the pet for you. Theyre well-suited to active families that can be with them most of the day and who dont mind copious amounts of fur on their furniture and the occasional whining.
Swedish Vallhund
A low-slung breed that merges the stumpy-like appearance of a cute Pembroke Welsh Corgi with wolf-like features, the Swedish Vallhund is still used as an adaptable, all-purpose farm dog in its home country. Sharing the independent but loyal traits of many Spitz breeds, they have a peppy, cheery disposition. While they still need a decent amount of exercise and enrichment, they arent as high-energy as some breeds on this list. But, because of their cattle herding background, get ready to work on harnessing their instinct to chase.
Yakutian Laika
A newer FSS breed with an ancient history, the Yakutian Laika was a multipurpose working dog used to pull sleds, herd reindeer, and hunt for the people in the Yakutia region of Russian Siberia. This rare dog looks a bit like a cross between a Collie, a fluffy spitz breed, and a wolf with its wedge-shaped, pointed head. These days, theyre known as devoted and gentle family members with bags of energy. Although naturally wary and sensitive, they warm up quickly to those they trust. Like wolves, they might love to chase potential prey, but theyre smart and eager to please, so its something you can work on preventing.
