According to animal experts, all dogs descend from wolves, but they were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago. Let’s say that humans formed a weird connection with wolves just before the invention of the Internet and civilization. Interaction with humans is said to have helped wolves evolve and change their bodies, personality traits, and behaviors, so some of them have become the dogs we have today.
According to archaeologist and geneticist Greger Larson, the first animal that was formed by humans was the dog.
However, this topic is very complex because, although there are individuals who believe that dogs were domesticated 10,000 years ago, others claim that they were raised 30,000 years ago. While some people think that the domestication process happened in Europe, others believe that it took place in the Middle East or East Asia. So, there are many different opinions on this subject.
Finally, we will give researchers the responsibility to find more evidence for this theory. However, one thing is for sure, namely that we can’t have wolves as pets, but instead, we can adopt wolf-like dog breeds. Of course, there are also wolf-dog hybrids, but they should be raised only by experienced pet owners, who know exactly how to train them properly and manage their unpredictable behavior.
So, if you want a wolf-like pet and also want to be safe at the same time, here are some adorable dog breeds that actually look like wolves. Read on to find out more interesting info!
Siberian husky
The Siberian husky is among the most beautiful and intelligent dog breeds that look like wolves. They are very playful and independent, so if you want to adopt one, you need a yard with a high fence because they tend to escape and explore the world by themselves. However, if you provide them with enough daily exercise, they won’t try to escape at all. People used the Siberian husky as sled dogs due to their muscular and strong
As a general rule, the Siberian husky is not for everyone.
Unfortunately, many individuals adopt these dogs for their beauty, and some of them end up in animal shelters because people don’t know how to train them properly and handle their personality traits, so they develop negative behaviors.
Yet, if you know how to raise a Siberian husky, you will discover a lot of qualities and a friend for life, because they are very intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and peaceful creatures. According to animal experts, they can live in apartments as well, but only if they are properly trained and exercised.
Kugsha
The Kugsha dog is a rare dog breed that was developed as a working dog. They have a strong body and look like wolves. Animal experts say that this breed carries wolf genes and was developed in Pennsylvania’s Wolfen Kennel in the US. Initially, this dog breed was marketed as the American husky but was later changed to Kugsha.
So, if you want to adopt a Kugsha, you have to focus more on their training sessions because they need to be properly trained and socialized from an early age.
Of course, this rule applies to any dog breed because, without socialization and training, you can’t live next to your pet. Fortunately, they have a high level of intelligence, which makes your training sessions easier.
They love to be surrounded by people, so you shouldn’t leave them alone for too long. Kugshas are very affectionate with their families and are able to create strong connections with them. The best part is that they can get along with other pets as well. In addition, young children shouldn’t be left alone with them because they are still animals after all, and their behavior can be unpredictable.
Alaskan malamute
The Alaskan malamute has a strong and muscular body and is also one of the oldest dog breeds out there. They are smart, sensitive, and playful. If you are not an experienced pet owner, it may be quite difficult for you to take care of an Alaskan malamute because they need plenty of vigorous exercise, grooming, and space. Thus, if you live in an apartment, you shouldn’t adopt one.
Also, this breed isn’t recommended for people who work and need to leave them alone throughout the day because they tend to develop destructive behavior due to separation anxiety. Of course, if you can provide them with enough space for exercise, proper training, and socialization, you will have a loving friend for life.
Saarloos wolfdog
As you can see, the Saarloos wolfdog is a wolf-dog hybrid discovered by Mr. Leendert Saarloos in the 1930s in Holland. He created this breed because he wanted a strong and healthy pet that could easily work as a service dog.
Even though they have wolf genes and physically look like them, the Saarloos wolfdog is actually very similar to German shepherds when it comes to their personality traits and behavior.
That being said, according to animal experts, Saarloos wolfdogs can get along with other pets, especially other dogs, they are sensitive, shy, and very intelligent.
Just like any other medium-sized or large dog breed, Saarloos wolfdogs aren’t recommended for novice pet owners.
Northern Inuit dog
The Northern Inuit Dog is a hybrid breed, and their ancestors are the Alaskan malamute, Husky, and German Shepherd Dog. According to experts, even though they look like wolves, they don’t carry any wolf genes at all.
Unfortunately, people who don’t know how to take care of this type of breed choose to abandon them in various animal shelters. So, if you have no experience with pets, don’t adopt such a breed and start with a smaller one.
They might get along with other pets but can develop negative behaviors if left alone for too long. They love their families and are actually very affectionate with them.
One of the most important things that you have to take into consideration if you want to adopt a Northern Inuit dog is that they are high energy dogs and need a lot of activities and at least 90 minutes of exercise every day.
Also, they can get along with children but don’t leave them unattended.
Tamaskan
The Tamaskan is a large breed with a beautiful wolf-like appearance, long legs, and a strong body. Even though their physical appearance may seem intimidating, they are actually really peaceful and affectionate creatures. What many people don’t know about the Tamaskan dog is that, although they look like wolves, they are actually entirely dogs. In other words, they don’t have wolf genes at all.
Being very intelligent animals and high-energy dogs, they need a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation. As I mentioned before, they are a large breed with a strong temperament, which means that they aren’t recommended for novice pet owners, as they require many training sessions, an adequate socializing process, attention, and care.
Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is one of the most intelligent and energetic dogs out there. According to animal experts, Swedish Vallhunds are purebred dogs, but you can find them even in animal shelters. So, choose adoption before you buy one.
This dog breed is recommended for active people who love to exercise every day. These mini-wolf-like dogs are loving and affectionate with their families. It’s no secret that the Swedish Vallhund loves to be surrounded by people and make them laugh through various entertaining games. Although they are medium-sized dogs with friendly personalities, that doesn’t mean that they don’t need training sessions and a lot of vigorous exercises every day. You should keep in mind that they are very playful and active dogs.
German shepherd
As you probably already know, the German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. So, if you want a wolf-like dog, you can choose a German shepherd. This dog breed is not only beautiful, but these dogs are also very intelligent creatures and can be good at helping people with disabilities and working for the police and military.
Unfortunately, this dog breed is not for everyone because they need a lot of exercise, training sessions, and socialization from an early age. They love to spend time with their families, so you might not want to leave them alone for too long. Even though they are purebred dogs, you can find them in many animal shelters. Thus, go and adopt your furry friend!
If you want to get more information about German shepherds, this book might be perfect for you!
You should also read: Watch Out for These Deadly Animals Living in the Grand Canyon
One Response
I rescued an Alaskan malamute at 6 weeks old. My Bull Mastiff basically raised him since I worked so many hours. Lost my Mastiff at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, due to an undiagnosed tumor behind his sternum that burst. “Scout” moped for nearly three months… as well as me. He has free reign 24/7 in the house and 1/2 acre back yard. He has eaten every rabbit, possum and squirrel in the yard. Even the wild deer won’t come on my property. I have a small cat that I adopted who is black & white and about the size of the possums Scout used to leave in the house for me. The cat hates dogs, but she has been here nearly 20 years, so I gated off part of the house for her. I don’t think Scout would hurt her, but the cat loves to harass him. Scout killed a neighbors pup who snuck into our yard. ‘devistating’ I want to find him a roommate and other than taking him to a shelter to pick his own roomie, a pup would survive here.