Dogs and wolves share a common ancestor, so it’s not all that surprising that some dogs can look strikingly similar to wolves.
In fact, there are 28 dogs on this list that look so much like wolves, you’ll do a double-take. From Alaskan Malamutes to Siberian Huskies, these domesticated canines have what it takes to make you think they’re part of the wild kingdom.
From their pointy ears to their bushy tails, these dogs are the spitting image of wolves! So, if you’re looking for an animal that’s both majestic and cuddly, consider one of these 28 dogs that look like wolves.
28. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute resembles wolves because of their thick fur coats and bushy tails. They are also larger and more powerful than most other breeds of dogs. Malamutes were originally bred by the Inuit people for sledding, hunting, and working dogs.
These wolf-like breeds are very friendly and loving dogs, but they can be stubborn and independent at times. They need a lot of exercise and space to run around, so they are not the best breed for people who live in small apartments or houses.
Malamutes are also known to howl rather than bark, which can be annoying to some people. Overall, they make great pets for active families who have the time and patience to train them properly.
27. East Siberian Laika
East Siberian Laika is a tough one to get your hands on, especially outside its native territory, Siberia. This dog is a professional hunting prowess originally bred to hunt large game, making it similar to its wolf cousins.
Stout-build, courageous nature, and good intelligence makes East Siberian Laikas an excellent choice as guard dogs.
With families, East Siberian Laikas tend to be friendly, calm, and even-tempered in nature. They need regular exercise to stay fit, if not used for hunting expeditions.
26. Canadian Eskimo
Canadian Eskimo is a working dog breed that harbors intelligent, wolf-like creatures, with a fondness for making excellent companions.
They exhibit a strong urge for preying, thus, Canadian Eskimo dogs require daily exercise and ample outdoor time for healthy mental and physical upkeep.
They’re rare and explicitly employed as family dogs in current times. However, Canadian Eskimos need to be kept under strict supervision when around other pets and children.
25. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu would make the most preferred dog for pet lovers looking for a bongo with facial features matching a wolf as well fox, thanks to their prick ears.
Given their strong-willed and lively temperament, Shiba Inus are tremendously hard to train. Whether to obey your command or not is strictly their personal business.
Shiba Inu is a compact-sized dog with a wild appeal, thus capable of fulfilling your requirement of owning such a pet in an apartment.
24. Greenland Dog
The Greenland dog breed belongs to the Nordic region. These dogs are adapted for living in harsh weather conditions.
Greenland dogs tend to get aggressive if they’ve nothing to do. Thus, it’s strongly suggested to keep them busy with things as much as possible.
Once tamed, Greenland dogs can be very affectionate and loyal to families. However, their predatory instincts make them dangerous for other pets and children. This is not a recommended dog for novice pet owners.
23. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd, although Australian by name, has its origin in the USA. Originally, they were bred to herd livestock but do well as working dogs.
Going by the intelligence and playfulness of Australian Shepherds, they’re well-suited as family dogs. Just remember to give them enough pet-related activities to spend their time on.
Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot as well as cold climate conditions. However, they need a lot of exercise to stay in their right composure.
22. Kugsha (Amerindian Malamute)
Kugsha, also known as Amerindian Malamute, is a hybrid dog breed with a skeptical origin. By appearance, they look like huskies, but their facial features make them resemble a wolf hybrid.
Their hybrid wolf nature makes them assertive in nature, and thus Kugsha dogs tend to act independently.
If sources are to be believed, Kugsha dog breed is an actual wolf hybrid, which got its name because its breeders didn’t want it to be banned.
21. Seppala Siberian Sleddog
Seppala Siberian Sleddog is a scarce working dog breed which has its origin in Siberia. Basically, it’s a breed of sled dogs with the toughest possible physical and metabolic resistance against harsh winter conditions.
With ample training and exercise, Seppala Siberian Sleddog can be turned submissive and would make a great jogging companion.
Apart from their wolf-like traits, they have energy to run for days. Under less strict supervision, they have a tendency to become mischievous.
20. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound is an elegant-looking, unique dog breed with an ancient origin. These dogs feature long, silky coats with a tapering snout that makes them look dramatic.
They make good pets for families of any size. As far as their temperament goes, Afghan Hounds are very affectionate and trainable.
Although they may act aloof at times, Afghan Hounds have plenty of good traits to impress you. Also, their silky, long and soft fur coats will require you to spend some time on their grooming.
19. Lapponian Herder
Belonging to the Spitz family, Lapponian Herders were originally meant for reindeer herding in Lapland, now known as Finland and Sweden.
