Know your favorite breed of dog better
In this article, We’ll talk about are huskies wolves? Huskies definitely resemble wolves in appearance. The similarities in appearance make many people question whether Huskies are wolves? It may also be difficult to distinguish Huskies from wolves when seen from a distance. Several striking features are common to both Huskies and wolves. But Huskies are as closely related to wolves as most other dogs.
Many dogs have descended from wolves, Huskies are no different. Although, Huskies have retained some of the typical wolf traits more so than most other dogs. This may be because of the relative purity of this breed over generations.
Are Huskies Wolves-A Detailed Guide
Huskies and wolves have a similar head shape
Huskies are quite similar to wolves in appearance. One major similarity is the shape of their head. Huskies and wolves have drastically similar skull shapes. Although, the size of a wolf’s head is much larger than a Husky.
Huskies and wolves have a double coat
Another major similarity is the double coat. Huskies, like wolves, have a splendid double coat consisting of thick fur that provides adequate insulation against the harshest weather conditions. The double coat consists of an undercoat and a topcoat. Both these components of the double coat serve different functions.
While the undercoat mainly functions as a thick insulator and helps in the regulation of body heat, the topcoat consists of hair that is water repellent and resistant to damage by UV rays.
Huskies and wolves have pointed ears
Just like wolves, Huskies have pointed ears and stand upright on their heads. This similar feature makes many people assume that Huskies are more closely related to wolves than other dogs.
There are notable differences in the appearance of wolves and Huskies
Wolves are much larger than Huskies
Huskies are very small as compared to wolves. Wolves are way taller and broader in size. Whereas, Huskies are medium-sized dogs. The average height of wolves ranges around 26 and 32 inches. The average height of Huskies is about 23 inches.
Wolves weigh much more than Huskies
A wolf female typically weighs around 50 to 121 lbs whereas a Husky female generally weighs around 35 to 50 lbs. The typical weight for male wolves is around 50 to 176 lbs whereas male Huskies weigh between 45 to 60 lbs.
Wolves have larger paws
Wolves have very large paws as compared to Huskies. This large paw size enables their survival in the wild. The paws of wolves are certainly more durable. They are meant to brave extreme environmental conditions.
Whereas, Husky’s paws are more suitable for icy cold environments. Their paws are sensitive to heat and cannot tolerate high temperatures.
Wolves have longer legs
Wolves have much longer legs as compared to Huskies. These long legs enable them to run faster across long distances. The length of the legs also increases the capacity of their strides. Even the claws of wolves are very large in comparison to Huskies. The legs of Huskies are quite small and round in relation to wolves.
The legs of Huskies are very short as compared to wolves. They can definitely run fast but they cannot match the speed and agility of wild wolves.
Wolves have gray and white fur
Wolves typically have gray and whiter fur. On the other hand, Huskies are known to have a variety of colors in their coat.
Huskies have distinct face markings
Unlike wolves, Huskies have distinct markings on their face. Wolves have a more generalized blended coat with indistinct marking characteristics.
Wolves have yellow eyes
Wolves typically have yellow eyes. Special pigments in the eyes of wolves enable them to see and hunt in the dark. Huskies generally have blue or brown colored eyes.
Wolves have longer teeth
As compared to Huskies, wolves have much longer teeth. The width of their muzzle is also quite narrow in comparison to Huskies. This special shape of the wolf’s mouth enables them to tear the hunted down prey with ease. Huskies are hunters by nature but they are no match to wolves.
Wolves have a larger head
The size of the head of wolves is much larger than Huskies. Even the brain capacity of wolves is far more than Huskies. The larger brain capacity grants them superior intelligence to brave the wilderness.
Wolves have a straight tail
Huskies have curled tails while the tails of wolves are straight.
Huskies have a longer life span
Huskies have a much longer life span as compared to wolves. Huskies generally live up to fourteen years of age whereas wolves live up to about eight years in the wild.
Huskies and wolves have a different temperament
Huskies are wolves and are quite different in their temperament. This difference is quite evident in the fact that Huskies are loving and affectionate dogs while wolves are wild animals.
Huskies love human company
Huskies are loving and affectionate dogs that love and crave human company. They don’t like to be left alone and always need attention. If left alone for a long time, Huskies often develop separation anxiety. Like most gentle dogs, Huskies feel comfortable around their owners.
Unlike Huskies, wolves are very wild by nature. They don’t like human company and typically dwell in places that are far from human habitats. Wolves live in a pack and depend on each other’s company for survival. Wolves are wild animals and are not typically loving and affectionate like pet dogs.
Huskies are domesticated
Huskies are domesticated dogs and can be trained to live peacefully with human owners. Wolves are wild by nature and will not submit to training. Wolves prefer to live in packs in the wild.
Huskies are less mature
Unlike Huskies, wolves are not dependent on others for their nutrition and well-being. They leave their family unit and form their own packs when they are mature enough. Huskies are quite dependent on their human owners and may never mature to their full capacity. Wolves fully mature around two years of age.
Huskies are playful
Huskies are very playful by nature and they like to utilize every opportunity for play. They love to interact with their family and engage in different physically and mentally stimulating games. Huskies engage in playful fights with other dogs for fun.
On the other hand, wolves always have a purpose behind every move. They do not engage in entertaining games for fun. Wolves engage in fights amongst themselves to mark territory or to grant fighting lessons. They do not seek human attention and do not attract humans to give them love.
Huskies are friendly by nature
Unlike wolves, Huskies are very friendly by nature. They are very outgoing and love to interact with strangers on their own. They love initiating games with people and enjoy being cuddled. Wolves are not friendly by nature and generally shy away from humans.
Huskies are hardworking
Huskies are very hardworking and energetic. Because of these qualities and their relentless stamina, Huskies are often utilized as sled dogs. Wolves are wild animals and cannot be utilized as work animals. Wolves lack a cooperative nature and cannot be trained.
Huskies are not territorial
Unlike wolves, Huskies are not territorial by nature. They have a calm demeanor and are not typically aggressive. It is very rare to come across an aggressive Husky. On the other hand, wolves are generally aggressive by nature and tend to become violent towards strangers.
Huskies seldom bark
Wolves howl only to communicate with each other across large distances and to alert one another regarding danger. Otherwise, wolves bark much like dogs. Huskies rarely bark and often do so only in times of stress. Usually, Huskies howl.
Huskies make numerous interesting sounds
Huskies whine, cry, howl, sing, and even try to talk. This is much unlike wolves who wouldn’t make any such sounds just for attention. Wolves howl and bark as a means of communication amongst one another and not to seek others’ attention.
Huskies can make well-behaved pets
Huskies can make very well-behaved and disciplined pets. Wolves are wild animals and cannot be trained to be obedient even on hard training. They cannot be made to follow even simple instructions like ‘sit’. This is because wolves do not have a ‘people-pleasing nature and are not obedient. They only live by the rules of their own pack in the wild.
Conclusion
Huskies are only somewhat similar to wolves in appearance. They are as closely related to wolves as most other dogs. Wolves are wild animals that cannot be trained and domesticated like Huskies. They are very different in physical appearance as well as temperament.
Only a few superficial features of Huskies resemble wolves. This includes the shape of their head, the shape of their ears, and the double coat. Many people also consider Huskies as very close relatives of wolves because of their howling tendencies. It is true that Huskies howl instead of barking. But so do Beagles. Huskies are as different from wolves as any other dog.