7 Dog Breeds That Are Basically Wolves in Disguise!
Nikita Kanyal | Mar 29, 2025, 23:45 IST
Ever wondered if your furry friend is actually part wolf? Some dog breeds look so much like their wild ancestors that they could easily be mistaken for real wolves! From Huskies with piercing blue eyes to dogs with actual wolf DNA, these seven breeds are basically wolves in disguise. But beware some of them have wild instincts, unstoppable energy, and an escape artist’s mindset! If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a wolf, this list will blow your mind. Is your dog secretly a wolf? Find out which breeds make the ultimate wolf-like companions (and which ones might outsmart you)!
Ever looked at a dog and thought, “Wait… is that a wolf?” You’re not alone! Some dog breeds look so much like their wild ancestors that it’s hard to tell the difference. While these pups may be domesticated, their striking resemblance to wolves from piercing eyes to thick fur and powerful builds makes them look straight out of the wild.
But here’s the shocking part: Some of these dogs aren’t just LOOKING like wolves… they share actual wolf DNA! So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a wolf but don’t want to break the law (or get eaten), these seven wolf-like dog breeds might be the closest thing you can get!
With their icy blue eyes, thick double coats, and intense howls, Siberian Huskies could easily be mistaken for a wolf. Originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for pulling sleds, these dogs have boundless energy and a strong pack mentality, just like their wild ancestors.
Warning: If left alone too long, Huskies will howl like wolves and attempt an escape. Their Houdini-level skills are legendary!
Wolf Factor: 8/10 – Would thrive in the Arctic with a wolf pack.
Fun Fact: Malamutes are so close to wolves that their howls can sometimes attract real wolves in the wild!
Wolf Factor: 9/10 – Might challenge an alpha wolf for dominance.
Not for Beginners: These dogs are highly independent, territorial, and not easy to train. They thrive in the hands of experienced owners who understand their wolf-like pack mentality.
Wolf Factor: 10/10 – This one doesn’t just LOOK like a wolf; it thinks like one too!
Shock Factor: These dogs are so convincing that they have been mistaken for wild wolves by law enforcement and wildlife officials!
Wolf Factor: 9.5/10 – Could easily be cast in a nature documentary as a real wolf.
Did You Know? Utonagans were bred to have the majestic wolf look without the aggression or wild temperament.
Wolf Factor: 9/10 – Would look perfect howling under a full moon.
Not a Family Pet: These dogs have strong prey drives and are not ideal for homes with small pets. They also tend to be aloof with strangers, much like actual wolves.
Wolf Factor: 10/10 – If you see one in the woods, you’d think it was a real wolf.
Hollywood Fame: These dogs became so popular after the show that people started calling them “Direwolves” in real life!
Wolf Factor: 10/10 – If winter is coming, you’ll want one of these by your side!
If you own one of these breeds, congratulations—you basically have a miniature wolf at home! While these dogs have been domesticated, their wild instincts, high intelligence, and powerful physical traits make them the closest thing to a real wolf you can legally own.
They Need Space – These dogs love to run, roam, and explore. A small apartment? Not ideal.
They Have Strong Instincts – Some of them howl, dig, and even hunt like wild wolves!
They Are Not for Everyone – If you’re a first-time dog owner, these breeds might be too much to handle.
But if you’re up for the challenge, owning one of these wolf-like breeds is an experience like no other.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
FAQs
But here’s the shocking part: Some of these dogs aren’t just LOOKING like wolves… they share actual wolf DNA! So, if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a wolf but don’t want to break the law (or get eaten), these seven wolf-like dog breeds might be the closest thing you can get!
1. Siberian Husky – The Snow Wolf of the North
Warning: If left alone too long, Huskies will howl like wolves and attempt an escape. Their Houdini-level skills are legendary!
Wolf Factor: 8/10 – Would thrive in the Arctic with a wolf pack.
