Are Dogs Wolves at Heart?

Recent studies show that the history of man’s best friend might be a little more complicated than you might think – but could our dogs really be wolves at heart? As it turns out, dogs and wolves likely split from a common ancestor between 11,000 and 34,000 years ago. The genetic similarities between dogs and wolves are probably a product of years of interbreeding. But if they split from the same ancestor, and were then interbred, doesn’t that mean our pooches might carry some of the same characteristics as their wild counterparts? Let’s look at the facts.)

Dogs have an instinct to hunt

Wolves hunt in packs, easily taking down large prey like deer, elk, and moose. Our dogs today obviously aren’t tackling such massive targets, but once in a while they do chase after small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and unfortunately skunks and porcupines. Unlike wolves, who hunt out of necessity, our dogs are not motivated to hunt out of hunger. They’re really in it for the chase. Small, quick-moving animals trigger that instinct. Most dogs who do catch their prey rarely consume it, though some do.

Most dogs today aren’t exactly skilled hunters like wolves, but certain breeds have been selectively bred in the past for their speed or scent abilities, like greyhounds, basset hounds, and beagles. Dogs may respond agitatedly to high-pitched frequencies that resemble the distressed “squeak” of prey, and their visual systems are tuned to detect movement, so quick motions may cause them to act aggressively.

Regardless of their qualifications, dogs today can get themselves into a little trouble when they unlock that impulse to hunt. If you walk your dog without a leash, he could run away from you, caught up in his pursuit of his prey, and get lost. If your pup really has an urge to chase, he might get into the habit of chasing cars, which is dangerous, as he could get injured or killed by a driver. Your pup could pursue an animal with instinctive defense mechanisms, like a skunk or a porcupine, which could lead to expensive medical treatments. Always walk your dog on a leash, supervise him when he’s outside, and consider obedience training, so he responds to a particular call, even when he’s occupied.

They have similar appetites to wolves

Wolves hunt for the chase and to fill their appetites, while dogs today hunt purely for the thrill of it. They know they have a warm, comfortable home to return to with a human to feed them their favorite snacks and meals. However, dogs can enjoy a raw meat diet, so long as you follow the proper guidelines. Just like wolves, dogs today have an appetite for raw meat and bones.

If you choose to feed your dog naturally, like a wolf, you should select only human-grade raw meat (this means a human could safely consume the meat uncooked.) The same goes for bones. You might be tempted to give your dog the bone from your T-bone steak after dinner, but cooked bones can splinter and cause internal damage. If you wish to give your dog a bone as a treat, opt for a human-grade raw, meaty bone, and only one large enough that he couldn’t accidentally choke on it. Always supervise your dog when he’s enjoying a bone.

So, what’s the verdict?

Are dogs really wolves at heart? Some might say so. When it comes down to it, it really depends on the dog, his environment, and his training. While some dogs might have that instinctive urge to chase small animals, other large dogs are amusingly terrified of their smaller counterparts. Some dogs prefer a raw meat diet, while others would rather stick to kibble. Every dog has his own unique personality. That’s why we love them!