Husky vs wolf: 8 main differences

What is the difference between a husky and a wolf? Despite a similar appearance, a large chasm separates the domesticated husky from the wild wolf. According to the fossil record, humans first domesticated dogs between 20,000 and 40,000 years ago, with the oldest examples of humans being buried with dogs around 15,000 years ago. Although they may have a common ancestor, huskies and wolves are different species. However, many people often confuse these canines for each other due to their coloration, shape and “wolf” appearance. In this article, we will discuss 8 key differences between a husky and a wolf. In addition, we will discuss a few frequently asked questions regarding huskies and wolves.

Comparison of huskies and wolves

The only officially recognized breed of husky is the Siberian husky. The Siberian Huskies, a member of the Spitz genetic family, come from the Arctic tundra in Northeast Asia. Initially, the Chukchi in Siberia bred huskies for sledding and as companion dogs. However, there are several unofficial husky breeds. Although these breeds are nicknamed “huskies”, they will not be the subject of our comparison, but we will still briefly review them to distinguish them from Siberian huskies.

Alaskan husky

The Alaskan Husky is a purebred breed that is a mixture of different dogs, including English Pointers, German Shepherds and Saluki. Originally bred as sled dogs in Alaska, they lack the typical “wolf” appearance found in other huskies.

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Labrador Husky

The Labrador Husky gets its name from the Labrador region in Canada where it originated. For hundreds of years, local Inuit have bred Husky Labradors as working dogs. Despite its name, the Labrador Husky is not related to the Labrador, but rather to the Canadian Eskimo dog.

Mackenzie River Husky

The Mackenzie River Husky is a mixture of several different breeds, including St. Bernards and Newfoundlands. Originally from the Canadian Yukon Territory, people bred the Mackenzie River Husky as a powerful sled dog capable of living and working in harsh conditions.

Sakhalin Husky

The Sakhalin Husky is a recently extinct breed found on Sakhalin Island in Japan. Its name in Japanese, karafuto ken translated as “Sakhalin dog”. Originally bred as sled dogs, only two purebred Sakhalin huskies remained in 2011, with the result that the breed became functionally extinct.

Meanwhile, the term wolf is used to refer to nearly 40 subspecies. However, there are several divisions in the wolf family. As a rule, three classifications appear that help to distinguish certain populations of wolves. These groups include the gray wolf, forest wolf and red wolf. Of these three, the gray wolf is the most common and belongs to any number of subspecies from Eurasia and North America. So we’ll use a typical gray wolf for comparison, but we’ll briefly look at a tree wolf and a red wolf for reference.

Wolf

The forest wolf is not a separate species, but rather a term used to refer to several subspecies of wolves from North America. Typically, this term is most often associated with the oriental wolf, which is also called the forest wolf or the Algonquian wolf. It is native to areas around the Great Lakes and southeastern Canada. Additionally, the term is sometimes used to refer to the Rocky Mountain Frostwolf and Northwest Wolf (also called the Mackenzie Valley Wolf and Alaskan or Canadian Timber Wolf).

Red Wolf

The red wolf is a term used to describe a group of wolves found in the southeastern United States. Similar in appearance to a mixture of a coyote and a wolf, the taxonomy of the red wolf is the subject of ongoing debate.

8 main differences between huskies and wolves

Husky versus wolf: habitat and distribution

The first difference between a husky and a wolf is related to their habitat and distribution. The Husky is a domesticated breed that can be found all over the world. At the same time, they have adapted to life in cold climates and do not tolerate heat well. Huskies come from the arctic tundra of Siberia, and the breed can be up to 4,000 years old. Meanwhile, wolves live in North America, Eurasia and parts of Africa. Unlike the husky, some wolves have adapted to warm weather. In these regions, wolves tend to grow shorter and coarser hair, in contrast to the longer hair seen in wolves at higher latitudes.

