Sales for Husky puppies continue to rise as more and more canine lovers are discovering the breed’s exceptional temperament. A wonderful household companion, the Siberian Husky is not only adored for being playful and friendly but also for looking incredibly similar to a wolf. Put the two animals side-by-side, and you will see the striking resemblance.
This leads many people to ask: with the Husky’s long snout, pointy ears, and thick coat, is a husky dog related to a wolf? If so, how closely? This article will talk about the individual aspects of the two animals so you can better understand how they are connected. You may also want to know if a Japanese Akita is related to a wolf.
Husky Overview
The Husky was originally bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. In 1909, it was brought to Alaska to compete in an annual dog-sled race. The Husky team finished third and became established as a consistent sled winner following the competition. So is a husky dog related to a wolf?
When a diphtheria epidemic broke out in 1925 in Nome, teams of Huskies battled tough weather conditions to bring serum back from the distant city of Nenana to help save lives. This earned the breed national recognition. Today, the Husky is kept as a household companion but is still frequently used as a competitive sled dog.
As a pet, the Husky is loving and full of energy, making it suitable for active families. It is generally good with people of all ages. It does well with children, especially when socialised as a puppy. Because it is bred for strenuous work, it will happily accompany you on your outdoor adventures. It loves to be mentally and physically stimulated, so expect it to always want to go on walks, rides, and hikes with you.
The Siberian Husky is a member of the Spitz family, a breed of dog that is characterised by almond-shaped eyes, a pointed muzzle, a stocky build, and a furry tail carried over the back. Most Spitz breeds have a wolf-like appearance, explaining the resemblance of the Husky to the wolf.
Also called the Husky Sibe, the Husky stands from 51 to 61 centimetres and weighs from 16 to 27 kilograms. It has a dense coat with plenty of undercoat. Coat colours range from white to black and everything in between. Some breeds have white markings that are usually found on the chest and legs.
Wolf Overview
Many biologists believe that the wolf developed from the miacid, a primitive carnivore that lived about 52 million years ago and had a long body and tail. Later on in the miacid’s evolutionary history came the first canid, one of which is the dawn wolf. The dawn wolf had a similar appearance to today’s fox, only with an elongated body. It is believed that some of these canids developed into the present-day grey wolf.
The wolf is known for being ferocious and powerful. This is why it requires proper training by a skilled individual if it were to be treated as a pet (clickers and training treats won’t cut it!). This animal is loyal, protective, and dependent on its pack, so expect it to make your family an essential part of its life.
Appearance-wise, the wolf has curious eyes, a pointed muzzle, sharp teeth, and upright ears. It has a narrow chest, long legs, a large foot with claws, and a fluffy tail. Its height ranges from 66 to 97 centimetres, and its weight ranges from nine to 28 kilograms. The wolf’s coat is long and water-resistant, and its undercoat is thick and insulating. It can be any shade of brown, black, grey, white, or tan.
Is a husky dog related to a wolf??
The question remains: are these two animals related?
The simple answer is yes, but it is more complicated than it may seem. The Siberian Husky and wolf look similar because they share the same DNA and originally lived in the same cold environment.
According to a DNA study, both the Husky and wolf are descendants of the ancient Taimyr wolves. It is not only the Husky that shares the same genetic profile with the latter but also other domestic dogs. However, the Husky has retained more of the Taimyr wolf DNA which is as much as 27 per cent. Regardless, the similarities of Huskies and domestic dogs to wolves are only physically and not behaviourally.
Differences Between the Husky and the Wolf
Is a husky dog related to a wolf? Despite looking astonishingly similar, these two animals are more different than they are the same. In terms of physical appearance, the wolf has a bigger head, longer teeth, and larger paws because it is built for life in the wild. In terms of temperament, the wolf is wilder and more dangerous, making it difficult to be treated like a typical domestic dog.
While the wolf can be socialised by a professional caregiver, it only responds well to training at birth. Nevertheless, it may still show unpleasant behaviour around people and does not enjoy being confined. Meanwhile, the Siberian Husky is easily domesticated, sociable enough to be in a family unit, and can be comfortable staying in husky kennels.
