what breed of domesticated dog is most like a wolf?

the ones that are the easiest to get that are closest looking to wolves are malamutes and siberian huskies.

in fact, they still have the survival instinct (left in them because they were bred to live in harsh conditions) they are the 2 breeds most likely to eat their owner post-mortem.

make sure that you can properly train and exercise them before you decide you want one, they aren't good pets for everyone...

personally, i think that the shiloh shepherd looks more like a wolf than any other dog...

Wolf Like Dog Breeds

Most Wolf Like Dog

In certain states they have rescue centers for wolf-dogs. These are only available in some states as they are not legal to keep as pets in all states... they take special handling and a lot of patience and training, but they are available.

More info: http://www.wrr-inc.org/

these are definitely not a pet for the first time dog owner though, so I really would not recommend them. Even most centers that rescue them want you to take at least a six month training course before you can be considered as an adoption home

Otherwise, you might want to look at huskies, malamutes, crosses with husky or shepherd in them, most sled-dog type breeds -- these will have a wolfish appearance

whatever you think you want to do, make sure you do plenty of research and try to work out to spend some time with that type of dog and speak to owners to gather more info... for example, I know several people with huskies that all have a problem with them getting loose and running off fairly regularly... I've also known a couple to be quite destructive when left at home... so... do lots of research whatever you decide -- make sure you and your dog are suited to each other's lifestyles and habits, and that you have the right environment for him/her ^_^

hope that helps a little

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I've also had a friend who had a husky and a cat for years and they were fine -- until one day the husky had a bad day and killed the cat... so consider your other pets when thinking of what dog to get!

All dog breeds are genetically related to the wolf. All dog breeds communicate and all dog breeds are able to live in harmony with humans. Huskies, Samoyeds, German Shepherd Dogs, Malamutes....they are no more related to the wolf than the Chihuahua or the Maltese.

Put one dog of every registered AKC breed into a pen. What will you have? A pack. They will communicate amongst themselves using very complex body language. They will develop a hierarchy. They will ALL be included in this social hierarchy.

By the term wolf-like I assume you're asking which breed of dog is MOST related to the wolf. My answer to you is that all dogs are related to the wolf. Buy yourself a Labrador and it will respect you as an omega respects an alpha. Buy yourself a Yorkshire Terrier and it will communicate with you as it would communicate with its pack.

Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest breeds of dogs.

Once in a while you can get a 1/2 wolf and 1/2 breed dog. I would register as a Alaskan Malamute or Husky etc just in case. Keep it up to date on all shots.

None really. There are dogs that are more wolf-like in appearance (such as Alaskan Malamutes) but their behavior is dog-like. Wolf hybrids can be very variable in their behavior, need special care and are not suitable for first-time dog owners and they are definitely not suitable for someone who has cats. Actually malamutes and huskies are also high prey drive and have a strong tendency to chase and kill cats.

So choose a breed with your other pets in mind.

Do you mean in looks or nature? Obviously a Siberian is the purebred that looks most like a wolf. Any of the Spitz breeds with their independent nature are more wolf like than many breeds but with their gregarious nature, they do not (thankfully) have the natural wariness of humans that a Wolf had.

A GSD may look wolf like to some but I can't think of a breed less wolf like in nature

There is 15,000 years of evolution between wolves and dogs. They are two totally different species.

Huskies and malamutes are often used to portray wolves in movies, but they are NOT wolves, they are NOT the closest living relative to wolves, nor are they wolf-dogs.

Anyone who has ever seen a wolf knows there is very little resemblance between the two species.

The one that looks most like a wolf would probably be a Husky...but don't buy a dog based on looks.