Here’s something that’ll blow your mind: dogs and wild wolves share over 99 percent of their DNA. Yeah, you read that right. Your cute little pup lounging on your couch has almost identical genetic material to that howling predator you might glimpse in a nature documentary. But here’s where it gets really fascinating – some breeds have managed to keep way more of their wild heritage than others.
Most people think they can spot a wolf-like dog from a mile away. Big, fierce-looking, maybe howling at the moon. But the truth is gonna surprise you. Those dog breeds that are closest to wolves may not even look like their DNA counterparts — think the Shih Tzu, Pekingese, and Saluki, for starters, yet the DNA tells the real story.
Shiba Inu
Looking at a Shiba Inu, you might think “cute fox,” not “wolf descendant.” But don’t let that fluffy exterior fool you – these Japanese dogs are genetic time capsules. According to researchers at Japan’s Graduate University for Advanced Studies, the Shiba Inu shares as much as 5.5% DNA with Japanese wolves. That’s massive in genetic terms.
This fox-like breed was trained to be a hunting dog that originates from the Japanese mountains. Though they are fox-like they show the most wolf-likeness in dogs. Their independent streak isn’t just attitude – it’s ancestral programming. These dogs were bred to hunt alone in mountainous terrain, making split-second decisions without human guidance.
What’s really wild is how recent studies show that among the gray wolves, Japanese wolves are closest to the dog, suggesting that the ancestor of dogs is closely related to the ancestor of the Japanese wolf. This means Shiba Inus aren’t just carrying random wolf DNA – they’re carrying some of the most dog-relevant wolf genetics on the planet.
Shih Tzu
Prepare to have your mind blown. This little ball of fluff that looks like it belongs in a purse? Shih Tzus share more DNA with wolves than most other breed, with the exception of Huskies and Malamutes. I know, I know – it sounds impossible. But genetics doesn’t lie.
The breed’s name means “Little Lion” in Chinese and they are known for their cute faces, large and round eyes and floppy ears. Furthermore, Shih Tzus were well-loved and respected by Chinese royalty and were bred to spend their days inside royal palaces. For centuries, these dogs lived in isolation, which helped preserve their ancient genetic makeup.
Here’s what’s fascinating: although individual temperaments vary, Shih Tzus are known to have an alpha personality, and are also considered to be naturally territorial, reflecting some of their ancestral wolf traits. That bossy little attitude isn’t just spoiled pet behavior – it’s wolf DNA expressing itself in a 10-pound package.
Siberian Husky
Now we’re talking about a breed that actually looks the part. The Siberian Husky dog is likely one of the top dogs people think of when it comes to wolves genetically. After all, its physical appearance bears a striking resemblance to the wild animal. But it’s not just looks – these dogs are genetic gold mines.
The striking resemblance with wolves is because part of their lineage can be traced back to the Taimyr wolves, which also lived in Siberia. Think about that – these dogs are carrying DNA from specific ancient wolf populations that lived in the exact same harsh conditions. In addition, they are a fascinating dog breed because aside from their physical appearance, they also howl and work in packs, just like their ancestors.
Their endurance is legendary. The Siberian Husky, despite not being as big as the Malamute, has great endurance and was bred to pull sleds. That stamina isn’t just training – it’s thousands of years of wolf genetics optimized for survival in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
Chow Chow
With that lion-like mane and blue-black tongue, Chow Chows look like they stepped out of a fairy tale. But don’t let their regal appearance fool you – the breed is among the Asian dog breeds closest to wolves genetically. They are believed to be a “basal breed”, which are dog breeds that had a huge influence in the evolution and development of modern dogs.
Furthermore, Chow chows also have a temperament that is closely related to wolves. They are aloof, can be extremely protective of their family and are assertive. Their aloof personality reflects a primal drive that is found in wolves and not often seen in other dog breeds. Chow Chows can be territorial of their both their owners and the properties they dwell in, mirroring wolves protecting their packs.
These dogs have been around for thousands of years, and their genetic makeup proves it. The dog’s origins go back thousands of years, while it is frequently debated whether they originated from spitz-type dogs or vice versa. That’s how ancient these guys are – scientists aren’t even sure if they influenced other breeds or were influenced by them.
Akita
The Akita carries itself with the dignity of a samurai, and there’s good reason for that confidence. According to researchers, one of the breeds most genetically similar to ancient wolves is the Japanese Akita Inu. The Akita is another dog that you wouldn’t immediately connect to wolves genetically, but it does share similar DNA, making it closely related.
They share similarities in size as well as temperament. The Akita was raised as a guard dog, while wolves typically display hostility in the wild, especially when defending their position as the pack leader or their territory. That protective instinct isn’t learned behavior – it’s hardwired into their DNA.
What’s really interesting is how like the Shiba, it is genetically very ancient and similar to its wild ancestors. These dogs represent thousands of years of careful breeding while maintaining their essential wolf-like characteristics. The elegant and regal Akita has numerous skills. They can make loyal family dogs and superb hunters, and they can be trained as police dogs.
Alaskan Malamute
You just need to take one look at an Alaskan Malamute to know that they are one of the dog breeds closest to wolves – genetically and physically. These powerhouses were built for extreme conditions, and their genetics reflect that heritage. Thanks to the extensive crossover of the Alaskan Malamute’s genetic make-up with wolves, it’s no wonder that the two look so much alike.
