“Ohh, what a deep voice you have! And, what big eyes you have! What big paws are those! And, goodness… what a big mouth you have! You must be a wolf! Or, one of those wolf like dog breeds!” I bet this is what Little Red Riding Hood actually thought when she saw a furry creature in granny’s clothes.
There are a lot of dog breeds that look wild, and they are also accompanied with an equally fierce nature. Some of those breeds are ancient and wrapped in a mystical aura of a legendary creature. Others are products of artificial selection and are fairly new.
And, that deep voice resembles a wolf howling in long winter nights. Those big blue eyes are to observe prey from a long distance. Those big paws are for endless running. And, those big mouths are for huge amounts of food because these dogs get hungry like real wolves.
Even though you might easily mistake one of these dogs for a big, bad wolf, don’t call a huntsman immediately. That intimidating creature is just one of the wolf like dog breeds. It looks like one, but it is far less wild. Gather your courage and come with me to meet them!
Wolf Like Dog Breeds:
Wolves and dogs are related species. Today’s dogs are descendants of wolves. You can think of them as relatives, where one is living a domesticated life in suburbia, while another appears unexpectedly, and the situation gets awkward.
Dogs and wolves can breed together, and their offspring will be fertile. There are special laws for keeping wolf-dog hybrids at your home.
Here is a list of 26 beautiful wolf like dog breeds waiting to greet you with a smile. Be sure that you will see a few fangs, too.
1. Kugsha / Amerindian Malamute
This breed is also hidden behind his third name – the American Husky. Like many other wolf like dog breeds, this one also has a rather mystical name. That impression is reinforced by the fact that very little is known about him.
There are certain stories on the sidelines that this breed originated from Pennsylvania as a result of breeding three wolf hybrids. I do not know if that is true, but there is something incredible about this breed.
Dog owners swear that puppies of the Amerindian Malamute are above-average smart, and they can hold attention much longer than other puppies. With these traits, training should be a piece of cake. Of course, if you know how to do it properly.
Otherwise, if you lose control, you will awaken their wild side, and then you are in trouble.
You might wonder why these dogs are called Kungsha. Well, it is a pseudonym for their breeders. Their names were Kulwind, Gordon Smith, and Habben.
2. Tamaskan
If you want to give the impression of a dangerous person who is a bit eccentric (even though you are not very courageous), get yourself a Tamaskan. It would seem like you own a wolf, while it is just a dog. But, no one can tell the difference really.
The Tamaskan is intentionally bred to look like a wolf, and he carries that with style. It is not quite a family pet if you do not have a lot of experience with demanding dogs. It can easily outsmart you if you are not on top of the task.
This one is among very intelligent dogs. It is also a great working dog and a suitable breed for sport activities. Be prepared to invest a lot of energy in training this dog and keeping him stimulated.
His wolf-like appearance is due to the fact that he is a wolfdog hybrid. He is the perfect combination of German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute. And, on top of that, he was sent to Finland to upgrade even more.
The final result is a domestic dog with a wild side.
3. Siloh Shepherd
The Shiloh Shepherd is a fairly new breed that was officially recognized 30 years ago. You can conclude from its name that it is probably a descendant of the German Shepherd. His other parent is the Alaskan Malamute.
This interesting combination was the idea of Tina Barber, a woman who was really fond of German Shepherds.
Siloh Shepherds are family dogs. There are many roles in which he will do well. He is trainable so it is the best dog for therapy of elder people, or for guiding, or as a watchdog.
4. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Czechoslovakian Vlcak – are you able to pronounce it? I think I have tangled my tongue. I feel like I have been attacked by the alphabet or something.
Anyhow, this dog was intentionally bred to be an attack dog back in 1955. But, today, he lives a calm, family life as a working dog. You know, the 9 to 5 kind of life. Just kidding.
It is a rare breed. It comes from a country that no longer exists. This emigrant hides under a lot of names – Slovak Wolfdog, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Ceskoslovensky Vlcak, Vlcak, Czech Wolfdog, Ceskoslovensky Vlciak, and CSV.
This is one high-energy dog, very smart, and most importantly – it has wolf ancestors. This means only one thing – either you are going to be the alpha or he will outrule you. So, if you are not ready to show dominance, this dog is not for you.
5. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a kind of dog that carries a certain ancient dog aura with him. It is a purebred dog, developed thousands of years ago, and it has not changed a lot since. You will fall in love with his deep, yellow eyes. Sounds weird, but they are beautiful… trust me.
His name comes from the Mahlemute tribe, from the Peninsula of Seward. His first job was to hunt seals. Then, he got a promotion to the position of Polar bear chaser. Later, he was used to pull sledges in the Arctic and in Siberia.
Among the natives, he had divine status, and they treated this breed well. It is a surprisingly friendly dog that likes company, so expect them to experience separation anxiety if you are away for a long time. You will probably experience it, too, considering how adorable they are.
One of their characteristics is the woo woos. They do not vocalize a lot, but when they do, they do it in dire wolf style. And, not to forget – get yourself a strong vacuum cleaner because this dog sheds – a lot.
6. Yakutian Laika
Laika certainly rings a bell, doesn’t it? Yeah, it was the first dog in space, sent there by Russians. But, the Yakutian Laika doesn’t have much connection with that space dog besides the name. Laika refers to barking in the Russian language.
Yakutia is part of the north of Russia. So, this means that the Yakutian Laika is something like a Yakutian barker. That makes sense. This breed is old, and it was developed by the Shaka people who used to live in that area.
It is really cold there… a lot of snow. So, this dog had an important role… what else than pulling sledges around.
You can find him under many names, and they are all complicated. It is also called Yakutskaya Laika, Arkticheskaya, Yakut Laika, Polarmaya, and the funniest of them all – Tungusskaya and Chubychanskaya.
7. Native American Indian Dog
This dog strongly resembles a gray wolf. It certainly would not pass unnoticed not only because of its appearance, but also because of its intelligence.
This dog knows how to manage every task. He is equally good for search and rescue and for hunting, but he also makes a great family dog. However, it has a bit of an intimidating appearance so this probably won’t be your first thought.
This breed is like a living melting pot. Native Americans used to mix coyotes with different dog breeds that were imported with the arrival of Europeans. It is a crossbreed and a hybrid breed so the American Kennel Club does not recognizethis beautiful dog.
8. King Shepherd
30 years ago, Shelley Watts-Cross, and David Turkheimer decided to upgrade the German Shepherd and make him royalty. They mixed him with the Akita, the Alaskan Malamute, and the Great Pyrenees, and made a King Shepherd.
It also has a royal size. This is a big dog with big brains, too. He is very smart, which means he learns quickly. Give him a task. He needs to be occupied in order to behave well. If he gets bored, I promise that you will not. He is capable of making a nasty show in this case.
9. German Shepherds
Well, German Shepherds are indeed a popular dog breed. They are like dog celebrities. They are often on TV shows playing important roles – mostly resolving serious crimes.
You can easily tell where they come from. They were first bred in Germany in the 1800s. This is a herding dog. It came to America after WWI, and soon made it to the top. It became famous in Rin Tin Tin, and Strongheart. There is a fine choice of German Shepherd breeders in America.
He even served in the military, and he indebted the nation in WWII when he expressed himself on the battlefield. This dog is always on the top of the AKC list of the most popular dogs in America.
There are not many roles this dog is not suitable for. He is a great guard dog, he gets along equally well with military and police officials, and he is extraordinarily gentle with people with disabilities, such as blindness.
10/10 for this delight of a dog.
RELATED: How Much Do German Shepherds Cost? German Shepherd Price And Expenses
10. Alaskan Klee Kai
This one looks like a mini Siberian Husky. That is what Klee Kai means in the place where he comes from – a small dog. Looks are where the resemblance stops. The Alaskan Klee Kai is not much of a working dog, he is more suitable for a posh lifestyle. If you need good company that will make you look equally good, here is a good choice.
These dogs love attention, but not from strangers. If they are not familiar with you, they will not greet you with a smile, although they will show you teeth. When adapted, this rare breed can be a really nice family dog.
11. American Alsatian
Back in 1987, Lois Denny had a strong desire to design a dog that would resemble an extinct dire wolf, but without his intimidating attitude and personality.
These dire wolves were sort of bigger than our everyday Canis lupus. To get the desired combination, this woman combined the German Shepherd with the Alaskan Malamute. But, she did not stop there.
