Want a wolf as a pet? Well, you should think twice. Wolves are very ferocious, need to be in packs, and besides, some states in the U.S. don’t allow wolves (for good reason). Other than those reasons, they could also kill other pets and animals. So although they are beautiful, the reasons not to get one are far more than reasons to get one.
However, you can get a dog that looks like a wolf! Dogs that look like wolves are a much better choice. They are usually not as aggressive (unless you get a wolfdog) more readily available, usually are more friendly (some dogs aren’t, so make sure to get a friendly one) to other animals and might even be able to live in your home. This article doesn’t talk about the Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute, saying that those are some of the dog breeds that will most likely come to your mind first when it comes to dogs that look like wolves.
Dogs that look like wolves
Here are some dogs that look like wolves!
Shikoku Inu
The Shikoku Inu definitely resembles a wolf. The Shikoku comes in a brown color or a gray color which you will want if you want a dog that looks like a wolf. The Shikoku Inu is about 17-22 inches tall and 25-55 pounds. Because of their size, they have a lifespan of only 10-12 years, however that is generally a side-effect for a lot of medium to large dog breeds.
Kugsha
The Kugsha is a medium to large dog that gets about 20-27 inches tall and 60-110 pounds. They are also known as the Amerindian Malamute. The Kugsha is not a common dog breed and not recognized by any national or international kennel club. They require weekly grooming and a significant amount of exercise and need plenty of attention; Kugshas are usually prone to separation anxiety.
Tamaskan
Tamaskans stand at about 24-28 inches tall and weight anywhere from 55-88 pounds. They live for about 14-15 years; about as long as the Siberian Husky. Cryptorchidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are some possible health conditions that the Tamaskan can get.
They are a fairly new dog breed, being bred in the 1980’s. They are usually friendly and gentle (if not neglected, went through the proper obedience training and so on.) dog breed however, they are not a good beginner dog.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a large working dog. They can weigh anywhere from 61-105 pounds (depends on sex) and can be anywhere from 24-37 inches! They are energetic dogs and do require a bit of exercise.
They have a medium-length coat, so grooming requirements are not high nor low. They are not good with other pets, so if you are looking for a dog that is good with pets, this dog probably isn’t for you. They have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog can get up about 25 inches tall. They weigh 44-57 pounds and need plenty of exercise. The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is not pet friendly, so if you do have other pets they probably aren’t for you.
These wolfdogs need plenty of socialization, as they aren’t always the friendliest dogs. Unfortunately if you are a beginner, this dog breed isn’t for you.
Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund are about 16-21 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 33-53 pounds. They live for about 12-14 years and health tests include Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, PRA Optigen DNA Test, Pompe’s Disease DNA Test, and Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test. They they originate from Finland and are a spitz breed.
Greenland Dog
The loyal Greenland Dog is a medium-sized dog that gets up to 25 inches tall. They live for up to 14 years. The Greenland Dog is a rare dog breed, and can cost as much as $800 dollars however, the price will vary for these dogs. They can get along with children well, but always consider socializing them while they’re young to help ensure that they’re friendly toward everyone.
Northern Inuit Dog
The Northern Inuit Dog can get as tall as 32 inches and can weigh as much as 110 pounds. Health conditions for these dogs include cataracts, epilepsy as well as hip dysplasia. 60-90 minutes of exercise is recommended for these wolf-like dogs. They are not for the inexperienced dog owners, so if you don’t have a lot of experience keeping dogs, unfortunately this dog isn’t the dog for you.
Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog is a large dog that gets up to 30 inches tall. They weigh anywhere from 70-90 pounds and live for about 10-12 years. They were developed by a dutch breeder named Leendert Saarloos in 1935. The Saarloos Wolfdog is mix between a wild wolf and a German Shepherd which makes them a wolfdog.
Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund is a energetic, small dog breed that resembles a mix between a wolf and a Corgi. The Swedish Vallhund only gets 13 inches at max, which makes one of the smallest dog breeds we talk about in this article. The Swedish Vallhund sheds their undercoat twice a year. They live for up to 15 years and recommended health tests include Hip Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, and SV Retinopathy DNA Test.
So when a comes to dogs that look like wolves, they are out there. They aren’t really hard to find. I hope that you really enjoyed in article and perhaps it gave you some neat suggestions other than Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes!
Check out some of our other articles!
