Dogs and wolves are actually the same species, their physical appearance is similar, but their instincts, temperaments, and natures are completely different. The wolf is the largest wild member of the canine family, while the dog is the domesticated form of the gray wolf. Both are carnivorous mammals from the canine family, so most people confuse wolves and dogs because of the similarity between their appearance. In fact, they are two completely different animals in shape, size, temperament, and behavior. The wolf is a wild animal that does not domesticate with humans and lives in groups similar to them, unlike the social behavior of the dog. Here is this comprehensive guide from teketrek، that will explain all the differences between the wolf and the dog.
The difference in appearance between the wolf and the dog
There are many clear differences between the wolf and the dog in shape, body size, fur color, tail shape, and eyes, and this can be explained as follows:
- The dog’s face is straighter than the wolf’s face.
- The wolf is characterized by a white color that ranges from gray to white, while dogs vary in color depending on the type of species.
- Wolves have a longer nose and legs, larger feet, a wider skull, and a larger brain in terms of physical size.
- Dogs have ears that differ in shape, which may be pointed, drooping, or erect. They have four legs and four toes, most of which are covered with fur, and vary in color from one dog to another.
- Dogs have relatively smaller skulls with different muzzle sizes, a smaller brain, and smaller and longer teeth than the wolf.
- The wolf has large fangs compared to the dog’s fangs, which are characterized by less complex protrusion patterns.
- The wolf is characterized by a long, thick tail, unlike the dog, which has a short tail. The tail of some dogs is curled upwards, unlike the wolf’s tail, which is not curled.
- The wolf has small eyes, unlike the dog’s eyes, which are large.
- The wolf is larger than the dog, while the dog’s paw is half the size of the wolf’s paw.
- Wolves have larger and wider skulls, longer lines, larger teeth and legs and have a narrow chest with compressed front legs.
- Wolves have a front gland at the base of their tail unlike dogs.
- Dogs have much smaller teeth and ears compared to wolves.
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The difference in behavior between wolves and dogs
There are clear differences in the behavior of wolves and dogs, as the nature of the dog is to live with humans, domesticate them and be loyal to them, unlike the wolf, which only likes to live with a group similar to it and is not loyal to anyone other than its own kind. The difference between the behavior of wolves and dogs can be explained as follows:
- The wolf is a hunter by nature as its teeth are designed for hunting, and wolves have stronger molars than dogs, which enables them to crush large bones, and they may even prey on young children.
- Dogs are very friendly and playful with children, and it is known that wild dogs kill young children and attack adults.
- We find wolves more ferocious and vengeful than dogs, so their attack on prey is much stronger than dogs.
- The wolf lives in groups called packs. It is a wild animal that belongs to its species and does not deviate from it or betray its group no matter what dangers it faces.
- The dog is a social animal that loves to live in homes and cities among people. It is by nature a loyal animal to humans and treats its owner better than its species. It is a domesticated animal for humans.
- Dogs breed in cities and homes, while wolves breed in the wild.
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The difference in sound between a wolf and a dog
The differences between a wolf and a dog are not limited to shape, body, and behavior only, but there are clear differences in sound between them. Wolves howl in an extended and strong way, while dogs bark in a strong and short voice. Dogs may howl for several reasons, including to scare away other animals or when they feel severe pain. A dog also makes a sound that indicates its annoyance when it hears a loud sound such as a whistle or a loud TV sound. Sometimes it makes a soothing sound to express its joy when it hears the voice of a person it loves. Sometimes dogs make an emotional sound to express its negative feelings such as sadness, anxiety, and tension. Wolves howl for several reasons, and most of their time is at night. They use consolation to communicate with the rest of the pack, or to send a message to other wolves. Wolves howl if they show affection for a family member.
Can wolves be raised as pets?
A wolf cannot be completely tamed, no matter how obedient it is. A hybrid wolf may have ferocious instincts depending on the proportion of its wolf ancestors. It cannot be domesticated or tamed. This is the accepted understanding that a wolf is a wild animal, not a pet. In most states, this is illegal. A wolf cannot be trained to live in the middle of a city because a wolf is by nature fierce and unsafe for humans. It is also hostile towards humans and only belongs to the pack it lives with. Therefore, no one can imagine raising a wolf without being exposed to great risks.
In the end, dogs are smarter than wolves in keeping and living among humans. It is a loyal pet that makes sacrifices for its owner who feeds it. Wolves have the ability to solve problems and puzzles. They are very smart in the wild and can deceive their enemies and hide from them. They have strict laws among their families that the wolf cannot violate. They cannot be smart if they live among humans because they feel danger towards the city and do not feel comfortable inside it, unlike the dog that derives its strength from being with humans. The dog is also known as man’s best friend because of its ability to remember its owner for a long time. It is a mammal that is the friendliest of all animals towards humans and lives wherever humans live, so it is more suitable for humans than wolves.
