Wolves and dogs differ on key aspects when it comes to personality traits. Dogs are arguably the best pets you can have while wolves are hard to train and almost impossible to keep as a pet. There is no way of ensuring that you, your children or other animals are safe from a wolf, even after months of training.
Having said that, many people fantasize about having wolves as pets, as they are gorgeous creatures. While no one would recommend you to get a wolf as a pet, but you can do the next best thing. You can get a dog that looks like a wolf – almost identical.
We are hoping that this article will help with an important choice: which dog will fulfill your wolf pet fantasy.
7. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a gigantic and powerful dog, it normally weighs up to 45 KG (99 pounds). Despite the terrifying appearance, Alaskan Malamute is a very friendly breed. It is also a very intelligent dog. It was bred to survive in trying conditions, which in result has made it very resourceful and self-regulating.
Alaskan Malamute has 2-inch long, thick double coat. It has a remarkably similar facial patterns like a wolf.
6. Siberian Husky
Perhaps the first name that popped into your mind when you read “dogs that look like wolves” was Siberian Husky. Its thick furry coat, triangle shaped ears, and color markings on fur make it look exactly like a wolf. It is however a medium size dog, and not as big as the wolf. On average, the husky weighs around 25 KG (55 pounds).
Huskies are a very energetic yet mellow breed. They are hardly a danger to anyone. Siberian Husky is a family dog, through and through.
5. Utonagan
Utonagan was bred for one sole purpose: there should be a wolf-like dog that humans can have as pets. Utonagan is a mix of three dogs that look like wolfs; Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky – two of which have been stated above.
Utonagan are not too fond of heat. They thrive more in colder climates. They are a very energetic breed and yearn for walks and exercises.
4. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog as the name would suggest is a dog that looks like a wolf. It is a new breed between German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was bred to achieve two things: strength and power of a wolf and intelligence of the German Shepard.
Amber eyes, thick fur, triangular ears make the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog resemble wolf very closely. They are very social and develop strong relationships with their owners. Needless to say that Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is very good with other pets as well.
3. Kugsha
Kugsha is one of the most strong wolf hybrids. They are bigger than Siberian Huskies, so you can well imagine. They have long legs and muscular built, they can carry weights over long distances.
Kugsha are not “very domesticated” and require a lot of exercising to go with their “free spirit”. They like to wander off, they are born travelers. They are not suitable for families with small children as they do have violent tendencies. They develop strong bonds with owners but can get restless and even violent due to lack of exercise and activity.
2. Tamaskan
Tamaskan is the newest breed on our list. They have been inducted by American Kennel Club in 2013 and there are only 700 known Tamaskans in the world. However, they are growing rapidly. They are bearers of some excellent pet qualities.
Apart from looking like wolves, Tamaskans are very good with children, easy to train, intelligent and social dogs. They don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time. They like to exercise and are very playful in nature.
1. Northern Inuit Dog
Northern Inuit Dog is a cross between German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Inuit dogs. They are probably the most “wolf-like” dogs on our list. Northern Inuit Dog was bred for one purpose: a domesticated dog that resembles a wolf. Their shape, coloring and medium-size built resembles can make anyone think that it is a wolf wandering around the street!
While they certainly look appealing, they are not suitable for new owners. They are not easy to train and are very moody. They like to socialize with other dogs and make good family pets. They are not known for violent behavior.