Husky vs Wolf: Size

The most noticeable difference between a husky and a wolf is their size. Almost all subspecies of wolves exceed even the largest huskies in size. Typically male huskies are 21 to 23.5 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Female huskies are slightly smaller in size, 20 to 22 inches in height and 35 to 50 pounds. On the other hand, a wolf can reach 26 to 33 inches in height. Although Eurasian wolves tend to weigh more than North American wolves, some North American wolf subspecies can grow exceptionally large. European wolves average around 85 pounds and North American wolves 79 pounds. However, there are records of wolves weighing up to 190 pounds.

Husky vs. Wolf: Life Expectancy

On average, huskies live longer than wolves. The average lifespan of a husky is 12 to 15 years. Meanwhile, most wolves live in the wild for only 6-8 years. Wolves face many threats, including other predators, hunters, disease, cold, and the environment. As a result, the life of a wolf can be unpleasant, cruel and short. However, in captivity, wolves can live up to 20 years, although most do not live that long.

Husky vs Wolf: Coats and Coloring Pages

Although they both have double coats, the coats of the husky and the wolf are not the same. The husky’s coat is usually shorter than that of a wolf. Additionally, huskies come in a wide variety of colors, including black, gray, red, white, sable, and agouti. Meanwhile, wolves usually grow longer hair, especially wolves that live in colder climates. Their hair is coarser than that of a husky and has a fluffier quality. In addition, wolves usually have tufts of hair on their cheeks and thicker hair on their chest and neck. Although wolves come in a variety of colors, they usually appear grayish with white and black markings.

Husky vs. Wolf: Eyes

Husky eyes are difficult to confuse with wolf eyes. Husky eyes appear brown, blue, or black. However, heterochromia is common in huskies, so a husky can have two eyes of different colors. Their eyes are almond-shaped and are considered by many to be one of their most distinctive features. On the other hand, wolves’ eyes usually appear yellow, amber, or brown. In addition, their eyes are rounder than those of a husky, and tend to look wilder and more feral.

Husky vs. Wolf: Body

There are a few small differences in body composition that can help distinguish a husky from a wolf. The husky’s muzzle is shorter than that of a wolf, although wolves have a narrower muzzle. While the husky’s nose can be black or pink, the noses of wolves are almost always completely black. In addition, the wolf’s head is much larger than the husky’s head and larger in comparison to its body. Huskies have a characteristic forehead stripe that is absent on the head of wolves. In addition, wolves tend to have thicker and longer bodies, wider chests, and longer legs. Finally, the ears of the husky stand upright on the crown and are quite long, while the ears of the wolf are more offset and triangular in shape.

Husky vs. Wolf: Teeth

Due to a common heritage, both huskies and wolves develop sharp fangs designed to rip and tear flesh. However, if you look closely, it is easy to distinguish a husky from a wolf tooth. As a rule, wolves have larger and thicker teeth than huskies. While huskies may have grown large teeth in the past, thousands of years of domestication have likely reduced the size of their teeth. Meanwhile, modern wolves need large and strong teeth to kill prey, rip flesh and break bones.

Husky against the wolf: temperament and socialization

While they do have some things in common, don’t assume that this means there is no difference in temperament between a husky and a wolf. Huskies are domestic dogs adapted to interact with people. Originally bred as working dogs, huskies readily accept training and rely on their owners. They will play fights, but their fights are usually more for fun than expressing their aggression. Meanwhile, wolves are wild animals. They resist learning and have a cold mind that their home cousins ​​lack. Wolves crave independence and freedom, and when they play brawls it is with the intention of learning basic killing skills, not just for fun.

Frequently asked questions about huskies and wolves

Why do huskies and wolves howl?

Wolves howl for several reasons. They may howl to mark their territory or find other members of their pack. Although huskies are tamed, they retain an instinctive urge to howl. They may howl when upset in order to interact with other dogs or simply express their feelings.

How many wolves are there?

According to reports, there are between 200,000 and 250,000 gray wolves around the world. Most of them live in Canada, Russia, Alaska and Central Asia.

How popular are likes?

The American Kennel Club ranks the Husky as the 14th most popular dog breed in America. Since the AKC first recognized the breed in 1930, the husky has continued to grow in popularity.