In this article, we will compare and contrast everything you need to know about the Siberian Husky when compared with a wolf. We will go over their appearances as well as their ancestral differences, and we will discuss their behaviors as domesticated and undomesticated dogs, respectively. Let’s get started and learn all about these two beautiful creatures now!
Comparing Siberian Husky vs Wolf
Key Differences Between Siberian Husky vs Wolf
There are many key differences between the Siberian Husky and the wolf, other than their domesticated statuses. The wolf grows far larger than the Siberian Husky, in both height and weight. While both of these dogs have extremely thick fur found in a variety of colors, the fur of the wolf frequently matches the environments in which it lives, while the Husky only comes in black, white, red, and gray. Finally, the Siberian Husky lives a longer life compared to the average wolf. Let’s discuss all of these differences in more detail now.
Siberian Husky vs Wolf: Size
One of the first things you would notice when comparing a wolf side by side with a Siberian Husky is the fact that it is much smaller than the wolf overall. The average Siberian Husky only reaches 20 to 24 inches tall, while the wolf starts at 24 inches and grows as tall as 32 inches, depending on gender and the habitat in which it lives. Additionally, the wolf weighs far more than the Siberian Husky, regardless of gender. In terms of those measurements, the wolf grows anywhere from 80 to 150 pounds, while the Siberian Husky only grows 35 to 60 pounds, depending on gender and breeding. This is just another reason that you shouldn’t mess with a wolf in the wild!
Siberian Husky vs Wolf: Appearance
Even though both of these dogs are well-equipped to handle the cold given their thick double coats, the fur of the wolf is more likely to blend into their surrounding habitat compared to the fur of the Husky. This is obviously a survival technique, and not something that the Siberian Husky shares with the wolf. The Siberian Husky has very specific facial masking and colorations due to its purebred status, while the wolf comes in a variety of colors and appearances. One striking feature when looking at a wolf is the fact that it has such an elongated snout compared to the muzzle of the Siberian Husky, or any other dog for that matter. Additionally, the body of the wolf is much more elegant and powerful compared to the fluffy body of the Siberian Husky. While both of these dogs are extremely capable and powerful, the wolf is an apex predator compared to the domesticated Siberian Husky.
Siberian Husky vs Wolf: Ancestry and Breeding
There are some obvious differences between the ancestry of the Siberian Husky versus the ancestry of the wolf. This is largely due to the fact that the wolf is estimated to be nearly 300,000 years old, compared to the Siberian Husky that originated in the 20th century. Wolves are what all domesticated dogs are descended from, including the Siberian Husky. The breeding of the wolf is very different from the breeding of the Husky, given the fact that they are wild animals and apex predators. However, the Siberian Husky was originally bred for pulling sleds and sled dog work, something that the wolf is not built for or accustomed to given their wild nature.
Siberian Husky vs Wolf: Behavior
There are some obvious behavioral differences between the Husky and the wolf, even though both of these dogs enjoy working with other dogs during their specific tasks such as hunting or sled pulling. However, the wolf is social only in its pack, otherwise elusive, while the Siberian Husky is extremely friendly with both humans and other animals.
Siberian Husky vs Wolf: Lifespan
A final difference between the Siberian Husky and the wolf is their life spans. Given the large size of the wolf, it lives a slightly shorter life compared to the average Siberian Husky. It also lives a shorter life given the fact that it is a wild animal, and the average Siberian Husky receives a large amount of care from its owners. Looking at the figures in more detail, the average wolf only lives 10 to 12 years, while the average Siberian Husky lives anywhere from 12 to 15 years. Obviously it depends on the health of the individual dog, but the Siberian Husky is likely to live longer than the average wolf.
