15 Dogs That Look Like Wolves

Written by: Milica Brzakovic
Have you ever seen a dog that could easily be mistaken for a wolf? Find out which dog breeds are very similar to these beautiful animals thanks to our list of 15 wolf-like dog breeds!

Dogs that look like wolves will catch your eye in no time.

Since dogs are most relative to wolves genetically it comes as no surprise that some dog breeds have that famous wolf-like appearance.

Not only that they are wolf-like in size, but they also have similar coats, and close if not identical, temperament.

Do you want to know more about small dogs that look like wolves, or do you want to learn what is the largest wolf dog breed?

If so, this article is for you. Below you will discover the top 15 dogs that look like wolves.

Let’s present dogs that look like wolves, including their temperament traits and price.

15. Pomsky

Is a Pomsky a wolf dog? This question is common among dog lovers who had the pleasure of seeing this wolf-like breed in person.

As a cross between a female Siberian Husky with a Pomeranian male, this small size dog that looks like wolves is a relatively young crossbreed. However, they are getting more and more popular threatening to overcome purebred parents’ popularity.

For those who love Huskies, but are apartment-based and want a wolf-like dog or want a small dog that looks like wolves, Pomsky is usually among the first options.

Huskies are known for being active dogs who usually need an extended space to burn off their energy.

Pomsky may be smaller in size, but they will still need regular exercise. In total, they will be happy with toilet breaks and a total of an hour of exercise.

Do Pomsky shed a lot, since one of the parents is Siberian Husky, a notorious shedder? Well yes, this mini wolf dog tends to shed a lot, so stick to regular brushing sessions.

Good to know about Pomsky: Thanks to its Siberian side, Pomsky is also promoted often as a small dog that looks like huskies.

Since they are still rare, finding a reputable breeder might be tricky and you should expect a waiting list.

How much does a Pomsky cost? For a Pomsky puppy, you can expect to invest between $1,000 to $5,000.

14. Finnish Lapphund

Finnish Lapphund is a medium-sized dog that resembles a smaller and fuzzier wolf version. The main difference is that it enjoys human company and can be kept as a pet!

Finnish Lapphund may be a small wolf-dog, but this dog comes with a big dog personality.

They are great family dogs who enjoy spending time with their humans. Training them should be easy, as long as you have experience with training dogs.

These active dogs are smart, loyal, and energetic. As an energetic breed, Finnish Lapphund needs regular and well-planned exercise.

Thanks to their medium size, these small dogs that look like wolves are great indoor companions.

It is fair to say that Finnish Lapphunds are more present in busy city areas than in rural spaces, although they are herding dogs. This breed is an ancient one, making them dogs most proximate to wolves genetically.

They come in different colors, but they still may be most described as a black wolf-dog breed that not only resembles wolfs but also looks like foxes.

Good to know about Finnish Lapphund: In winter this breed will choose to spend hours outside, especially if it snows

Dogs who look like wolves usually have a robust body, strong nails, and coat that keeps them warm during harsh days, and Finnish Lapphund is no exception.

This wolf-like dog comes with a double coat making regular brushing a must.

How much does a Finnish Lapphund cost? Finnish Laphund puppies tend to cost between $600 to $1,500

13. Tamaskan

To many at the first sight, Tamaskan looks like a dog breed mixed with a wolf. This is a dog of strong posture, thick coat, and straight tail that is often described as bushy.

Their coats blend in perfectly with the forest scenery. Tamaskans are commonly red-gray, wolf-gray, and black-gray.

If you have experience with dogs and you want a dog who is a mix of Husky, Malamute, Samoyed, and German Shepherd, this is a breed to consider having.

Good to know about Tamaskan: In 2013 this breed has been recognized by the American Rare Breed Association

Not only that their appearance is wolf-like, but they also have some wolf personality traits such as calmness and alertness. This breed is only suited for experienced dog owners.

For first time dog owners, Tamaskan is too much work.

Before you get yourself a Tamaskan or any other small or big dog that looks like a wolf, make sure that you compare different dog breeds, and choose a dog that fits your lifestyle the best.

How much does a Tamaskan cost? For a healthy Tamaskan puppy you can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,700

12. Utonagan

untonagan

Utonagan is a breed that resembles both wolves and Huskies. Dog experts would say that due to its physical traits, Utonagan resembles the famous Malamute the most to be precise.

This dog that resembles wolves shares roots both with Husky and Malamute – originally Utonagan was bred to be a working dog for harsh winter conditions.

This is why the Utonagan needs extensive exercise if you don’t want him to get destructive, but if satisfied – Utonagan will make a great family and watchdog.

Good to know about Utonagan: Utonagan is a mix of primarily a Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd

If you are not into regular and extended brushing sessions, Utonagan isn’t for you, as they shed significantly.

They will shed more during the shedding season which occurs in spring and autumn.

How much does a Utonagan cost? This dog will cost at least $1,000

11. Kugsha

kugsha dog

Kugsha dog is another wolf-like dog breed that resembles both Malamute and Utonagan. This double-coated breed is an American breed carefully designed to be a working dog and a sled puller.

