Skip to content

German Shepherd VS Wolf

german shepherd vs wolf

Although the German Shepherd looks like a wolf, they are still different. You might ask yourself, “How are German Shepherd dogs related to wolves?” or “Is it possible that a German shepherd and a wolf intersect?” This article will give you a clear understanding about the German Shepherd vs Wolf .

See also:

  • f

Origin of the German Wolf Shepherd?

There are many studies in genetics related to the dog family that claim that German Shepherd dogs have descended from the wolf lineage. Scientifically, domesticated dogs such as German Shepherds, Foxes, Jackals, and Wolves actually belong to the Canidae family, so there is a higher chance that German Shepherd genes originated from wolves.

Historically, the creator of the German Shepherd breed, Von Stephanitz, used the Thuringian breed, which bears a strong resemblance to the gray wolf that has physical features such as a curled tail, shaggy gray hair, and erect ears. It is the reason why most German Shepherd Dogs look like a wolf.

Despite the fact that German Shepherds possessed a wolf-like appearance and characteristics, there are still many differences to which they could be compared.

German Shepherd VS Wolf

Height and weight

The height of an adult male wolf ranges from 66-81 cm. taller than that of an adult German Shepherd measuring 60-65 cm. The average weight of an adult male wolf is 30-80 kg., While a typical male German Shepherd weighs 22-40 kg. Compared to a German Shepherd dog that has 238 psi of bite force, a wolf has a bite force of approximately up to 400 pounds of pressure. A German Shepherd has a speed of 63 kph and a wolf can run 75 kph.

Birth and maturity

Wolves have a breeding season of only once a year, while domestic dogs like the German Shepherd can breed up to twice a year. Also, wolves mature faster than German Shepherd dogs. The reason is that wolves need to prepare to be independent to survive the wild life while domestic dogs are more dependent on their human companions.

Eyes

The eyes of a wolf are yellowish or amber in color. However, most German Shepherd dogs have brown eyes. The coats of German Shepherd Dogs can have different colors and combinations of them, but wolves only have camouflage colors to protect themselves in the wild. Wolves’ tails are straighter and their legs are larger than those of German Shepherd dogs.

Behavioral aspects

Studies show that wolves are more shy but more intelligent than German Shepherd Dogs. German Shepherds are more sociable with humans and others, while wolves are not. Wolves’ social learning focuses on the relationships and practices among their packs, but German Shepherds are more sociable with humans. One of the unique behavioral characteristics of wolves is that they have a very strict pack hierarchy.

German Shepherd Dogs are very dependent on human care and crave affection and attention, but wolves are very independent and do not need to interact with humans.

Wolf and German Shepherd Mix

Is It Really Possible For A German Shepherd And A Wolf To Interbreed? There are actually wolf or half wolf half German Shepherd dog breeders but they are still bound by state or local laws. These policies may be different depending on the area in which it is raised. For example, there are some areas that require standard cages for wolf dogs or other areas that require licenses and vaccinations in which this breed is classified as a dog. Therefore, before adopting or buying one, it is necessary to review the laws of owning a wolfdog hybrid.

What is a hybrid or mix of wolf and German shepherd?

Obviously, a wolf and German shepherd mix is ​​the result of crossing a German shepherd and a wolf. This type of breed is not purebred and is also known as a ‘wolfdog’ or sometimes ‘shepherd wolf’.

For you to appreciate and examine this special breed, it is very important to orient yourself with the characteristics and some types of wolf and German shepherd mix.

Characteristics of the wolf and German shepherd mix

Appearance

The German Shepherd wolf mix can generally be sable, gray, black, white, or a combination of these colors. He has thick hair, a long face, and pointed ears. Their average weight is 54 kg. or 120 lbs. and its height is around 60cm. or 24 inches. This type of dog is really very smart and strong.

Temperament

It is difficult to predict the temperament of the German Shepherd wolf mix because it can vary depending on the background of its parents. However, her temperament can be clearly determined when she reached the level of maturity at which her hormonal changes began significantly, usually at 18 months of age.

Health problems

The life span of a German Shepherd and Wolf mix can be up to 15 years. Although this type of breed is commonly healthy due to the combination of two strong dog breeds, it can be vulnerable to some genetic diseases such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cancer.

Some Famous Types of German Shepherd Wolf Mix

Saarloos Wulfhund (German Shepherd Timberwolf)

This type of wolfdog comes from the cross between a German shepherd dog and a timber wolf. This was the result of Leendert Saarloos’s experiment in dog breeding. This is a very strong and large German Shepherd Wolf mix that can be 76cm tall and weighs around 36-45kg. Saarloos has a pack mentality and really enjoys being with another group of dogs. This breed is inadvisable as a family pet due to its demanding personality and high maintenance that requires cautious and professional training. The price of a Sarloos Wulfhund puppy ranges from $ 800 to $ 1,000.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

This breed of dog comes from the combination of a German shepherd and a Carpathian wolf. He is very athletic and energetic with a thick coat. It is very effective as a rescue and guard dog due to its agility. It is also often assigned as an “attack dog” for special military operations. Its height is around 60-65 cm. and it can weigh 25 kg. If you plan to buy a puppy of this breed, you should prepare between 800 and 1500 dollars. Owners of this breed need more patience due to their stubbornness and independent personality. Remember that she is very aggressive with other pets and dogs.

Italian Wolf Wolfdog

This mix of wolf and German shepherd grew out of the cross between a German shepherd and a she-wolf and is also known as an Italian wolfdog. This type of breed is protected by the state of Italy and is typically called a “state dog” and cannot be marketed. It is very active and highly protective of its owner. His abdomen is very strong and his spine is straight and well built. The height of a Lupo Italiano ranges between 60-70 cm. and weighs around 25-35 kg.

Real fight of the German Shepherd against the Wolf

Maybe your next question after knowing when a German Shepherd loves a wolf will be, how does a German Shepherd fight a wolf?

Remember that a wolf is naturally trained in forests and deserts and has a high intelligence, survival rate, and is used to survive in a difficult wildlife environment. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is being trained by rational humans and he is also smart and strong.

It is very difficult to judge who will win if there will be a chance when they meet. However, wolves are in fact stronger than German Shepherd dogs, because they have greater stamina and have a different instinct.

The advantage of a German Shepherd is its strong resistance to pain, so it can also somehow survive the attacks of wolves. Another disadvantage of German Shepherds meeting wolves is that their opponent can attack in packs, so the number is a great threat and can result in their loss.

conclusion

Now you know that it is really possible to cross a German shepherd and a wolf. However, those who wish to have a German Shepherd and Wolf mix should be well informed and trained before owning one because they cannot be easily trained.

Website | + posts

I love the animals. Reading and writing about them, their customs, their peculiarities or the attention they require is exciting, and I also believe that it makes us better people. I share articles that solve the questions that dog caregivers face on a daily basis.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *