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Pets vs. Wild Animals
Wolves are wild animals, while dogs make good companion animals because they have been domesticated. Dogs were bred to possess certain traits and characteristics that would be appealing to man. Although some wolves have been raised in domestic environments, they are not considered companion animals. Dogs are bred to perform specific tasks and duties, such as hunting, herding and working. There are also many different breeds of dogs, including approximately 150 different breeds of dogs in the United States. This does not include the many mixed-breed varieties.
Physical Differences
Wolves and dogs possess many different physical characteristics. Wolves are natural hunters, and therefore are much larger and more powerful than dogs. Wolves have a larger body structure, longer muzzles, wider heads, longer legs and wider paws. Wolves do not, however, shed as much as dogs. Dogs shed continually in addition to acquiring seasonal coats, while wolves shed only once each season to acquire their summer and winter coats. The breeding season also marks physical differences between dogs and wolves. Female wolves go into heat once per year, while female dogs go into heat twice during breeding season.
Vocalizations
Wolves and dogs vocalize differently. Dogs bark and howl to express a range of different emotions. On the other hand, wolves howl as their primary vocalization. They are able to produce a bark-like sound, but only use this vocalization when startled, afraid or upset. A wolf's bark is sharp and muffled, lacking the robust quality that a dog's bark contains.
Diet and Hunting
Dogs and wolves differ in their diet. Although wolves and dogs have the same number of teeth, a wolf's teeth are equipped for ripping, cutting and crushing bone. Wolves are able to digest large quantities of raw meat at a time, as they only kill for food and don't know when their next meal will present itself. Their stomachs are stronger than a dog's, and they are able to digest bone and rotten meat, which would undoubtedly make a dog sick. Dogs are accustomed to eating dog food and are typically fed by people. Some dogs will hunt occasionally, but only if it is bred into their nature. They typically hunt for sport rather than food.
Other Differences
There are many other differences between dogs and wolves. Wolves reside in packs, while dogs, although they are pack animals, can live alone or in smaller groups of dogs. Due to years of breeding, dogs are prone to genetic disorders, such as hip dysplasia, to which wolves are not prone. Wolves are also high-energy animals, while a dog's energy level is typically based on the breed. There are both high- and low-energy breeds of dogs.