Furthermore, the Alaskan Malamute originated from Siberia. They are immensely strong dogs that were bred to pull heavy sleds and hunt Arctic mammals. That strength isn’t just muscle – it’s the result of thousands of years of wolf genetics optimized for survival in conditions that would kill most other dogs.
Unfortunately, their wolf-like appearance has led to some problems. The unfortunate truth is, however, Malamutes are used quite often to breed to wolves or wolf-dog mixes because of their rugged and natural good looks. But make no mistake – these are fully domesticated dogs with hearts as big as their impressive frames.
Basenji
Here’s where things get really weird. One look at the Basenji and there’s no way you would think it’s closely related to wolves, but surprise! This cat-like, barkless dog is, in fact, in possession of a significant amount of DNA related to its wolf ancestors. Basenjis possess a large amount of “wolf-like” DNA, making them one of the genetically closest breeds to wolves.
For a while, it was a semi-feral dog, but it is considered to be one of the first dogs to be domesticated. These early Basenji ancestors spent many years living as semi-feral dogs in isolated parts of Africa. Due to the absence of crossbreeding, the breed remained primarily unchanged.
What’s absolutely fascinating is their vocal abilities. Like other wild dogs and wolves, the Basenji is known for its yodeling rather than barking. Like their wolf relatives, they are excellent hunters, but instead of howling, they possess a unique bark resembling a yodeling sound. That’s not a quirky trait – that’s ancient wolf communication adapted for domestic life.
Samoyed
The Samoyed’s perpetual smile might fool you into thinking they’re just fluffy goofballs, but these dogs are serious wolf descendants. Samoyeds are closely related to wolves. They are a member of the spitz family of dog breeds, which tend to resemble wolves the most. Samoyeds have a double coat, a pointed muzzle, and ears that are triangle-shaped and upright, just like their wild relatives.
Even their most endearing trait, a permanent smile, serves a purpose. The raised corners of the mouth helps prevent them from drooling so that icicles won’t form on their faces. That’s not just cute – that’s evolutionary adaptation at its finest.
The Samoyedic people were semi-nomadic people from Asia who came to Siberia a thousand years ago. In the coldest inhabited regions in the world, they developed dogs for hard labor. These dogs survived in conditions that would challenge even their wolf ancestors, and their genetics show it.
Pekingese
Ready for another shocker? The Pekingese is another lap dog, like the Shih Tzu, that looks nothing like a wolf but is one of the dog breeds closest to wolves, genetically. In the case of the Pekingese, the breed doesn’t resemble a wolf phenotypically, but generations of breeders holding to a set look make the Peke among the least changed breeds of dogs at the level of their DNA.
Ironically, it wasn’t a wolf, but the lion that early breeders wanted to mimic. The lion is an important animal in Buddhism, but by the Han Dynasty, actual Asiatic lions were extinct, and the Chinese had only highly stylized carvings to guide them in picturing what a lion looked like. So they created these “lion dogs” without realizing they were preserving wolf genetics.
As personalities go, however, the Pekingese kept its wolf-like attitude, and imperial breeders made no effort to breed the trait out. That imperial attitude isn’t just snobbery – it’s wolf pack leadership genetics expressing itself in a palace setting.
Saluki
The Saluki is pure elegance in motion, and it’s also one of the most ancient breeds on Earth. The Saluki is a sighthound native to the Middle East and known for traveling the Silk Road with caravans and nomadic tribes. Salukis are thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, with ancient rock art showing Saluki-like dogs as far back as 10,000 BC.
The closest dog to a wolf is the Saluki, which originates from ancient Egypt. These dogs are almost directly related to wolves, as their genes tell a tale of how they evolved from wolves into domestic dogs. That’s not just ancient – that’s basically a living fossil of dog evolution.
Genetically, the breed is still very closely related to its wild ancestors. Salukis are often thought of as the oldest dog breeds in existence, dating back as far as 10,000 BC. Ancient rock art indicates that this is factual. As this dog is considered the oldest breed, it makes sense that they are incredibly close to their wolf ancestors.
Conclusion
So there you have it – ten breeds that carry more wolf DNA than you probably ever imagined. From the obviously wolf-like Siberian Husky to the shockingly wolf-connected Pekingese, these dogs prove that genetics can be full of surprises. Did you know that your lovable pup and a wild wolf share a staggering 99.9% of their DNA? That’s right—your furry companion lounging on the couch has more in common with wolves than you might think.
The next time you look at your dog, remember – you might be looking at one of nature’s most successful genetic preservation projects. These breeds have maintained their ancient heritage while adapting to life alongside humans for thousands of years. They’re living bridges between the wild and the domestic, carrying the genetic memory of their wolf ancestors while being perfectly content to sleep on your favorite chair.
Who would’ve thought that the key to understanding our dogs’ wild past might be hiding in plain sight in breeds we never suspected? Makes you wonder what other genetic secrets are waiting to be discovered, doesn’t it?
Jen is a passionate nature lover and ocean conservationist. She has dedicated her life to protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the natural world. Growing up in a small coastal town, Jen sincerely appreciated the ocean and its inhabitants. She has spent countless hours exploring the shoreline, learning about the creatures that inhabit the waters, and advocating for their protection. Jen is an active member of ocean conservation organizations, and she is committed to educating the public about the importance of conserving wildlife and the natural environment.
