18 Ferocious Looking Dogs Who Look Like Wild Wolves But Are Sweet Lovable Pets

Breeds
By Jonas Becker

Dogs have long been man’s best friend, but some breeds stand out with their striking resemblance to wild wolves. These dogs, despite their ferocious appearances, are known for their loving and gentle nature. This article delves into 18 such breeds, showcasing their unique attributes and lovable traits. Each of these dogs brings a special charm, proving that looks can be deceiving. Whether you’re a dog enthusiast or simply curious, these wolf-like canines will captivate you with their majestic looks and heartwarming personalities. Let’s explore these magnificent creatures that blend the wild with the wonderful!

Alaskan Malamute

© Daily Paws

Imagine a giant fluffy snowball with a face so noble, it could belong to a rightful king of the Arctic. The Alaskan Malamute commands attention with its powerful build and striking resemblance to a wolf. This breed is known for its strength and endurance, often used in dog sledging adventures.

But beneath this sturdy exterior lies a gentle giant with a heart full of love. Malamutes are affectionate companions who thrive on human interaction. Their playful antics and expressive eyes make them excellent friends for families.

Despite their size, these dogs are gentle and often described as social butterflies.

Siberian Husky

© Lyka

With eyes that can pierce through the coldest of hearts, the Siberian Husky is a marvel of nature. Known for their endurance and intelligence, these dogs have a history of assisting humans in harsh climates. Their thick double coats and wolf-like features make them truly majestic.

Huskies are energetic and thrive in active environments. They’re not just pretty faces; they’re full of personality and mischief.

Always ready for a game or a run, they make great companions for outdoor enthusiasts. Their friendly demeanor ensures they quickly become a beloved family member.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

© Tres Bohemes

A breed with a captivating history, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is the result of an experiment to create a breed with the temperament of a dog and the agility of a wolf. With their elegant build and keen senses, these dogs are a sight to behold.

They are loyal and protective, making them excellent companions for the right owner. While they may be reserved with strangers, their loyalty to their family is unwavering.

This breed requires an experienced handler who understands their needs and can provide the mental and physical stimulation they crave.

Tamaskan Dog

© Animal Corner

Bred to resemble a wolf while maintaining a friendly disposition, the Tamaskan Dog is a perfect blend of wilderness and domesticity. With their striking appearance and gentle nature, they’re often mistaken for wild wolves.

These dogs are highly intelligent and excel in various canine sports, including agility and obedience. They’re friendly towards other pets and make wonderful family companions.

Tamaskans thrive on companionship and do not do well in isolation. Their expressive eyes and playful antics make them a joy to be around. Truly, they are the embodiment of beauty and brains.

Northern Inuit Dog

© Wisdom Panel

Known for their role in portraying dire wolves on the hit TV series Game of Thrones, Northern Inuit Dogs are celebrities in their own right. Their resemblance to wolves is uncanny, yet they possess a gentle and affectionate disposition.

These dogs are highly social and thrive in active households. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.

With their friendly and outgoing nature, they make great companions for families and individuals alike. Their ability to bond deeply with their owners makes them beloved pets worldwide.

Utonagan

© www.rbth.com

A breed developed to closely resemble the wild wolf, the Utonagan is a strikingly beautiful dog. Known for their long, flowing coats and regal stance, they capture the essence of the wilderness while maintaining a friendly demeanor.

These dogs are highly adaptable and thrive in various environments. They are known for their gentle and loving nature, making them great companions for families.

Utonagans require regular grooming to keep their coats in pristine condition. Their expressive eyes and gentle demeanor make them a joy to have in any home.

American Alsatian

© Wolfdog UK

With a build that evokes strength and elegance, the American Alsatian is a breed designed to resemble the dire wolves of old. Despite their imposing appearance, these dogs are known for their calm and friendly demeanor.

They are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Their gentle nature makes them excellent companions for children and seniors alike.

American Alsatians are relatively low-energy dogs and thrive in a relaxed environment. They enjoy leisurely walks and spending time with their loved ones. Their majestic appearance and gentle temperament make them a unique addition to any home.

