All dogs are descendants of the gray wolf.
Even though the two animals may look somewhat alike with their long muzzles, erect ears and intelligent expressions, millennia of domestication have made the gray wolf and the German shepherd, also called the Alsatian, quite different from each other.
Origins
The gray wolf is one of many species and subspecies of wolf and one of the largest. The German shepherd, like all dogs -- even the smallest chihuahua -- is a descendent of the wolf. The gray wolf, thought to have evolved around 300,000 years ago, is the ancestor of all dogs. Dogs have been domesticated for about 16,000 years.
Size
The first German shepherd originated in Karlsruhe, Germany, under Captain Max von Stephanitz and was exhibited in America in 1907. The average German shepherd measures between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and weighs between 75 and 95 lbs. A grown wolf measures between 41 and 63 inches long and 34 inches high at the shoulder and weighs about 85 lbs. A gray wolf has a larger and heavier head and teeth than a German shepherd's. The bone-crushing pressure of a wolf's bite is much stronger than a German shepherd's. The wolf's paws are a little bit longer than the German shepherd's as well. Though both canines have somewhat sloping backs, the German shepherd's is pronounced; the sloping back is one of the hallmarks of the species.
Herding
The German shepherd was originally bred as a helping dog, mainly to herd sheep. Of course, the wolf doesn't herd sheep, though his ability to herd prey to a certain place helps the pack take it down more easily.
Barking and Vision
A German shepherd barks more than a wolf. Barking in a dog is a sign of neoteny -- a trait left over from childhood. Barking is a sign of distress used by wolf cubs to summon the adults. The wolf's vision is probably not as good as German shepherd's nor is its sense of smell as acute.
Other Behaviors
People value German shepherds for their work and companionship. Wolves are still feared and persecuted. Though the German shepherd is one of the most intelligent of dogs, the wolf's brain and skull are bigger than the German shepherd's. A German shepherd comes into estrus twice a year, but the wolf comes into estrus once a year. The dog's human owner controls its reproduction. The wolf also has a gland at the base of its tail that sends pheromones to communicate with other members of its pack. The German shepherd either lacks this gland or, in some cases, has a much smaller one.
Related posts
The American and German-bred Shepherd differ in structure and temperament.The German Shepherd, widely known for it's courage, loyalty and ability to be trained, is one of the most well-known breed...
Historically, German Shepherds have been bred primarily for use as herders and guard dogs. Barking is one of the behaviors they use to carry out these jobs. Hence, you could say German Shepherds h...
The German shepherd breed dates back to 1899.German shepherds are well known as police, military and guard dogs. As a family pet, the breed is known for its ability to protect its owner and his fa...
German shepherds are among the most well known dog breeds.East German shepherds and west German shepherds represent two types among many types of the German shepherd dog breed (also called the Als...
Breeding the gray wolf with dog species creates a slightly domesticated wolf.All dogs are domesticated descendants of wolves. Due to generations of breeding, most dogs bear no more than a passing...