These ferocious-looking creatures are very energetic with stamina that can last forever. However, the wolf-like facial resemblance of Lapponian Herders shouldn’t scare you.
It’s because Lapponian Herders are very intelligent, loyal, and docile creatures. They may act aloof around strangers, but get familiarized quickly, and would make great guard dogs.
18. Saluki
Salukis are a breed of dogs that resemble wolves and coyotes. They are used for hunting purposes and can be found in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. Salukis are known to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs, with records of their existence dating back to ancient Egypt.
Salukis are intelligent and independent dogs that require a lot of patience and training. They are not suitable for first-time dog owners or those who do not have the time to devote to their training.
These breeds are also known to be aloof around strangers and can be aggressive towards other dogs, so socialization is important from an early age.
17. Basenji
Basenji dog, also known as the “barkless dog” has its origin in Congo, Africa. This peculiar creature is known for not barking, but it doesn’t mean they don’t make any sound. They growl, whine, and whimper like any other dog.
Apart from their wolf-like facial contouring, Basenjis are professionals at hunting by making use of scent and sight.
Basenji are clever, loving, and docile dogs, thus suitable as family pets. They aren’t recommended for novice pet owners because of their assertive nature.
16. Tamaskan
The Tamaskan Dog, cousin of German Shepherd, is a stoutly built working dog. This wolf-like canine animal has a thick coat and straight, bushy tail.
What makes the Tamaskan dog a family-friendly dog is this bongo’s intelligence, agility, and obedience. Though remember to take your dog on daily long runs for its physical wellbeing.
Tamaskan dogs don’t like to be left alone for a long time, you should keep your pet companion either in a human or another pet’s company.
15. Chow Chow
Chow Chow dogs tend to be aloof creatures having an independent mindset. Don’t let their cute, little, wolf-like faces confuse you, they’re not cuddling buddies at all.
Only pet owners who show consistency and patience can handle the assertive behavior of Chow Chows. Eventually, you’ll be getting a loyal, protective family friend.
With sufficient training, Chow Chows are capable of adapting to apartment life. However, they shouldn’t be kept alone at home for long hours.
14. Shiloh Shepherd
Shiloh Shepherd dogs make exceptionally well companion dogs. Their gentle temper and high intelligence are cherished by the owners and thus do well as service dogs or therapy dogs.
Although Shiloh Shepherd and German Shepherd dog breeds look the same in shape, the former breed is comparatively larger.
This bongo is tender by heart and is often described as an affectionate and loving pet. Shiloh Shepherd’s varied genome includes genes from Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, etc.
13. Kunming Wolfdog
Kunming Wolfdog is a Chinese dog breed with its origin dating back to 1955. This dog breed was developed to assist the military in detecting mines as well as serve as watchdogs.
A person thinking of owning a Kunming Wolfdog as a pet will require to go through vigorous training in order to achieve a pack leader reputation.
Kunming Wolfdog dogs do well in a large yard, as their exercise requirements are high.
12. Saarloos Wolfdog
Saarloos Wolfdog dog breed owes its wolf-like features to their ancient wolf ancestors, i.e. European Wolves, whereas the other parent breed of these dogs is the German Shepherd.
This is the dog breed that’s considered closest to the wolves, not only in terms of bodily features but the facial expressions of Saarloos Wolfdog dogs are like wolves as well.
Saarloos Wolfdog dog breed is not meant for apartment living. These bongos need open space where they can utilize their extra energy.
11. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso dogs, although destined to be watchdogs for Tibetan monasteries, have become prominent family companions nowadays.
They are capable of adapting to any lifestyle, even recommended for novice pet owners. However, Lhasa Apso dogs need to be dealt with firmly so as to prevent them from challenging your leadership.
Lhasa Apsos are fairly intelligent, loving, and playful dogs. They do well in families and are desirable pets for kids as well.
10. Pomsky
Pomsky is a hybrid dog breed obtained by a cross between a Husky and Pomeranian. These mini-wolves are low-maintenance dogs who’re gentle and playful with their owners.
These canine friends weigh around 30 lbs and reach up to the height of 15 inches, thus making Pomsky dogs perfectly compatible for apartment life.
Pomsky is possessive by nature. It’ll not play well with other dog breeds or even kids. So, when near kids, Pomsky should be kept under strict supervision.
9. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is one of the most prominent purebred dog breeds ever known to exist. The credit for that goes to both its wolf-like features as well as its pettable qualities.
This dog is most commonly used as a working dog because the German Shepherd is an athletic, intelligent, and easy-going dog that excels in every pet competition.
Following proper socialization, German Shepherds tend to be protective and loving family dogs, making suitable pets for adults as well as children.
8. Samoyed
A dog breed of Siberian origin, Samoyed was developed to assist the natives in hunting, packing, tracking, and other related activities.
By the looks, Samoyed dogs resemble a white wolf, but inside they’re tender creatures. They love being around children and are known to become fond of one particular person.
Samoyed dogs make intelligent and dedicated pets. Though don’t leave them alone for too long, as they tend to show destructive behavior when alone. Also, they’re fluent in barking, howling, and bellowing.
7. Northern Inuit Dog
Northern Inuit Dog is a result of crossbreeding among multiple dog breeds, namely German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Siberian Husky. The aim was to develop a gentler version of these dog breeds that retains all the wolfish features.
Other than the beautiful aesthetics, Northern Inuit dogs make dependable and calm family pets.
You can’t leave Northern Inuit dogs alone for long hours because it makes them suffer from separation anxiety, and might get destructive as well.
6. American Shepherd Tundra Dog
American Shepherd Tundra Dog is a hybrid dog breed developed from a cross between German Shepherd and wolves. It also explains the breathtaking wolfish looks that this dog breed exhibits.
Originally developed as military dogs, American Shepherd Tundra dogs, if socialized at an early age can be turned into family pets.
However, American Shepherd Tundra dogs are suitable as pets only for active families. They tend to get aggressive towards other dogs, if not familiarized with them.
5. Shikoku
Among its other Japanese counterparts, namely Akita and Shiba, Shikoku is the most wolfish creature in looks. Shikoku loves to roam outdoors but offers all-weather loyalty to its owners if trained properly.
With proper socialization and training from birth, Shikoku dogs can be transformed into cuddle buddies as well. They make excellent family dogs and are safe for children as well.
However, it’s worth noting that Shikokus tend to show aloofness and aggressive nature towards other dogs.
4. Akita
As a purebred dog breed originating from Japan, the Akita comprises a family of loyal and loving dogs that tend to be unresponsive towards strangers.
Akitas look more like cats with slight wolf-like features. They’re not only cat-like by looks, but also harbor some feline features. For example, their love to keep themselves clean by licking is one such evident feature.
Not doubting their friendly and lovable nature with families, Akitas have been seen to show random aggression, thus rendering them dangerous.
3. Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky is one of the most sought out dog breeds worldwide, owing to the easy-going personality they exhibit.
Their prominent wolf-like features such as pointed ears, long face, and thick fur coat, make Siberian Huskies as wolfish as possible. The ice-blue color of their eyes is something that’s not seen in wolves.
Siberian Husky is an obedient, intelligent, and easy-to-train dog breed. They cherish the company of adults, children, and other pets alike.
2. Utonagan
The Utonagan dog breed, although devoid of wolf genes, gives a jaw-dropping appearance as a hybrid wolf.
Training a Utonagan dog requires someone with a firm hand. They are trainable for various purposes but need to be dealt with firmly so as to avoid behavioral issues.
Despite their cunning resemblance with wolves, Utonagan dogs are not aggressive at all. In fact, they’d make great pet companions and family dogs, but only if trained properly.
1. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a relatively new breed of dog, developed in the late 1950s. It was created by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves. T
The resulting offspring were then bred back to German Shepherds to create a more consistent appearance and temperament. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is now recognized as a separate breed by many kennel clubs.
This breed is still quite rare, particularly outside of its native Czech Republic. They are not well-suited to living in urban environments and do best in rural areas where they have plenty of space to run and explore. They are intelligent and active dogs that need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Related Questions
What Type Of Dog Can Kill A Wolf?
The notorious dog type “Kangal” is capable of killing a wolf. Other than Kangals, Caucasion Ovcharka, Alabai, and Sarplaninac are some dog types that are considered as worthy contenders for wolves. Kangal dogs can do so because their bite force is the highest, clocked at 743 PSI.
Can A Dog Join A Wolf Pack?
No! Exceptions are there, but the chances of that happening are very slim or simply negligible. It’s not possible because a wolf pack is a strict family unit, even outsider wolves are rarely allowed to join, let alone dogs. Dogs are domesticated, tamed down creatures who cannot survive among a pack of wolves. The purpose of cross-breeding is nothing more than giving them wolfish looks.
Which Is The Most Dangerous Dog In The World?
American Pit Bull Terrier is considered as the most dangerous dog in the world. It’s because, in the statistics dated between 2005 to 2019, 521 Americans got killed by canines, out of which 76% (397) deaths took place due to Pit Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. Among the two, Pit Bull Terriers have been found to attack 6.5 times more frequently than Rottweilers.
