Wolves became dogs – ergo; dogs are wolves. They are genuinely the same species – just different subspecies. In fact the two species shares between 98.8% and 99.9% of the same DNA depending on breed.
A Eurasian Wolf is biologically identified as Canis lupus lupus and the domestic dog (any breed, so let’s say a basset hound) is Canis lupus familiaris. Both wolves. A comparison would be between a Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and a Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica). Both tigers.
Wolves are one of the most studied mammals in the world because of the human obsession with how they become domesticated into the many different shapes and forms of pet dogs we have today. We can’t seem to believe that something so big and predator-like has become the soft fluffy things that we have sitting next to us on the couch. A fascinating adventure into the effects of domestication and selective breeding is waiting for anyone interested in learning more about their 15,000 year journey from wild wolf to doting dachshund.
People over the centuries have been running all sorts of experiments with wolves, even through to today, to try to understand this process. How intelligent wolves actually are is very apparent – and some scientists believe the wolves may have actually domesticated themselves.
Do Wolves Use Their Claws for Hunting and Defense?
Wolves and their claws answered: Wolves do indeed use their claws for hunting and defense. Their sharp retractable claws enable them to grasp and hold onto prey, aiding in their hunting techniques. Additionally, when confronted by a threat, wolves use their claws to defend themselves and protect their pack. The sharpness of their claws is crucial for their survival in the wild.
Can Wolves And Dogs Interbreed?
Sadly, because wolves and dogs can so easily interbreed in suitable conditions, they are being mixed with known dog breeds to create wolf hybrids.
These hybrids are not at all suitable for living in the same homes as the spaniels and hounds we keep today.
Some people simply keep wolves themselves as ‘pets’ but they can’t be treated or handled in the same way as dogs. They do not suit city living or settle well in family homes. They need very passionate and very experienced keepers – and preferably large spacious specially-designed enclosures. They are very beautiful indeed.
