Man domesticated the wolf and established the canis familiaris species.
From the handbag-sized Chihuahua to the giant Great Dane, there is a remarkable range of appearance and size throughout the canine species. Experts can't agree on when the dog was domesticated. Some assert it happened around 15,000 years ago, and others believe the figure to be closer to 100,000 years. What is certain is that the dog descends from the wolf. Selective breeding has diminished the wolf-like appearance in many breeds, but there remains a variety of breeds that retain a striking physical resemblance to their forebears.
Alaskan Malamute
This malamute pup has the intense gaze of a wild wolf.
The Alaskan malamute is a large, powerful and energetic sled dog. Named for the Alaskan tribe, "Mahlemut" it has a long and proud history of serving as a working dog. Due to the weather of her native Alaska, the malamute has a thick, double-coat. The breed retains a number of physical characteristics in common with the gray wolf, including pointed ears, dark muzzle and a bushy tail.
Akita
This Akita cross-breed has a darker than normal "mask."
Author and political activist Helen Keller was the first to bring an Akita to America. The breed is native to Japan and, although not a sledding breed, it does look strikingly similar to other wolf-type dogs. The plumed tail carried over the back, and the thick, coarse coat are similar to that of the Alaskan malamute, but the Akita has a different working history. The strong, loyal and brave breed was typically employed as a guard dog or a bear-hunter.
Siberian Husky
Huskies make loyal, loving pets.
The Siberian husky is a sledding breed, similar in appearance and character to the Alaskan malamute. The breed has a strong pack instinct, a trait that all dogs inherit from the wolf. Domestication has weakened the pack instinct in some breeds but working breeds, especially sledding breeds, typically retain theirs. The Siberian husky is perhaps the most wolf-like of all pure breeds; with an intense gaze, pricked ears and cashmere-like coat, the breed could easily be mistaken for a wolf to the average person.
Norwegian Lundehund
The Lundehund or "Puffin Dog" is notable more for its unique physical characteristics than for its resemblance to the wolf. Although its narrow face, pricked ears, gray coat and plumed tail do lend it a lupine appearance, this dog has evolved to be more distinct from the wolf than most other breeds. It has the ability close its ears to prevent snow getting in, and has six toes as opposed to the typical five. But most remarkable of all is that this dog can tilt its neck backward so that the top of its head touches its back.
Saarloos Wolf Dog
The purebred German shepherd is an ancestor of the Saarloos wolf dog.
The Saarloos wolf dog is not yet a recognized breed in America. It is actually a hybrid of a European wolf and a German shepherd dog, mated by dutch breeder Leendert Saarloos. Since it is part wolf, part German shepherd, it bears a striking physical and characteristic resemblance to the wolf.
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