Later, it became an English Mastiff, then an Anatolian Shepherd, an Irish Wolfhound, and a Great Pyrenees – all in order to create the ultimate dog with a wolf-like appearance. But friendly. And, she succeeded. He is a beautiful example among wolf like dog breeds.
12. Pomsky
Imagine a hot date between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. No, you can’t. It is awkward. Well, this unmatchable match didn’t stop breeders from making a new breed out of these two.
Human curiosity makes people very creative, and some breeders found a way. They artificially inseminated one of these dogs, and bam – the Pomsky was born.
It is a medium-sized dog, unimaginably cute as a puppy, but very demanding as a grown up. So, many owners are not really aware of it before they get one. A funny match between a Pomeranian and a Husky produced equally comedic offspring that will goof off a lot in order to get as much attention as possible.
13. Utonagan / Northern Inuit Dog
Have you ever watched that popular show, Game of Thrones? Well, if you have, then you are familiar with Stark’s family favorite dog breed that was actually a dire wolf in the series.
Well, either you are or you aren’t familiar with the scenario – a role of a mighty wolf was assigned to the Northern Inuit Dog (or the Utonagan). Yes, it is a strange name, but it is simple. Utonagan means northern dog in one of the many inuit languages.
This dog is a combination of German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Malamute. It is a very common combination if you want to create a wolf-like creature that doesn’t have a wolf-like drive. And, Edwina Harrison knew that back in the 1980s.
Even though this breed is impressive, it is still not recognized by official canine clubs.
14. Greenland Dog
This is another divine example among wolf like dog breeds. This dog is almost sacred in Greenland. They are really proud of this breed there, and they take it very seriously. It is strictly forbidden to mix-breed this dog.
It is one of five sledge dogs that exist in the world. They fulfill this role even nowadays, but only during the winter periods, which is quite a long part of the year. So, there is the other part of the year when they are not that active. And, they can start with some unpleasant behavior. That is when they are dangerous.
It is really sad that the population of these dogs is decreasing due to climate changes. Another factor is that people nowadays prefer motorized transporters, so there aren’t many enthusiasts who are willing to commit to this breed.
15. Belgian Tervuren
This purebred dog originally from Belgium is considered the most beautiful and elegant of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds. His coat is something outstanding. You can’t stay immune to this beauty.
Once a herding dog, he has suited up these days. Now, he does some tasks for the police, and he is awesome as a therapy and assistance dog. But, if you are not skillful with dogs, then maybe you should think twice before getting one.
He is trainable, but independent, and he requires a lot of patience. You have to be very consistent with this dog. Keep him with grown-ups because he isn’t much interested in children.
16. Siberian Husky
What hides behind those blue eyes? Behind hides an equally captivating personality of an equally beautiful dog. A gorgeous double coat covers its athletic body. A Husky’s coat comes in many colors. An independent nature, combined with a sharp mind, makes this dog utterly desirable.
But, don’t let his beauty enchant you. Even though you might have a huge urge to get yourself this stunner, think twice. This breed is not for everyone. His beauty comes with a price. This dog is difficult to maintain.
It is a free-spirit dog. It likes to wander around like some boems, and it is not really eager to obey its owner. You must be skilled to train this dog properly. And, prepare yourself for late-night Husky howling concerts because these dogs can get loud.
17. Groenendael
This is another Belgian Shepherd dog. This one was known even during the Middle Ages. You may know him under other names like Chien de Berger Begle, Belgian Shepherd, or Belgian Sheepdog.
In history, this dog had a very special role. In the war, he was a messenger on the front. His other role was to find wounded soldiers. This dog is all black, and that is what is hiding behind his name.
18. Saarloos Wolfdog
Well, this breed is a true wild animal. It is a direct descendant of a wolf. Particularly, it is a combination of an Eurasian wolf and a German Shepherd. But, don’t get scared immediately. This dog has a lot of positive traits.
It was Leendert Saarloos who created this fierce creature. He thought that the German Shepherd was too domesticated. He was really fond of this wolfdog, so the idea occurred to him – why not mix German Shepherd and wolf to get something really impressive.
