Many dogs have a striking resemblance to wolves, but behind their fierce appearance lies a loving and gentle nature. These dogs often capture the imagination with their wild looks, yet they make wonderful companions. Discover 21 dog breeds that look like wolves but are truly affectionate pets.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful and robust dog, easily mistaken for a wolf due to its thick double coat and striking markings. These dogs are known for their strength and endurance, making them excellent sled dogs. Despite their fierce appearance, Malamutes are incredibly friendly and sociable creatures.
They thrive in family settings, showering their owners with affection and loyalty. Malamutes require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy. Regular walks and playtime are essential for this energetic breed. With proper care and love, they become the perfect family pet.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are well-known for their wolf-like features, including striking blue or multi-colored eyes and facial masks. These dogs have an energetic and playful nature, making them excellent companions for active families.
Although they can appear aloof, Huskies are friendly and gentle with humans. They enjoy being part of a pack and thrive on social interaction. It’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental challenges to keep them engaged. With their affectionate nature, Siberian Huskies quickly become beloved family members.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a breed that closely resembles its wild ancestors. Developed by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves, they possess a unique blend of characteristics.
These dogs are highly intelligent and agile, making them excellent working dogs. They form strong bonds with their human companions, displaying loyalty and affection. However, they require experienced handling and consistent training to ensure they are well-behaved. With the right guidance, these wolf-like dogs make loving and devoted pets.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are one of North America’s oldest and rarest indigenous breeds. Their resemblance to wolves is evident in their robust build and thick fur coat. Historically, they were used by Inuit people for sledding and hunting.
Despite their tough exterior, they are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Eskimo Dogs form close bonds with their families and are especially good with children. They require regular exercise and thrive in cold climates. With their loyalty and loving demeanor, they are exceptional companions for those who can meet their needs.
Tamaskan Dog
The Tamaskan Dog is a relatively new breed that was specifically bred to resemble wolves. With its striking appearance and athletic build, it captures the essence of its wild cousins.
Tamaskans are known for their friendly and social nature, getting along well with children and other animals. They are highly intelligent and require regular mental and physical stimulation. Training and socialization from an early age ensure they develop into well-rounded pets. With their caring and gentle disposition, Tamaskans make wonderful additions to any family.
Northern Inuit Dog
Northern Inuit Dogs gained fame as the breed used for direwolves in the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. Their wolf-like appearance is captivating, with features that closely resemble those of wild canines.
Despite their fierce looks, they are gentle and loving pets, known for their friendly and affectionate behavior. These dogs enjoy human companionship and do well in family settings. They need consistent training and exercise to keep them happy and fulfilled. With proper care, Northern Inuits are loyal and devoted companions, bringing joy to their families.
Utonagan
The Utonagan is a breed that exudes grace and elegance, with a striking resemblance to wolves. This breed is known for its gentle and friendly nature, making it an excellent family pet.
Utonagans are highly social animals, thriving in environments where they receive plenty of interaction and love. They require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Training them is a rewarding experience, as they are eager to please. With their affectionate nature and wolf-like beauty, Utonagans make for exceptional companions.
Swedish Vallhund
Swedish Vallhunds are small but carry a wolf-like charm with their fox-like faces and bushy tails. Despite their compact size, they have a big personality and are known for their herding instincts.
These dogs are friendly, alert, and energetic, making them excellent companions for active individuals. They enjoy being part of family activities and have a playful demeanor. Vallhunds are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement. With their loyal and affectionate nature, they bring joy and companionship to households.
American Alsatian
The American Alsatian was bred to resemble the extinct dire wolf, featuring a large and imposing presence. Despite their intimidating look, these dogs are incredibly gentle and affectionate with their families.
Alsatians have a calm and laid-back nature, preferring a relaxed environment. They are ideal for families seeking a low-maintenance pet that enjoys companionship. Regular walks and moderate exercise keep them healthy and content. With their loving disposition, American Alsatians quickly become cherished members of the family.
Shikoku
The Shikoku is a Japanese breed with a wolf-like appearance, closely related to the Shiba Inu. Known for their agility and alertness, they were originally bred for hunting in mountainous regions.
These dogs are loyal and devoted to their families, forming strong bonds with those they trust. They require consistent training and socialization to bring out their best traits. Shikokus are energetic and need regular exercise to stay healthy. With their unique blend of wild looks and gentle nature, they make wonderful companions for the right owner.
