What is the best wolf-like dog?

[lurok]

I've always had more of an inclination towards big cats (impractical as a pet) but if I was going to have a dog-pet (which sadly I never will) I'd prefer something as close to a wolf as possible. I've spent a little time around wolf pack and find them fascinating and beautiful. The two breeds I've seen mentioned most often are Akitas and huskies. Does anyone here own one? And what are they like to look after?

 

[lurok]

Just discovered apart from Akitas and husky, people have mentioned malamutes and Czech wolfdog (which I must admit is good ringer).

 

[TerokNor]

My dogs (Border Collie Mix) best friends of the past were Siberian Huskys (they are dead by now) and especially the male looked very wolvish, however they are not "easy dogs", very challenging...dainty...hm..whatever the word...dogs. There owner had to give them hours and hours of exercize per day. Well, mine needed that too, but in a different way, while mine dog was a "ball-dog" the Huskeys were "distance-runner-dogs" and only happy, if they got to do miles and miles of running each day.

I find the White American Shepart also has something wolvish to him.

TerokNor

 

[auntiehill]

Norwegian Elk Hound.

Wonderful dogs, great hunters and trackers. But you better be prepared to walk them at least twice a day, because they go nutso if they don't get enough exercise.

 

[Miss Chicken]

Norwegian Elk Hound.

Wonderful dogs, great hunters and trackers. But you better be prepared to walk them at least twice a day, because they go nutso if they don't get enough exercise.

I second this.

I also like malamutes but I am not fond of huskies. However I do concede my dislike of huskies is based on the fact that one of my neighbours owned a husky that he didn't train and which he allowed to wander. It killed one of my kittens though the neighbour refused to believe it was his dog that did it.

 

[Lookingglassman]

What about one of those half wolf-half dog breeds.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

^ Yeah, there are Shepherd-Timber Wolf crossbreeds.

And usually, they're very quiet

 

[lurok]

I'm actually more shocked the breeds I like are only on the Average Working/Obedience Intelligence. And these are smartest dogs?

Border Collie
Poodle
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Doberman Pinscher
Shetland Sheepdog
Labrador Retriever
Papillon
Rottweiler
Australian Cattle Dog

 

[auntiehill]

^It's not always the best thing to have the "smartest" dog. You can't take your eyes off them for a minute. They can very strong willed, and will get into everything. They need very consistent discipline and exercise. It's like having a crazed three year old running around the house.

So-called "average intelligence" dogs can be a lot easier to handle and live with on a daily basis---but remember, individual animals in a breed vary greatly.

 

[Canadave]

^It's not always the best thing to have the "smartest" dog. You can't take your eyes off them for a minute. They can very strong willed, and will get into everything. They need very consistent discipline and exercise. It's like having a crazed three year old running around the house.

So-called "average intelligence" dogs can be a lot easier to handle and live with on a daily basis---but remember, individual animals in a breed vary greatly.

Indeed. My family back home has a Border Terrier (ranked 30th, near the top of above average working dogs) and he's just shy of being too smart for his own good. He's strong-willed, which can sometimes make him hard to control, but he's obedient enough that he's not too much of a handful. It's a good compromise.

 

[TerokNor]

^It's not always the best thing to have the "smartest" dog. You can't take your eyes off them for a minute. They can very strong willed, and will get into everything. They need very consistent discipline and exercise. It's like having a crazed three year old running around the house.

So-called "average intelligence" dogs can be a lot easier to handle and live with on a daily basis---but remember, individual animals in a breed vary greatly.

Oh yes very true. Though I personaly would always decite for a very intelligent dog again... at least when I can offer the dog what he/she needs.

TerokNor

 

[Nociod]

Siberian Huskies.

Smart animals, loving, loyal (but stubborn). My dear husky just passed away, and I miss her very much, but I think she was the best dog I could ever ask or wish for.

But they need exercise though

 

[RJDiogenes]

Why not just have an actual wolf, like the Phantom?

 

[Roger Wilco]

Diefenbaker on Due South was a Siberian Husky apparently.

 

[SmoothieX]

I suggest a Targ/Poodle mix. Targadoodle!

 

[Avalon]

^^^ *chokes on her coffee and nearly dies laughing* TARGADOODLE! SmoothieX, if I start laughing at random moments today because this popped into my head, I'm going to blame you.

 

[SmoothieX]

Glad I could help.