Dogs and wolves are the same ancestor and species, both belonging to the Canidae family.
Canidae: There are a total of 13 genera and 36 species of canine animals worldwide. Including dogs, wolves, jackals, foxes, etc.
Medium in size, well proportioned, with slender limbs and toe mobility, suitable for fast running. The head and palate are pointed, the face is long, the nose is protruding, the ears are pointed and upright, the sense of smell is sensitive, and the hearing is developed. Canine and fissure teeth are well-developed; The upper molars have obvious tooth tips, while the inner side of the lower molars has a small tooth tip and a heel tip; The diameter of the molar crown is greater than the height of the outer incisors; The tooth pattern is.
The hair is thick and long, usually without patterns. Forefoot 4-5 toes, hind foot generally 4 toes; The claws are thick and blunt, unable to retract or slightly retractable. The tail is hairy and generally more developed. The body structure has evolved into a form particularly suitable for hunting life.
Skilled at fast and long-distance running, often enjoys socializing, often chasing and hunting. Most carnivores feed on herbivores and rodents; Some foods include carrion, plants, or omnivores. Dogs (domestic dogs) are one of the earliest domesticated livestock by humans, first domesticated from gray wolves, jackals, and other animals (with multiple origins), and now have more than 200 breeds. Red foxes, Arctic foxes, raccoon dogs, and others are precious fur animals.
Canidae is the most widely distributed family in the carnivorous order, covering almost all the distribution range of terrestrial carnivores except for a few islands and Antarctica.
I believe many people have not truly understood dogs, only knowing that they are domesticated by wolves, but not knowing what the difference is between them?
Today, the editor will teach you how to distinguish between dogs and wolves, which look so similar to their ancestors?
Why do dogs and wolves look so similar?
According to research, the DNA similarity between dogs and wolves is as high as 99%. In fact, dogs were domesticated by wolves a long time ago!
Moreover, dogs and wolves are of the same ancestor, so they dare not be very similar in appearance and DNA.
How to distinguish between wolves and dogs?
Difference 1: Body type and appearance characteristics
① Teeth: Wolves and dogs have the same position and number of teeth, but dogs have smaller teeth.
② Appearance: The dog has a round face and large eyes; But the wolf’s face is quite pointed.
③ Tail: A dog’s tail has fluffy fur and is soft and curly; But the wolf’s tail is quite pointed, like a sickle.
④ Feet: Dogs and wolves have similar heels, but dogs have smaller feet; But wolves have larger feet and very strong jumping ability.
Difference 2: How to interact with humans
Wolf: Because it lives in the wild for a long time, its survival ability is very strong and it does not rely on humans at all.
Dogs: Because dogs are domesticated by humans, they are almost unable to survive in the wild. If they leave their owners, it is difficult for them to survive.
Difference three: Different growth rates
Dogs and wolves in their puppies start weaning around 8 weeks old, but puppies grow faster, so they mature faster than puppies.
According to research:
Wolf cubs: They have very strong processing abilities because they need sufficient ability to survive in the wild, so they require very light survival abilities;
Puppies: They are too dependent because most of them are held in the palm of their owner’s hand, so their abilities are relatively poor.
Difference 4: The meaning of entertainment is different
Wolves and dogs are both playful, but their entertainment meanings are completely different.
Wolf: Entertainment and play are usually for learning more social and survival skills, and also to exercise one’s independence;
Dogs: Entertainment and playing are purely for the sake of entertainment, and also to expend their energy.
Difference 5: Different nutrients required by the body
Although the ancestors of wolves and dogs are the same and their DNA similarity is close to 100%, their bodies require completely different nutrients.
Wolves: They are carnivorous animals, and they cannot eat without meat. Moreover, they only need to supplement plants with a little bit;
Dogs: Although dogs also love to eat meat, their diet must be balanced between meat and vegetables, otherwise they will lose weight due to imbalanced nutrition.
Difference 6: There is a significant difference in personality
Although wolves and dogs have the same ancestors, their personalities differ greatly.
Wolf: Fierce, cunning, and very cunning, so everyone is afraid when they see it;
Dogs: gentle, kind, and enjoy getting close to people, so they are very popular among the public.
Conclusion: Do you know any other methods to distinguish between dogs and wolves?
Original article author:Shit Shovel Officer,If reprinted, please indicate the source.:https://www.petcatanddog.com/article/1044.html