While it\u2019s a fact that dogs are descendants of wolves, there are certain dog breeds that tend to have more wolfy characteristics than others. The popular German Shepherd Dog is one of those breeds that retains some of the physical traits of their wild canine ancestors, and their looks are often compared to that of a wolf.<\/p>\n
But why do German Shepherds look so much like wolves?<\/p>\n
The German Shepherd Dog is similar in size to a wolf, most likely due to selective breeding over time and the fact that dogs are descended from wolves. Despite their physical likeness, German Shepherds and wolves have different personalities and temperaments and the two should not be considered similar in that respect.<\/strong><\/p>\n In this article, we will look at the ancestry of German Shepherds and their genetic relationship to wolves, and how selective breeding over time has led to the German Shepherd maintaining a lot of wolf-like physical traits. We will also look at the differences between the two, and some of the key differences as to what makes a German Shepherd a dog and not a wolf.<\/p>\n\n When it comes down to it, German Shepherds look so similar to wolves because the wolf is a common ancestor for all breeds of dogs<\/a>. From the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Great Dane, dogs and wolves share a common ancestor.<\/p>\n For some breeds, such as the German Shepherd, selective breeding has led to the dogs maintaining many of the physical traits that a wolf has, such as a larger body, erect ears, and a weather-proof coat<\/a>.<\/p>\n While some traits are more prominent than others, they are similar enough in the German Shepherd that many people will comment on how much your German Shepherd looks like a wolf. German Shepherds, as well as most other dogs, will also pay tribute to their wolf ancestors by engaging in a howling match<\/a> or by stalking their “prey”…which is usually just their favorite toy!<\/p>\nWhy Do German Shepherds Look Like Wolves?<\/h2>\n