Dogs and wolves share 98.8% of the same DNA. They can reproduce together, however, their offspring won’t be fertile. And don’t judge by appearance. The dogs still most closely related to wolves will surprise you!
10. Saluki
Once referred to as the “Persian Greyhound,” the Saluki resemble greyhounds in appearance and traits. However, Saluki dogs are one of the oldest breeds closely related to wolves genetically. They’ve lived among humans for thousands of years. Images that resemble the Saluki were found on carvings from the Samarian Empire dating 8,000 years ago.
9. Afghan Hound
DNA research has confirmed that the Afghan Hound is one of the oldest breeds, dating back thousands of years. Their DNA closely resembles wolves. Originating in Afghanistan, these hounds hunted large prey. Their long coats kept them warm in the mountainous regions where temperatures would fall below zero degrees Celsius.
8. Chinese Shar-Pei
You wouldn’t think “wolf” by looking at the wrinkly face of the Chinese Shar-Pei or its blue-black tongue. However, it is very closely related to its Wolf ancestors. This breed has a long history dating back to ancient China. Shar-Peis are incredibly loyal and were used as guard dogs, farm dogs, hunters, and fighters.
7. Pekingese
With their smooshed-in faces, Pekingese look nothing like wolves. Yet, they are among the dogs that are genetically closest to wolves. They originated in China. Pekingese have a history that dates back over 2000 years. Despite their 7-14 pound build, they are much tougher and braver than their size suggests.
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu translates as “lion dog, or little lion” in Chinese. They are genetically among the closest dog relatives to wolves. There is debate on their origin, with one legend saying they were created by Tibetan monks and given to Chinese royalty as gifts. Similar-looking dogs appear in Chinese art from 618 A.D., and dog bones date to 8000 BC.
5. Ibizan Hound
It’s unclear how these dogs arrived in Ibiza. Like wolves, they can jump incredible heights. Like their wolf ancestors, they have great hunting abilities. They were originally used for hunting small game such as rabbits on the Spanish island. Although among those most closely related to wolves, DNA analysis shows this dog breed was recently formed from other breeds.
4. Basenji
The metabolism and behavior of the Basenji so closely resembles a wolf that many researchers believe these dogs are only partially domesticated. Originating in Congo, they are one of the oldest breeds. Basenji were used for flushing small game into the hunter’s nets, and controlling rodent populations. They are sighthounds, perceiving movement, and will chase anything that moves.
3. Shiba Inu
Originating over 2,000 years ago, the Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese breed. They closely resemble wolves and are one of six dog breeds originating in Japan. The Shiba is alert, extremely agile, and copes well with mountain terrain and hiking trails. They were originally used in the mountainous regions for hunting small animals.
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2. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky resemble wolves in appearance and traits and are very closely related genetically. They are one of the oldest dog breeds. They originated among the Chukchi tribe in Siberia. Huskies have thick coats, and often multi-colored eyes. They were primarily used for transportation but also served as companions. Huskies are generally friendly to everyone they meet.
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1. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute has many wolf-like features to their appearance and traits, such as their similar howl and high prey drive. Malamutes are believed to be part wolf. They are one of the oldest purebred dogs. Despite their large size, they don’t make good guard dogs because they are friendly toward everyone.
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