Kunming Wolfdog

© World Animal Foundation

Bred for work and companionship, the Kunming Wolfdog is a lesser-known breed with a strong resemblance to its wild relatives. Known for their intelligence and adaptability, these dogs excel in various roles, from working dogs to loyal companions.

Kunming Wolfdogs are energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Their loyalty and protective nature make them excellent family dogs.

Socialization from an early age is important to ensure they develop into well-rounded adults. Their striking appearance and amiable personality make them a fascinating choice for dog enthusiasts.

German Shepherd

© Pexels

One of the most recognizable breeds worldwide, the German Shepherd is known for its intelligence, versatility, and loyalty. While their appearance is more domestic, their noble stance and alert expression can resemble a wolf.

These dogs are highly trainable and excel in various roles, including service dogs, police dogs, and family companions. They are known for their protective nature and strong bond with their families.

German Shepherds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. With their keen intelligence and loyal nature, they are truly a remarkable breed that excels in every aspect.

Samoyed

© PangoVet

With a smile that can melt the coldest of hearts, the Samoyed is a fluffy ball of joy. Known for their thick, white coats and friendly demeanor, they might not look like wolves but share a history of working alongside humans in harsh climates.

Samoyeds are known for their gentle and playful nature. They thrive in family settings and enjoy being part of the action.

Their thick coats require regular grooming to keep them looking pristine. With their cheerful disposition and striking appearance, Samoyeds are a delightful addition to any household.

Shikoku

© The Spruce Pets

With a history as rich as the landscapes of its native Japan, the Shikoku is a breed that combines elegance with a touch of the wild. Their fox-like features and agile build make them a sight to behold.

These dogs are known for their intelligence and independence. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty.

Shikokus require experienced handlers who understand their unique needs. Their striking appearance and spirited personality make them an intriguing choice for dog enthusiasts.

Keeshond

© The Spruce Pets

Known for their foxy faces and plush gray coats, Keeshonds are a delightful blend of beauty and brains. Their history as companions on Dutch barges speaks to their friendly and adaptable nature.

These dogs are known for their cheerful and outgoing personalities. They thrive in family environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Regular grooming is essential to maintain their luxurious coats. With their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, Keeshonds are a wonderful addition to any home.

Finnish Lapphund

© Colourbox

Hailing from the icy terrains of Finland, the Finnish Lapphund is a breed known for its resilience and charm. Their fluffy coats and expressive faces make them irresistible to dog lovers.

These dogs are known for their friendly and gentle demeanor. They thrive in family environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Finnish Lapphunds require regular grooming to keep their coats in top condition. Their striking appearance and amiable personality make them a beloved choice for families worldwide.

Canadian Eskimo Dog

© DOG BREEDS

With a history as rich as the frozen landscapes they hail from, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a breed known for its strength and endurance. Their wolf-like appearance and thick coats make them truly majestic.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They thrive in active environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy. With their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, Canadian Eskimo Dogs are a wonderful addition to any home.

Norwegian Elkhound

© Chewy.com

With a history steeped in Viking lore, the Norwegian Elkhound is a breed that combines strength with elegance. Their wolf-like appearance and thick coats make them truly majestic.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They thrive in active environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy. With their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, Norwegian Elkhounds are a wonderful addition to any home.

Swedish Vallhund

© Animals | HowStuffWorks

With a history as rich as the Swedish landscapes they hail from, the Swedish Vallhund is a breed known for its agility and charm. Their wolf-like appearance and thick coats make them truly majestic.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They thrive in active environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy. With their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, Swedish Vallhunds are a wonderful addition to any home.

Saarloos Wolfdog

© Royal Canin

A breed that embodies the spirit of the wild, the Saarloos Wolfdog is a testament to the beauty of nature. Their wolf-like appearance and thick coats make them truly majestic.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They thrive in active environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy. With their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, Saarloos Wolfdogs are a wonderful addition to any home.

East Siberian Laika

© Animal Corner

With a history as rich as the Siberian landscapes they hail from, the East Siberian Laika is a breed known for its resilience and strength. Their wolf-like appearance and thick coats make them truly majestic.

These dogs are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They thrive in active environments and enjoy being part of the action.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy and healthy. With their striking appearance and friendly demeanor, East Siberian Laikas are a wonderful addition to any home.