This Dutch breed is longer than it is taller, and it has a sharp head with a long mug and pointy ears. Its thick coat is usually gray. Prepare a huge amount of dog food because this dog is hungry like a wolf.
19. Samoyed
This fluffy dog is a true charmer. When he smiles, everyone melts. You don’t believe me? There is even a name for his smile – it is called a Sammy smile. I bet now you want to get one, and there are a few excellent Samoyed breeders in the U.S.
The Samoyed colors and cloud-like fur are out of this world. It has a thick coat. with an undercoat. It is a very friendly dog, but independent as well. He likes to dig a lot. It is a natural drive for him because in that way, he is trying to find a cold place to cool his body temperature down.
He is a herder dog, but he does not herd what you think he herds. There are no sheep in Siberia where he is from. He used to herd reindeer. Well, that is a heck of a job. Nomadic Siberian tribes also used him to pull sledges.
20. Alusky
This is one more mysterious breed. There is not much information on this dog. It is a result of love between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. It was used to hunt seals and chase away Polar bears. That was the family business that he inherited from his Alaskan parents.
This dog is a stunner… beautiful sleepy eyes, sharp and pointy ears, a dark mug, and strong legs. There is a lot of rich fur on him, and his whole body is impressive. Be sure to watch him near small pets because this dog has a strong prey drive.
21. Akita Inu
This dog is bred to show loyalty to Japanese royalty. Huh… funny. Royal people’s favorite hobby, from England to Japan, is hunting. And, the Akita got himself a high position in the Japanese court – he was the chief hunter. But, not for foxes or something small. He hunted deer, bears, and boar. Impressive.
There are certain differences between Japanese and American Akitas.
Sometimes, you are not sure if the Akita is actually a cat trapped in a dog’s body. He sneaks around his prey like some big cat – like a cheetah or a tiger or something. And, he licks himself to clean up. If this isn’t catlike, then I don’t know what is.
Be ready for a lot of mumbling. These dogs have their opinion on literally everything. They follow you around the house, and tell you what to do and how to do it. It is a good thing that you don’t understand anything.
But, they are not that open-minded in front of strangers. This is the only time they keep it quiet. They also like to put things in their mouths. Maybe Freud would have something to say about this trait. All in all, not a boring dog at all.
22. Finnish Lapphund
This is not as his name suggests, a lap dog, but a dog from Lapland. It is a region in northern Finland. Yes, that is the place where Santa Claus lives. This dog is probably his pet, and he goofs around with Rudolph and the rest of the company.
He is a purebred dog. He used to live with the Sami people – nomads from those northern parts of the world. This is one of many herding dogs, but for reindeers. I told you he is a good friend of Dasher and Blitzen.
23. Norwegian Elkhound
If you are looking for a dog that is equally good at hunting small prey like rabbits, lynx, and badgers, as well as huge animals like mountain lions, wolves, elks, and bears, then this is the one.
It is an ancient dog, not unlike many other northern wolflike dogs. It seems to me that they are all very old. This one, too, is capable of many things. It is a watchdog, a herder, and it can pull sledges. It is even a warrior.
It is a big deal if the Minister of Defense of Norway calls you to defend your land against enemies. If war breaks out, the order is that every Norwegian Elkhound must be mobilized.
24. Caucasian Shepherd
As his name suggests, this dog is originally from the Caucasian area. This is a mountain range that divides Europe and Asia. This huge dog was used as a shepherd. His protective nature and big strength make him suitable for this kind of job.
There are two types of Caucasian Shepherd, and both are equally intimidating. Mountain types live in higher altitudes. Therefore, this one has a larger body and heavier fur. There is also a Steppe type that lives in the valley so he has no need for such a fur coat, and he has a lower body weight.
It is not a very common breed in America, but he certainly is in Eastern parts of Europe.
25. Canadian Eskimo Dog / Inuit Dog
You can say that this dog first discovered the North and South Pole… at least officially. They had been living there for thousands of years before the first European explorers got the idea to travel to those cold parts of the world.
And, who was there to help them? Inuit Dogs, of course. They are native to that area, and they know it best. They were used by the native Inuit tribes as sledge dogs that also helped during hunting.
Today, there is not much need for these dogs because people prefer to drive around in vehicles. But still, it would be such a shame to lose this noble breed. To avoid that, there are a few enthusiasts who took care of the great comeback of the Inut Dog.