In other words, expect Kugsha to be more self-minded than the Husky.

Dogs that look like wolves tend to be high maintenance when it comes to grooming and Kugsha is no exception.

Good to know about Kugsha: Kugshas are large size wolf dogs, standing up to 27 inches and weighing over 100 pounds

All in all, the Kugsha dog is a loyal dog that is a great family pet for active and outdoorsy families.

If you’re an active person this could be a great breed for you as Kugsha will most definitely share your love for exercise!

How much does a Kugsha dog cost? Getting a Kugsha puppy will cost from $1,000

10. The Greenland Dog

Greenland dogs are part of Spitz-family breeds, but they do not look like a fox, but more like a wolf.

These wolf-like dogs were bred to be strong and hard-working dogs in harsh climates.

These traits are something that lives in this breed even today.

As such these wolf-like dogs need proper mental stimulation and regular exercise. Otherwise, you can expect to have a bored and eventually destructive dog.

This breed is best suited for colder areas, where they have a job to do and proper exercise on a daily level.

Good to know about Greenland Dog: Historians believe that ancestors of Greenland Dogs first appeared 4,500 years ago

Today, Greenlands are domestic dogs that look like wolves but are more seen in rural areas and areas of colder temperatures.

Greenland Dog or Greenland Husky is a relatively rare breed, so make sure that you invest some time into finding a responsible dog breeder of the breed.

How much does a Greenland dog cost? This will depend on the breeders, but an average price will be between $1,200 to $2,000

9. Seppala Siberian Sled Dog

Seppala Siberian sled dog

When one should describe what a wolf-dog looks like it is enough to see a Seppala Siberian sled dog.

This powerful sled dog looks like a wolf, but it comes with a different set of personalities.

Seppala Siberian Sled dog is a cheerful, bouncy working dog, in constant need of exercise and with an unimaginable, seemingly endless tank of energy.

Owning a Seppala means dedicating some serious time to exercise on daily basis. This medium wolf dog is a high-energy dog and as such it is never recommended for first time dog owners.

Good to know about Seppala Siberian Sled Dog: This wolf-like dog is a rare primitive type of working dog

It is common for sled dogs to be fit, very lean, physically powerful, reactive, and ready for the cold.

They were carefully bred to pull people and sleds for long distances, and they need enough space to burn off that extra energy.

How much does a Seppala Siberian Sled dog cost? Getting this puppy will cost between $1,000 to $3,000

8. Shikoku

Shikoku is a breed for only experienced dog owners. This is an active dog who demands not only regular exercise but a strict and well-planned exercise regime.

As a medium-sized wolf-like dog, Shikoku is alert and playful. This breed needs proper mental stimulation and enjoys playtime or working time.

Good to know about Shikoku: Shikoku is one of the rarest dogs in the world. There are only a few of them in the States

Shikoku is playful and intelligent and loves to spend time playing outside and exercising, but it won`t have anything against being petted and played with in a more indoor manner.

How much does a Shikoku cost? This is an expensive breed, costing between $3,000 to $4,000

7. Saarloos Wolfdog

saarloos wolfdog

The Saarloos Wolfdog looks almost exactly like a wolf, but, even though it was bred relatively recently, starting in 1935, it has strong canine character features.

Saarloos Wolfdog is very loyal and loving, family and pack-oriented but it requires a strong-willed and even-tempered pack leader. However, the Saarloos is not recommended for families with small children because of its still strong prey instinct.

Saarloos Wolfdogs are dogs that look like wolves, thanks to their appearance, posture, and calm nature. This is a very proud breed, with a strong love for people.

They love being surrounded by people and make good family dogs, but only in homes with experienced dog owners.

As an enthusiastic breed, Saarloos Wolfdog needs enough space to roam freely and explore.

Having easy access to the backyard is a must for having a happy Saarloos Wolfdog. It is not uncommon for dogs to feel human energy, which is why they are often part of therapy dog groups.

Good to know about Saarloos Wolfdog: To get the most out of this breed, make sure that you feed them on high-quality food for large breeds

Saarloos Wolfdog are often greta theraopy dogs adn even guide for the blind.

How much does a Saarloos Wolfdog cost? Getting a healthy Saarloos Wolfdog puppy will cost you between $800 to $2,500

6. Canadian Eskimo Dog

Unlike most fox-like and very stubborn Spitz-family members, the Canadian Eskimo dog is a very quick learner, very affectionate and playful, and, the reason why it’s on our list – it looks like a wolf.

It’s a big and strong dog that requires extensive exercise on daily bases, so even though it can be the greatest family pet – it is absolute torture to have such a dog if you’re not willing to dedicate significant time to exercise with it on daily basis.

Canadian Eskimo dogs were bred to be working dogs which is why they need sufficient energy. Good to know about Canadian Eskimo Dog: To keep this breed mentally satisfied and physically fit, provide a daily maximum of two hours of exercise in total

These double-coated dogs are pack-oriented, but that doesn’t make them any less stubborn.

