There are a few breeds of large, grey dogs that resemble wolves in their appearance. The most wolf-like of these breeds is likely the Tamaskan dog. Tamaskans were bred to look like wolves and make good pets. They have a very similar coat color, markings, and build as gray wolves. Other grey dog breeds like the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and Northern Inuit Dog also closely resemble wolves.
When people see a large, gray dog that looks like a wolf, they are most likely seeing one of these three breeds:
| Breed | Description |
|---|---|
| Tamaskan | Bred to resemble gray wolves in appearance. Medium to large sized. Thick gray and white fur. Yellow/amber eyes. |
| Czechoslovakian Wolfdog | Bred from Carpathian gray wolves and German Shepherds. Large sized. Gray coats with masking on face. Yellow/amber eyes. |
| Northern Inuit Dog | Bred to resemble wolves by appearance and temperament. Medium to large sized. Dense gray coats. Yellow/amber eyes. |
These three breeds stand out for their lupine appearance and resemblance to gray wolves when compared to other dog breeds. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them so wolf-like.
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan is a relatively new breed of dog that was specifically bred to look like a gray wolf. The name “Tamaskan” comes from the Inuit First Nations word for “mighty wolf”.
Tamaskans were developed in Finland in the 1980s and 90s by crossing dogs like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds that carried wolf-like traits. Breeders selectively bred the dogs that most closely resembled wolves in their appearance over several generations. Today’s Tamaskans strongly resemble gray wolves in their physical features and markings.
Tamaskans have a thick, straight gray and white fur coat that looks just like a wolf’s coat. Their fur is shorter on the face and legs and thicker around the neck to give them that classic wolf ruff appearance. Tamaskans also tend to have yellow or amber colored eyes, just like wolves. They have tall, pointed ears and long muzzles that add to their wild lupine look.
In terms of size, Tamaskans are a medium to large breed. Males stand 25-28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 77 to 99 pounds. Females stand 23-26 inches tall and weigh 59 to 79 pounds. This is similar in size to many gray wolf populations.
When it comes to temperament, Tamaskans are calm, intelligent, and loyal. They form close bonds with their owners. Tamaskans make excellent family dogs as they are gentle, playful, and affectionate with children and adults. Despite their wolf-like appearance, they do not display the skittish or aloof personality that wolves tend to have.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is another breed specifically developed to create dogs that look like wolves. As the name suggests, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs originated in former Czechoslovakia in the 1950s.
Czechoslovakian breeders crossed gray wolves with German Shepherd dogs to produce a breed with the temperament of a domesticated dog and the wolf-like appearance. Male gray wolves from the Carpathian Mountains were initially crossed with female German Shepherds.
The offspring were then continually bred back with German Shepherds for several more generations to stabilize the temperament while maintaining the wolf-like looks. The end result is the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breed we have today.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs have similar coloration and markings as gray wolves. Their coats come in variations of gray and gray sable. Many individuals have darker masking markings on the face, similar to a wolf’s mask. Their fur is short and dense, with a thick mane around the neck.
This breed has an athletic, muscular build resembling the wolf. Males are around 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 77 pounds. Females are usually smaller at 24 inches tall and 44 to 66 pounds. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs have long, slender muzzles, tall pointed ears, and yellow or amber colored eyes that contribute to their wolf-like countenance.
The personality and temperament of Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs is best described as lively, intelligent, and loyal. While not as similar to wolves in this regard, they tend to be independent and reserved compared to some breeds. Early socialization and proper training is important for them to become well-adjusted family companions.
Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit Dog originated more recently in the 1980s in the UK. Its breeding was spearheaded by the British Inuit Dog Club. Selectively bred crosses of Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, and Inuits were used to develop the Northern Inuit into the breed it is today.
The Northern Inuit Dog shares many physical attributes with gray wolves. It has a dense coat that comes in various shades of gray, including dark or light gray and off-white. Their fur is shorter on the head and legs and longer around the ruff of the neck. Eyes are typically light amber or yellow in color. Northern Inuit Dogs have pointed ears, long muzzles, and bushy tails similar to wolves.
In terms of size, Northern Inuit males stand 25 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 77 to 110 pounds. Females are 23 to 28 inches tall and slightly lighter at 66 to 84 pounds. The breed has an athletic yet muscular build with a broad head, adding to their wolfy appearance.
Northern Inuit Dogs can make great family pets as they have an even temperament and devout loyalty. They are playful, gentle, and affectionate with children. They are also energetic working dogs that excel at obedience, agility, and drafting tasks. With proper socialization they do well with visitors and other household pets.
Appearance Differences Between Dogs and Wolves
While breeds like Tamaskans, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, and Northern Inuit Dogs may look nearly identical to gray wolves at first glance, there are some subtle differences in appearance. Understanding these differences can help properly identify domestic dog breeds from true wolves.
