Differences and Similarities Between Dogs and Wolves

Dog and wolf: two different species but yet, so much in common. Dogs were originally classified as ''Canis familiaris '' by Linnaeus in 1758. However, later in 1993, dogs were reclassified as a subspecies of the gray wolf, and therefore re-named as ''Canis lupus familiaris'' by the Smithsonian Institution and the American Society of Mammalogists. While it is true that there have been speculations that dogs may have descended from several species of canines, this myth appears to have been debunked and the wolf appears to ultimately be the ancestor of man's best friend.

Sharing the same amount of chromosomes (78 to be be exact, arranged in 39 pairs) dog and wolf indeed can mate and give life to off spring. There are chances indeed, that in the past the two species may have interbred whether because feral dogs may have escaped from being domesticated or because some wolves may have separated from their pack and started looking for a soul mate. Today, matings between wolf and dog give life to what is called ''the wolf hybrid'' a breed exhibiting characteristics from both wolf and dog.

It is believed that the domesticated dog people own today was the first animal to be domesticated. The first archeological findings, predict that dogs were domesticated at the end of the ice age. To be precise, the first domesticated dog was found in Germany dating back 14,000 B.C according to PBS.org.

Lots in common but also many differences. For instance, wolves have much more potent jaws than dogs. Their teeth are larger so to crush through the hardest bones. They also have large heads, long legs and narrow chests. One main difference is seen between the wolf's and the dog's breeding habits. Female wolves for instance, come into season only once a year, in the spring time. This allow the pups ample time to grow and flourish before the harsh winter comes along. Female dogs on the other hand, typically come into heat twice a year, suggesting that domestication has allowed them better chances of raising their off spring. One exception is the Basenji dog breed coming into heat once a year.

Wolves also typically give life to two to four pups per litter. Dogs on the other hand can give life to much larger litters often even up to twelve per litter. Again, perhaps this suggests that domestication has provided a more prolific environment to dogs than wolves in the wild.

Physically, wolves and dogs today appear as almost different species if we think about the diversity in dogs we see when taking a look at the over 300 breeds of dogs. However, some breeds of dogs have conserved a much wolf like characteristic. The malamute and husky breeds for instance closely resemble the wolf in appearance.

One interesting difference between dog and wolf is the fact that dogs seem to resemble more juvenile wolves. It is almost as if dogs never go past their adolescent stage and remain permanent juveniles when compared to wolves. This may be due to the fact that over the years dogs were bred based on their docility and helpfulness. Friendly canines of course were easier to tame.

Wolves also rarely bark, whereas dogs have made of barking an important mean of communication with other dogs and humans.Dogs were also selectively bred for their barking, a quality treasured back in times when livestock had to be protected from potential thieves and predators. Wolves however appear to howl more than dogs.

Behaviorally wolves have very strong prey drives so important to help them survive. They also have a strong instinct to procreate. Pack drive is very strong as well and they give much importance to their position in the pack.

Despite the thousands of years that separate one species from the other, dogs still conserve many characteristics of wolves. Dogs still share many physical similarities with the wolf, even though these are more striking in breeds such as Siberian Huskies and Malamutes. These two breeds of dogs indeed are preferred to cross with wolves to give birth to ''wolf hybrids''.

Dogs like wolves still have pack drive and demonstrate the need of a leader. They may be seen greeting owners in the same way wolves greet their alpha leaders. This is called ''active submission''. Dogs may walk with their head carried low, tail between legs, an averted gaze upon greeting the owner. They may then lick as a form of respect and submission.

Dogs still have prey drive even though to a much lower extent than wolves. Owners can see this when their dogs prick their ears up upon seeing a rabbit or squirrel. This instinct has remained even though most dogs today are fed dry kibble or canned foods. 

When studying canine communication, often researchers still look back at wolf studies. This because dogs and wolves may still share body language and behaviors despite many years have separated one species from another. David Mech, a researcher who studied wolves on Ellesmere Island for instance, was able to debunk some old myths about how wolf packs were formed and brought out some interesting facts that helped provide insights on the dog and owner relationship. 

Many things in common but also many differences. The connection between wolf and dog may appear to be so close, but yet so far. Perhaps this is what makes studying these two species so intriguing and interesting.