All dogs, from the largest to the smallest, come from the wolf. Some, even physically, are vastly similar to the wolf.
However, this physical similarity does not necessarily imply that this dog is genetically closer to the ancestral wolf. A clear example happens between the German Shepherd and the Saluki. Genetically, the saluki is closer to the wolf, but physically they do not look alike. However, the German shepherd does not carry a wolf genetic load as potent, but physically it is much more like a wolf than the saluki.
In this article we will refer to physical similarities and present the 10 dog breeds that look like wolves.
The Wolfdog
The wolfdog is a hybrid of wolf and dog and breeders have been making crosses in diverse zones of the world. Their genetic load is subdivided into 3 levels:
- LC. Genetic level between 1% and 49%.
- MC. Genetic level between 50% and 75%.
- HC. Genetic level higher than 75%.
There is a debate among experts, whether or not to consider this a hybrid dog. In many countries, their possession is prohibited. This animal has a physical similarity with the wolf, as well as their high genetic load.
In the United States it is estimated that there are between 300,000 and 500,000 wolfdogs as pets. Although it has been found that there is much fraud and there are examples of wolfdogs that only have the appearance. There are states that limit their genetic load.
Genuine wolfdogs are incredibly healthy animals. Their behavior tends to resemble wolves more, than dogs. They tend to grunt or howl instead of bark.
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan is a true wolfdog that some of its breeders (not all) breed in a family environment to better socialize the specimens. According to breeders these animals are very long-lived given their refined genetics. They assure that the average life of a Tamaskan is between 15 and 20 years.
The origin of the genuine Tamaskan comes from Finland, leaving the first copies of a cross between Siberian husky and Alaskan malamute. Later some breeders have increased lupoid genetics of the dog in later generations.
The appearance of the Tamaskan is imposing, given their enormous wolflike appearance. They measure between 60 and 70 cms to the cross. And their weight oscillates between 25 and 40 kg. The females are smaller than the males. They are originally considered a working dog and used to pull sleds.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan malamute is an ancient canine breed that the Inuit developed as a draft dog and a charging dog. They are extraordinarily strong dogs, as they can carry up to 20 kg of weight for many kilometers (practically half of their own weight).
Males measure up to 66 cm on the cross and females 61 cm. The weight of the males can reach 45 kg, and that of the females 38 kg. Their life expectancy is 10 or 12 years.
Alaskan malamute hair is very special and requires specific care. Curiously when it gets wet it does not lose volume. The Alaskan malamute bears a spectacular wolfish appearance.
Siberian husky
The Siberian husky is a large dog, but smaller than the Alaskan malamute. Males reach 60 cm up to the cross and females up to 56. Their respective weights are up to 27 kg and 23 kg. The life expectancy of husky is 12 to 14 years. Their coat needs constant brushing to remove dead hair.
They are gregarious dogs and used to a herd. They cannot stand solitude well. Obedience is not the best of their virtues. They are very affectionate, active and cordial dogs, in need of a good dose of daily exercise.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog is the result of an experiment that was carried out in 1955. A German shepherd was crossed with four Carpathian wolfs, achieving (after several generations) a well-balanced wolfdog. The result was layers of hybrids that could be reproduced between them.
These dogs should socialize properly with people and other pets from a very young age. The breed was polished until 1982, when the Czechoslovakian wolfhound was recognized as a national symbol of the former Czechoslovak Republic. If they do not socialize properly they tend to be shy and distrustful, with aggressive reactions suddenly. They are very hierarchical and if not well socialized they can be problematic with smaller pets.
Their life expectancy is between 13 and 16 years. However, they are prone to hip dysplasia because of the genetics of the German shepherd. They are large in size, as they measure up to 65 cm males and 60 females, weighing 28 kg and 20 kg, respectively.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog , also known as qimmiq, is a large dog that Inuits use to pull their sleds. It is considered the oldest canine breed in North America. Their size ranges from 50 to 70 cm to the cross, with males being larger than females. They can weigh between 20 and 40 kg, depending on the gender.
This breed is in decline due to the modern use of snowmobiles in the Arctic. It also happens that they are being replaced by the Alaskan malamute and Siberian Husky breeds, which are faster but less resistant.
Utonagan
The Utonagan is an impressive dog of British origin. It is a hybrid between 3 races:
- Alaskan malamute
- German shepherd
- Siberian husky
They are intelligent, friendly, gentle and sociable dogs. Their life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. They get along well with children and are congenial with other pets. They are not yet recognized as a breed by any official body. They can reach up to 76 cm in height and weigh 42 kg. Females are smaller.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the world. Due to their intelligence, strength, constancy, obedience and disposition , the genetic lines of work of the German shepherd are among the most frequently used by firefighters and world order forces.
The life expectancy of the German shepherd is 9 to 13 years. They can measure up to 65 cm in height and weigh up to 40 kg. The females are smaller. They have great attachment to their family, and especially to children. They make very good guardians.
Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos wolfdog is an imposing dog. They measure up to 76 cm in height, weighing 45 kg. Females are smaller.
This breed comes from Holland, and was the result of a cross between German shepherd and European wolf. Their legs are very long and their mantle is short. In 1975 they were finally recognized as a breed. They are vivacious dogs, curious, confident and independent. They possess an enviable physique.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a dog of Russian origin. The original function of the Samoyed dogs was for reindeer herding, pulling the sleds and keeping their caretakers warm at night as they slept beside them.
The Samoyed coat is dense and long. The males can measure up to 60 cm and weigh up to 32 kg. This is a very old breed, since it is considered that there were Samoyed 3,000 years ago.
Their character is lively, playful, friendly and sociable, but alert. These characteristics discard them as guard dogs for their affability. However, they often bark a lot when they perceive someone unknown who invades their territory – so they are great watchdogs. If you socialize them properly they can be a good family dog and get along with other pets. Their life expectancy is between 12 to 13 years.
Source: Animalwised.com