26. Shiba Inu
He is ryosei! He is soboku! He is kaani-i! He is a Shiba Inu dog! No, I am not drunk… these are all Japanese epithets for this charming ancient spitz breed. They mean good nature, alertness, and spirited boldness.
If you want to get yourself a Shiba Inu dog, and you are for the “adopt, not shop” option, here are the 10 best Shiba Inu Rescues in U.S.
And, the Shiba Inu is all that. Inexperienced people sometimes think that a Shiba Inu is a fox because he resembles something between a wolf and a fox. But, he is much smaller than a wolf.
If you want a good companion that looks like a toy, then the Shiba Inu is the dog for you. I promise there will be a lot of head turns when you take this beauty for a walk. He will be your companion for a long time because the Shiba Inu’s lifespan is quite respectable.
27. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund looks like a product of the encounter of beauty and beast. Beauty would be a Corgi dog, while beast would be – well, actually a real beast… a wolf. But, he is neither.
Even though this Sweedish blonde beauty looks like a wolf trapped in a Corgi’s body, there is no actual connection between them. But, there is with Vikings.
This dog’s name means shepherd or herding, and he did some farm jobs for his masters in the past. It is a recognised breed in official canine clubs. Back at home, they call it Vastgotaspets.
28. Shikoku
Well, Japanese people like to name their dogs after their big islands. So, besides Hokkaido, Kishu, Shiba Inu, Kai, and Akita, there is another Japanese native breed called Shikoku.
It is an intimidating dog, and deer and boar are scared of them. You can find him hiding under other identities such as Mikawa, Japanese Wolfdog, and Kochi Ken.
Originally, there were three breeds of this dog. Nowadays, Shikoku Ken is a mixture of Awa, Hata, and Hongawa. It is an elegant dog, with a strong body and a gorgeous coat. In Japan, it has the status of a national monument. Well, that is quite an honor.
29. Seppala Siberian Sleddog
We can say this is a golden dog if we take into account the fact that he was bred by a gold seeker from Norway, named Leonhard Seppala. That is how this breed got the name also.
Seppala Siberian Dogs are true stunners just like their colleagues, Siberian Huskies. They are smaller and more agile when compared to other dogs that were used to pull sledges.
It is easy to fall in love with this beautiful dog, but what is not easy is to actually find one. It is rather a rare breed.
30. The Blue Bay Shepherd
The Blue Bay Shepherd is maybe the youngest among wolf like dog breeds. And, the most southern one. He originates from Florida, and he was bred by Vicki Spencer. This dog is a combination of a German Shepherd and a blue-coated wolfdog. At least, that is what Vicki said.
Puppy owners did their testing and found influence from the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky, too. It is not actually blue, but gray, though it has blue eyes. These dogs have great temperament, and are suitable for family life.
Related: Blue Bay Shepherd Price: Is This Gorgeous Wolf Hybrid Expensive?
31. Alaskan Noble Companion Dog
The last on our list of wolf like dog breeds is one nobleman. It is the Alaskan Noble Companion Dog (or ANCD). It resembles a dire wolf a little bit. This one also has a mystical aura because not much is known about him.
His name says a lot about him, and that is pretty much everything we actually know about it. It is Alaskan because it has that northern look, not because it is actually from Alaska. He is noble because he has a noble kind of attitude, and a companion dog because – well, I think it is clear.
His origin is unclear. There are assumptions that he is the descendant of an Alaskan Malamute, a German Shepherd, a Siberian Husky, a Labrador, a Great Pyrenees, or a Border Collie. We will never find out. But, maybe that is not a bad thing.
To Wrap It Up On Wolf Like Dog Breeds
Now that we have met several indeed magnificent wolf like dog breeds, we can say that they are equally gorgeous and deterrent.
It is very important for an owner to understand the nature of these breeds because if you do not know how to handle their behavior, soon, you will find yourself in a situation. And, that problem would also be your community’s problem.
Yes, I know – these breeds are almost irresistible, but beware – they require a lot of time, energy, and skill to be properly trained and socialized. Otherwise, you are going to end up allegorically devoured by their untamed spirit.
Still, we are not able not to admire these stunners. Tell us which one captivated your heart?
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