2. Alaskan Malamute – The Fluffier Wolf Twin
Think of an extra-large Husky with even more wolf-like features, and you get the Alaskan Malamute. These powerful dogs were bred for hauling heavy loads in extreme cold, making them one of the strongest and most resilient breeds.
Fun Fact: Malamutes are so close to wolves that their howls can sometimes attract real wolves in the wild!
Wolf Factor: 9/10 – Might challenge an alpha wolf for dominance.
3. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog – The Hybrid of Nightmares
Hold up this one is literally part wolf! The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog was created in the 1950s by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian Wolves for military use. The result? A dog with wild instincts, intense golden eyes, and a fearsome presence.
Not for Beginners: These dogs are highly independent, territorial, and not easy to train. They thrive in the hands of experienced owners who understand their wolf-like pack mentality.
Wolf Factor: 10/10 – This one doesn’t just LOOK like a wolf; it thinks like one too!
4. Tamaskan – The Ultimate Wolf Lookalike
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a pet wolf, but don’t want a legal nightmare, the Tamaskan is your answer. This breed was specifically bred to resemble wolves while maintaining a friendly, trainable nature.
Shock Factor: These dogs are so convincing that they have been mistaken for wild wolves by law enforcement and wildlife officials!
Wolf Factor: 9.5/10 – Could easily be cast in a nature documentary as a real wolf.
5. Utonagan – The ‘Mythical Wolf’ Breed
With a name inspired by an Indigenous tale meaning "Spirit of the Wolf," the Utonagan is a mix of Husky, Malamute, and German Shepherd—all dogs that already have wolf-like traits. They are loyal, energetic, and love outdoor adventures.
Did You Know? Utonagans were bred to have the majestic wolf look without the aggression or wild temperament.
Wolf Factor: 9/10 – Would look perfect howling under a full moon.
6. Saarloos Wolfdog – Half Dog, Half Wild Beast
The Saarloos Wolfdog is another true wolf hybrid, created by crossing a European wolf with a German Shepherd in the 1930s. The result? A highly independent, intelligent, and powerful dog that’s best suited for experienced handlers.
Not a Family Pet: These dogs have strong prey drives and are not ideal for homes with small pets. They also tend to be aloof with strangers, much like actual wolves.
Wolf Factor: 10/10 – If you see one in the woods, you’d think it was a real wolf.
7. Northern Inuit Dog – The Game of Thrones ‘Direwolf’
If you’ve watched Game of Thrones, you’ve already seen this breed! Northern Inuit Dogs were used to portray the Direwolves of House Stark, and for good reason—they look exactly like ancient wolves.
Hollywood Fame: These dogs became so popular after the show that people started calling them “Direwolves” in real life!
Wolf Factor: 10/10 – If winter is coming, you’ll want one of these by your side!
So… Is Your Dog a Wolf in Disguise?
Thinking of Getting a Wolf-Like Dog? Read This First!
They Have Strong Instincts – Some of them howl, dig, and even hunt like wild wolves!
They Are Not for Everyone – If you’re a first-time dog owner, these breeds might be too much to handle.
But if you’re up for the challenge, owning one of these wolf-like breeds is an experience like no other.
Discover expert advice and the latest tips on pet care, training, health, and more. Stay updated with all things pets at Times Pets!
FAQs
- Are these wolf-like dog breeds part wolf?
Some of them, like the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and Saarloos Wolfdog, actually have real wolf DNA! Others, like the Husky and Malamute, just look like wolves but are fully domesticated. While they share some wild instincts, they are still dogs—just with a wolfish twist! - Are wolf-like dogs harder to train?
Absolutely! Many of these breeds have strong independent streaks and high intelligence, making them more challenging to train than typical companion dogs. Huskies, Malamutes, and Tamaskans are notorious for ignoring commands when they feel like it. Early and consistent training is key! - Can you legally own a wolfdog?
It depends on where you live! In many places, owning a wolf hybrid is either illegal or requires a special permit. Some breeds, like the Tamaskan and Northern Inuit Dog, are bred to look like wolves but have no actual wolf DNA, making them legal in most areas.