14 Dog Breeds That Look Like Wolves

Dogs and wild wolves share more than 99 percent of their DNA. However, thousands of years of careful breeding have made domestic dogs great pets for families. Here are 14 dog breeds that look like wolves!

Akita

A big and strong dog originally bred in Japan for guarding and hunting, the Akita is super loyal and has the look and personality of their wolf ancestors. They are brave dogs with a natural instinct to protect their families, going to great lengths to keep them safe. Akitas have a unique way of talking—they don’t bark much but are very vocal in other ways and can be pretty cautious around strangers.

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are strong dogs and one of the oldest sled dog breeds around. They’re really smart but have a stubborn side that can make training tricky, so they’re not the best choice for first-time dog parents. With their thick black-and-gray-on-white fur, people often think they’re part wolf and have even played that role in movies, but they’re all domestic. 

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Even though they have “wolf” in their name, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is totally domestic, though they do resemble a wolf in some striking ways. These pups are incredibly versatile and have been used in various roles, such as patrolling, search and rescue, and herding. They are tough animals with strong personalities.

Canadian Eskimo 

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a strong, mid-sized Spitz breed that has been pulling heavy loads for a long time. These tough pups have incredible stamina and were the go-to sled dogs before the faster Siberian Huskies came to northern Canada. This almost made the breed disappear, but the Canadian Kennel Club stepped in and worked with breeders to help bring them back.

German Shepherd

While most dog lovers can recognize a German Shepherd right away, they still deserve a mention on this list because they look a bit like their wolf ancestors. These big, strong canines are super loyal and smart—which is why they’re often used in police and military jobs. They’re also great family pets known for being loving, kind, and protective of their families.

Finnish Lapphund

The Finnish Lapphund looks like a little wolf and is a tough, Spitz-type breed that has been herding reindeer for a long time. They may be small, but they’re surprisingly strong and quick, which helps them a lot when herding. These friendly little pups can be a bit shy around new faces. They love being close to their owners, and if they’re left alone for too long, they can get pretty sad.

Saarloos Wolfdog

The Saarloos Wolfdog looks a lot like a wolf and has wolf blood in them, as they come from a mix of a German Shepherd and a Siberian grey wolf. Their pups were then bred again with German Shepherds, making them a quarter grey wolf. As you can guess, they are strong and athletic dogs that need a lot of dedication and training.

Greenland Dog

The Greenland Dog is a strong, sturdy, and powerful breed that has served as a working dog in the chilly climate of Greenland for hundreds of years. They look a lot like Huskies, with thick fur, a curled tail, and a stubborn, independent streak that can make them tough to train. These dogs are pretty rare now since faster Huskies and snowmobiles have taken over their jobs, but their wolf-like looks are really something to see.

Northern Inuit Dog

The Northern Inuit Dog is often called a “wolfdog,” but they are totally domestic. If you want a dog that looks like a wolf, this breed is pretty much as close as you can get. They gained fame for playing the wolves in the TV series “Game of Thrones.” Even though they have a wild appearance, they are actually loving and sweet dogs.

Samoyed

Famous for their big smile and fluffy coat—the Samoyed was developed as a dog for hunting and hauling heavy loads. Their signature smile perfectly captures their cheerful nature, as these joyful pups are full of happiness. They usually have one strong relationship with one family member but remain friendly and sociable with just about everyone else.

Swedish Vallhund

The Swedish Vallhund is a small but very active and energetic dog with a personality that’s way bigger than their size. Even though they’re petite—they still have a wolf-like look with their thick gray coats and pointy ears, and they can be quite protective of their owners if needed. These little pups are loyal and will bring tons of affection and enthusiasm.

Utonagan

Utonagans were created in England to have a dog that looks like a wolf. They’re a mix of three breeds: the Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky. Although not bred for a specific job, these pups are easy to train and can learn a number of tasks. They are friendly and smart dogs that usually get along well with people—including kids. 

Tamaskan

The Tamaskan is a strong, athletic breed that comes from crossing sled dogs like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, among others. Their name literally means “mighty wolf” in Native American, and they need plenty of space and exercise to stay healthy and happy. They look amazingly like wolves, which was the goal for many breeders from Canada, the U.S., and Finland when they developed this breed in the 1980s.

Siberian Husky

When it comes to strong sled dogs, the Siberian Husky is the most well-known and loved breed out there. Their thick double coats, pointy ears, and unique markings clearly show their wolf heritage, even though they are totally tame. These dogs are built for hard work and have incredible energy, stamina, and strength, which can be quite a handful for novice owners.