At first glance, your pet Labrador and a wild grey wolf couldn’t seem more different. But despite the thousands of years between them, dogs and wolves are still close relatives – so close, in fact, that they can have puppies together. These hybrids, known as wolfdogs, raise fascinating questions about domestication, genetics and the wild instincts that still linger in man’s best friend.
Are dogs and wolves closely related?
Dogs and wolves are indeed very closely related, sharing over 99 per cent of their DNA. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are actually a subspecies of the grey wolf (Canis lupus). They share most of the same DNA, and dogs were originally domesticated from an ancient, now-extinct lineage of wolves.
Dogs were likely domesticated between 15,000 and 40,000 years ago – a relatively short time in evolutionary terms. What’s even more surprising is that many of the genetic traits behind today’s vast range of dog breeds were already present in ancient wolves long before they joined us around the hearth.
What are wolfdogs?
When a domestic dog and a wolf interbreed, their offspring are known as wolfdogs. These hybrids are not only viable – they’re also fertile, meaning they can go on to have puppies of their own.
Wolfdogs can occur naturally in the wild where wolves and dogs live in close proximity, but they’re also bred intentionally in some cases.
Did you know? There were once wolves in Britain, but they were extinct here by 1700.
Are there recognised breeds of wolfdog?
Yes – the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (the global body for kennel clubs and breed standards) recognises two official breeds of wolfdog: the Czechoslovakian wolfdog and the Saarloos wolfdog.
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog was developed in the 1950s by crossing Carpathian wolves with German shepherds, initially for military use. The Saarloos wolfdog, on the other hand, was created in the 1930s by Dutch zoologist Leendert Saarloos, who aimed to bring back more natural, wolf-like traits to domestic dogs.
Are wolfdogs dangerous?
Wolfdogs have a reputation for being unpredictable. Their temperament can vary widely, depending on how much wolf or dog DNA they inherit – and, crucially, how they’re raised.
While they can be more reactive or challenging than typical domestic dogs, much of their behaviour comes down to training, socialisation and environment. However, they’re not generally recommended as pets for inexperienced dog owners.
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Do dogs and wolves mate in the wild?
They can – and do. In areas where wild wolves and free-ranging domestic dogs live in close contact, crossbreeding can occur naturally. This tends to happen more frequently where human settlements overlap with wolf territories.
Find out more about whether foxes and dogs can crossbreed here.