Some key physical differences include:
| Dogs | Wolves |
|---|---|
| – Proportionately smaller heads | – Larger, bulkier heads |
| – Shorter muzzles | – Longer, narrower muzzles |
| – Rounder eyes | – More almond-shaped eyes |
| – Fur usually longer | – Shorter, coarse fur |
| – More variation in coat color | – Mostly gray with some black and white |
| – Differences in skull and jaw shape | – Flatter skull, larger molars |
| – Smaller overall stature | – Larger overall size |
Other distinguishing features between dogs and wolves include differences in tail shape, ear set, amount of fur between toes, dewclaw size, and facial expressions. Dogs also tend to look thicker due to their domesticated diet, whereas wild wolves are leaner.
Genetic Similarities Between Dogs and Wolves
Despite the physical differences, dogs and gray wolves are genetically very close relatives. All domestic dog breeds today descended from the gray wolf thousands of years ago through the process of domestication.
Scientists estimate that dogs and wolves shared a common wolf ancestor about 15,000 to 40,000 years ago. The mitochondrial DNA (inherited only through the mother) of dogs and wolves is nearly identical, differing by only 1-2%. The nuclear genome (inherited from both parents) is also extremely close with over 99% similarity between dogs and wolves.
This evidence definitively shows dogs and wolves evolved from a common ancestor and dogs are essentially domesticated subspecies of the gray wolf. This extremely close genetic relationship is why breeds like Tamaskans, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, and Northern Inuit Dogs so closely resemble their wild wolf predecessors through selective breeding programs.
Reasons for the Wolf-like Appearance
There are several reasons why certain dog breeds have been selectively bred to closely resemble gray wolves:
1. Aesthetic – Many people simply enjoy the look of wolves. Wolf-like dogs appeal to that wild aesthetic and natural allure of wolves.
2. Companionship – Some seek a dog that acts like and resembles the animal they admire most – the wolf. A wolf-like dog provides a domesticated companion.
3. Performance – Some working dog traits like stamina, hardiness, and trainability are associated with wolf-like breeds.
4. Rarity – A unique and rare wolf-like breed can be desirable to some dog owners.
5. Conservation – Wolf-dogs help satisfy people’s connection to wolves while reducing the poaching and illegal trade in endangered wild wolves.
6. Preservation – Intentionally developing dogs that maintain aspects of the ancestral gray wolf genetically and physically helps preserve wolf traits and lineage.
7. Typecasting – Wolfdogs are commonly cast in television, movies, print ads that call for a dramatic, wild wolf-like canine. This drives demand for dogs that fit a wolf archetype.
Ultimately, wolf-like dog breeds allow people to admire the beauty, majesty, and wild spirit of the wolf – in a domesticated family companion that fits modern households and lifestyles. For people enamored with wolves who want a wolfy dog, Tamaskans, Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs, and Northern Inuit Dogs come as close as it gets.
Legality and Risks of Wolf-Dog Hybrids
Some people attempt to breed domestic dogs with captive gray wolves or wolf-dogs to produce wolf-dog hybrids. However, due to behavioral risks and complex legal restrictions, true wolf-dog hybrids should be avoided as pets.
Unlike the domesticated dog breeds discussed earlier, wolf-dog hybrids are not bred over many generations to temperamentally suit life as family companions. Hybrids tend to have more wolf-like aloofness, timidity, prey drive, and difficulty bonding with humans. They often make poor pets and their behavior is unpredictable.
Most municipalities, counties, and states have laws banning private ownership of wolf-dog hybrids. Due to liability concerns, homeowner’s insurance often does not cover wolf-dog hybrids. Finding landlords that allow tenants to keep wolf-dogs can be extremely challenging.
Laws regarding wolf-dog hybrids vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Some states like Idaho, Nevada, Michigan, and Alaska ban ownership entirely. Other areas may classify hybrids as exotic pets that require specialized permits. Some states have no restrictions, while local municipal laws in that state may prohibit ownership.
Due to these legal complexities and behavioral risks, prospective owners should carefully research state and local laws before considering acquiring a wolf-dog hybrid. Additionally, exotic pet permits usually require strict housing conditions and management practices that most homes cannot easily fulfill.
All three domestic dog breeds profiled earlier provide the closest legal wolf-like breed alternatives that avoid the risks and legal quagmire of true wolf-dog hybrids.
Conclusion
For domestic dogs that closely resemble gray wolves, the Tamaskan, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, and Northern Inuit Dog are the top three breeds to consider. Through meticulous breeding programs, these breeds capture both the physical appearance and genetic ancestry of the gray wolf in a friendly, domesticated family companion.
Their thick gray and white coats, yellow eyes, large sturdy builds, and other lupine features cause them to look practically identical to gray wolves at first sight. However, it is important to note the subtle physical differences that distinguish even these wolfy breeds from actual wolves.
Ultimately, the human desire to admire wolf-like qualities has driven certain breeds to emphasize wolfish looks and temperament. For those seeking the closest thing to a domestic wolf, these breeds offer suitable alternatives that are legally obtainable and behaviorally realistic to own. Visually stunning and naturally charismatic, their wild spirit shines through in each wolfy breed.
