All dogs have descended from wolves or other wild canids and many still maintain their primitive looks and temperaments today.
Although it’s been centuries since dogs became domesticated, recent DNA studies have brought to light which of the recognized breeds are the most closely related to wolves and their ancestors. The study included 414 dogs from 85 different breeds and the results might surprise you! You can read more about the study at National Geographic.
Although this breed looks nothing similar to wolves and other wild canids, the Shih Tzu is genetically one of the domestic breeds most closely related to wolves. It is thought that this companion breed originated in China around 800 BC.
Like the Shih Tzu, this lapdog hails from China and despite its appearance and temperament, is one of the least diverged from its ancestors. This breed has been owned and adored by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace for centuries.
A northern spitz-type from Russia, the Samoyed looks more believable when it comes to wild ancestors. This breed is social but primitive, still used for sledding and reindeer herding in its native land.
The Lhasa Apso is known for being a watchdog among Buddhist monasteries in its native Tibet. Researchers believe this breed originated roughly 4,000 years ago and its genetic makeup proves this to be true. Regardless of their appearance, the breed is one of the most closely related to wolves.
As its name suggests, this breed originates from Tibet, but it is not a true terrier. Tibetan Terriers have been kept as purebred dogs in their native home for over 2,000 years.
The Saluki is a sighthound native to the Middle East and known for traveling the Silk Road with caravans and nomadic tribes. Salukis are thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with ancient rock art showing Saluki-like dogs as far back as 10,000 BC. Genetically, the breed is still very closely related to its wild ancestors.
Like the Saluki, the Afghan Hound is a sighthound that is also considered to be one of the oldest domestic dog breeds in existence. Genetic testing from this study proved they have little divergence from wolves.
This northern breed hails from Siberia where it has been and is still used for sledding. Not only does the breed resemble its wild ancestors, it has changed relatively little genetically over time. Siberian Huskies allowed nomadic tribes to survive in the cold, harsh environment of the Russian north.
Like most other Chinese breeds, the Shar-Pei is genetically very ancient. Despite its appearance, its genes are very similar to those of wolves. Although the exact history of the breed is uncertain, there are pottery s depicting Shar-Pei-like dogs as far back as 206 BC.
The Basenji is a small- to medium-sized hunting dog from Africa. Like other wild dogs and wolves, the Basenji is known for its yodeling rather than barking. Genetically, the breed is considered ancient and is closely related to its wild ancestors.
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese breeds and is also a very ancient dog. It was originally used to hunt rabbits and birds, but is most commonly seen as a family companion today. Its DNA makeup suggests it is one of the oldest living breeds.
Often considered a larger version of the Shiba Inu, the Akita is a guardian dog from Japan. Like the Shiba, it is genetically very ancient and similar to its wild ancestors. Although the Japanese and American Akitas have become two very different types, and are ever considered separate breeds in some countries, they are still relatively similar.
This large northern breed was developed for sledding and cart pulling and it is still used for this function today. With its wolf-like appearance, it doesn’t surprise many to learn that this Alaskan native is very closely related to its wild ancestors.
Of all Chinese breeds, the Chow Chow looks most closely like its wild ancestors. Although still very different, the breed is genetically ancient and considered to be one of the oldest breeds still in existence. They have primitive temperaments and were used as guard dogs as far back as 150 BC.
- Afghan Hound. …
- Alaskan Malamute. …
- Siberian Husky. …
- Shih Tzu. …
- Pekingese. …
- Lhasa Apso. …
- Shiba Inu. This Japanese breed may be small, but it is also very similar to the ancient wolf ancestors. …
- Chow Chow. The Chow Chow is very similar looking to the wild ancestors of wolves.
What makes some dog breeds close to wolves?
The main reason why dog breeds are close to wolves is their genetics. Dogs are a distant relative of wolves and this can be seen by research done on these two animals.
Dr. Robert K. Wayne is a canid biologist and molecular geneticist who states that modern dogs only differ from grey wolves by 0.2% of their DNA.
This is an incredibly small difference considering that coyotes are often considered the wolf’s closest relatives and also have a 4% difference between their DNA.
This means that dogs are 20 times closer to wolves than coyotes are in regards to their genetics. Some dogs are closer to wolves than others due to cross-breeding making them look and act so different from one another.
Bonus: Wolf Hybrids
| Origin: | North America |
| Weight: | 75-155 pounds |
| Height: | 25-33 inches |
| Colors: | Gray and white, seal and white, sable and white, black and white, chocolate and white, and red and white |
| Temperament: | Loyal, cheerful, alert, playful |
Wolf hybrids are growing in popularity, especially in North America. Some states have different laws and regulations against owning them, as many lawmakers still view these creatures as wild animals and not pets.
Wolf hybrids vary in percentage when it comes to gray wolf genetics. Some barely have any wolf in them, others have almost every genetic link. And some even try to pass off real wolf pups as hybrids where owning wolves is illegal.
Wolf hybrids should only be considered by experienced dog owners who know a lot about the wild version of your canine pals. Domestication and selective breeding have made the dogs we know very compatible with our lives. Wolf hybrids are a whole other ball game.
If you need a permit or other legal document to own a wolf hybrid in your state, be sure to comply with local laws.
Dogs closest to wolves in regards to their looks
When people think of wolves and dog breeds, many will automatically think of the Husky. Both the Husky and wolves have boxy snouts, pointed short ears, muscular bodies, and similar eye shapes.
However, Huskies are smaller in size and have many different personalities from wolves. Another dog that looks very similar to a wolf is the Alaskan Malamute.
Both of these breeds are often mistaken for wolves, with some people even wondering whether they are actually domesticated wolves.
Below is a list of other dog breeds that look very similar to wolves, and therefore can be considered closest to wolves in regards to their looks.
While this breed is much smaller than a wolf, they could still be considered similar-looking to wolves. They have short and pointed ears with long snouts. Samoyeds are still used in Russia for pulling sleds and herding reindeer. This dog also has similar genetics to wolves.
This northern dog breed originated from Siberia where it is and has been used for pulling sleds. The Siberian Husky resembles a wolf both in looks and genetics. It’s worth noting that the Siberian Wolf is different from the Siberian Husky, although many people get these confused.
The Basenji bears a slight resemblance to its wolf ancestors and is a hunting dog from Africa. It has pointed ears, a long snout, and similar tendencies to the grey wolf. This dog is also genetically similar to the wolf, and you can see a few similarities between their faces.
This breed is a small Japanese dog, but you can see a small resemblance to wolves. They hunt rabbits and birds, also giving them a similar personality to wolves. Plus, their DNA is also similar. While it may be small, the Shiba Inu is very similar to its wolf ancestors.
Similar to the Husky, this breed is perhaps the closest to wolves in regards to their looks. This is partly due to the fact that their genetic make-up is still incredibly similar to their wolf ancestors.
FAQ
Is a husky close to a wolf?
How close is a German shepherd to a wolf?