As a working breed, Canadian Eskimo dogs are independent. In other words, they will try to outsmart you, so make sure that you implement strong training sessions.

Make training sessions consistent, fun, engaging, and packed with treats. Canadian Eskimo dogs have a waterproof coat that is 8-75cm long of thick and long hair.

As such they will shed and will need regular brushing sessions. Expect extra shedding in spring and autumn.

How much does a Canadian Eskimo Dog cost? Canadian Eskimo Dog puppies are extremely rare and they may cost around $7,000

5. Alaskan Malamute

Do Malamutes have wolf DNA? Malamutes are considered to be more of a primitive breed, which makes them the largest wolf dog breed.

Alaskan Malamute is a breed related to wolves one look at this breed can easily confuse people in whether are they seeing a dog or a wolf.

Bred to sustain harsh Alaskan winters, the Alaskan Malamute was bred as both a strong and musculus working sled dog and as a fearless guard dog, which it remains to this very day.

The Malamute indeed needs extensive daily exercise but can be an incredible family pet and a reliable watchdog and guardian of the family.

You find both Siberian Husky and Alaskan Mlaalmute great dogs, but you are not sure which breed is for you?

To get the right answer, learn about their similarities and differences to see which breed suits your lifestyle the best.

Good to know about Alaskan Malamute: They do not bark, but they might howl making it similar to the Siberian Husky voice

Bred to sustain harsh Alaskan winters, the Alaskan Malamute was bred as both a strong and musculus working sled dog and as a fearless guard dog, which it remains to this very day.

The Malamute indeed needs extensive daily exercise but can be an incredible family pet and a reliable watchdog and guardian of the family.

How much does an Alaskan Malamute cost? Getting an Alaskan Malamute puppy might cost you between $500 to $2,500

4. German Shepherd

german shepherd allergies

One of the globally most popular breeds, iconic Rin-Tin-Tin and Inspector Rex, the German shepherd is one of the most used working and guard dogs in the world.

Intelligent and eager to learn, the German shepherd is also a loving pet, dedicated to its family, and extremely gentle with children and kind to old people.

German Shepherds are the least wolf-like dogs on this list, but thanks to their powerful stand and exercise need they deserved their spot here.

These highly loyal dogs are great when it comes to training, dog sports such as agility, and protection.

Good to know about German Shepherd: Thanks to their training traits, these dogs are some of the world’s finest mountain rescue dogs

They are notorious shedders and brushing them daily is a must. This is a high-maintenance breed and will demand your time and energy into looking neat and clean.

How much does a German Shepherd cost? Reputable breeders might charge for German Shepherd puppies between $700-$2,500

3. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Czechoslovakian wolfdog

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog carries that name for a very good reason – it looks like a wolf to the freakish level, but it’s a dog in fact.

This larger wolf-like dog was developed in former Czechoslovakia as a police dog, aiming at German Shepherd character features.

Good to know about Czechoslovakian Wolfdog: This breed was created as an experiment in Czechoslovakia in 1955

If trained properly, the Czechoslovakian wolfdog is a very family-oriented and playful dog, but it does require a strong, and even-tempered pack, leader.

How much does a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog cost? Cost may vary from $400 to as much as $1,700

2. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky is one of the most popular dog breeds alive.

This breed is friendly, highly people-oriented, and comes with a wolf-like appearance that people love.

Probably the first breed that crosses one`s mind when it comes to wolf-like dog breeds is the Siberian Husky. Husky`s head and body features match those of the wolf in many aspects.

The Husky is, however, very popular and commonly kept as a pet, for being intelligent and cheerful, active and loving, but with a tiny bit of hardheadedness to add to that special charm.

Good to know about Siberian Husky: Do not leave this dog unsupervised as they are a bit aloof, and will willingly walk away with any stranger

One more thing to bear in mind regarding Huskies – don’t undermine their need for exercise! The lack of it may cause it to become destructive, noisy, or even aggressive.

How much does a Siberian Husky cost? Getting a healthy Siberian Husky puppy will cost you between $700 – $1,500

1. Northern Inuit Dog

northern inuit

Northern Inuit Dog gained a lot of attention by appearing in the insanely popular HBO series Game of Thrones.

Darewolfs all Stark kids have are in fact Northern Inuit Dogs whose resemblance to actual wolfs is incredible.

Good to know about Northern Inuit Dog: They do not bark, but they do sometimes howl

However, like most of the previously mentioned breeds, this strong and active breed requires a lot of attention and care when it comes to regular exercise and activity.

How much does a Northern Inuit Dog cost? To get this puppy you can expect to invest between $800 to over $1,000

Last But Not Least…

If wolf-like dogs are for you, make sure that you choose the right breed for yourself.

When it comes to getting a dog, make sure that you consider the breed’s traits, that you are honest about how much time you have for a dog into your life right, and that you can afford it.

Small dogs that look like wolves and even bigger ones will require extra brushing sessions and regular exercise time.

They will also have a great wolf name, which is why you should check some of the best wolf names for dogs gathered in one place.