Kugsha Dog
Kugsha Dogs, also known as American Huskies, have a wild and rugged look that resembles wolves. They were originally used by Native Americans for pulling heavy loads.
These dogs are known for their intelligence and independence. They form strong bonds with their families and are protective of their loved ones. Kugshas require experienced handling and plenty of exercise to keep them engaged. With proper training and care, they become loyal and affectionate pets, adding a touch of the wild to any home.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are known for their fluffy white coats and friendly ‘Sammy smiles,’ which give them a charming, wolf-like appearance. Despite their regal looks, they are one of the friendliest dog breeds around.
These dogs are gentle and affectionate, getting along well with children and other animals. They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of family activities. Regular grooming and exercise are essential to keep them healthy and happy. With their cheerful disposition and loving nature, Samoyeds make delightful family pets.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, versatility, and wolf-like appearance. These dogs are highly trainable and excel in various roles, including service, protection, and companionship.
They are loyal and protective of their families, forming deep bonds with their human companions. German Shepherds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With their steadfast loyalty and gentle nature, they make excellent family pets, providing both protection and companionship.
Greenland Dog
The Greenland Dog is a sturdy and resilient breed, closely related to other Arctic sled dogs. Their wolf-like appearance is complemented by their thick coat and robust build.
These dogs are known for their endurance and strength, historically used for transportation in harsh environments. Despite their working background, they are friendly and affectionate, thriving in a family setting. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are key to keeping them content. With their loyal and loving nature, Greenland Dogs make devoted family members.
Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, known for their friendly and sociable nature. Originally bred for herding reindeer, they are agile and quick.
These dogs are excellent family pets, known for their gentle and affectionate behavior. They enjoy being part of family activities and are especially good with children. Lapphunds require regular exercise and mental challenges to stay happy. With their friendly disposition and wolfish charm, they make wonderful companions for active families.
Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small, intelligent breed with a distinct wolf-like appearance. They are often mistaken for miniature Huskies due to their striking looks and alert expressions.
These dogs are highly trainable and enjoy being part of family activities. Klee Kais are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. With their playful nature and wolfish looks, Alaskan Klee Kais bring joy and companionship to homes.
Carpathian Shepherd Dog
The Carpathian Shepherd Dog is a large, powerful breed with a strong resemblance to wolves. Traditionally used for guarding livestock, they are known for their protective instincts and loyalty.
These dogs form deep bonds with their families and are gentle and affectionate with those they trust. Regular exercise and training are essential to keep them well-behaved and content. With their noble appearance and loving nature, Carpathian Shepherds make devoted family pets, offering protection and companionship.
East Siberian Laika
The East Siberian Laika is a versatile hunting dog with a wolf-like appearance, known for its endurance and agility. These dogs are intelligent and independent, excelling in hunting and working roles.
Despite their fierce looks, they are friendly and affectionate with their families. They require regular exercise and mental challenges to keep them happy. Laikas form strong bonds with their owners and are loyal companions. With their wild charm and gentle nature, East Siberian Laikas make excellent pets for active owners.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a wolf-like appearance, known for its distinctive ‘spectacles’ around the eyes and fluffy coat. Despite their regal looks, they are incredibly friendly and sociable.
These dogs are known for their affectionate nature and enjoy being the center of attention. They get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. Keeshonds require regular grooming and moderate exercise to stay healthy. With their cheerful demeanor and loving personality, they bring joy to any household.
Eurasier
The Eurasier is a medium-sized breed with a wolf-like appearance, known for its calm and balanced nature. These dogs are friendly and gentle, making them excellent family pets.
Eurasiers form strong bonds with their families and prefer a peaceful environment. They require regular exercise and enjoy being part of family activities. Socialization from an early age ensures they develop into well-rounded companions. With their affectionate nature and stunning looks, Eurasiers make delightful additions to any family.
Shiloh Shepherd
Shiloh Shepherds are large, majestic dogs with a strong wolf-like appearance. They are known for their intelligence and gentle temperament, making them excellent family pets.
These dogs are loyal and protective, forming deep bonds with their human companions. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Training them is a rewarding experience, as they are eager to please. With their noble demeanor and loving nature, Shiloh Shepherds bring both companionship and protection to their families.