Siberian Husky vs Wolf: 5 Key Differences

Written by August Croft
Published: May 9, 2022
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While they may look similar upon first glance, there are a great many differences between the Siberian Husky vs wolf. Given the fact that all dogs are descended from the wolf, the Siberian Husky has many traits that align well with its ancestor. But there are a number of differences between these two dogs, and you’re here to find out what those might be. 

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

Siberian Husky vs Wolf
The wolf grows far larger than the Siberian Husky, in both height and weight.
Siberian HuskyWolf
Size20-24 inches; 35-60 pounds24-32 inches tall; 80-150 pounds
AppearanceLarge and beautiful dogs, covered in thick and fluffy fur. Only comes in a few distinct colors, including black, white, red, and gray. Very distinct facial masking and erect ears.Rough, thick coat that matches the environment that the wolf lives in. Elongated muzzle and curled, fluffy tail, found in a variety of colors. Small, erect ears and long, powerful legs.
AncestryOriginated in Asia before the 20th century. Bred for work and sled pulling, specifically for sled dog racing.Thought to have originated hundreds of thousands of years ago; an apex predator found throughout the world.
BehaviorExtremely patient, calm, and easy to train. Very high energy and friendly, and they do not make good watch dogs. Has a high prey drive for smaller animals, so consistent exercise and training is key for them. Very vocal and talkative compared to other breedsHunts and lives in packs, thriving on social structure and vocal cues to survive. Extremely intelligent, elusive, and dangerous when encountered, but most wolves avoid humans. Maintains territory ranging in size from 25-100 miles, and enjoys roaming across a variety of cold weather habitats
Lifespan12-15 years10-12 years

Key Differences Between Siberian Husky vs Wolf

Siberian Husky vs Wolf

The Siberian Husky lives a longer life compared to the average wolf.

©Jim Cumming/Shutterstock.com

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

Siberian Husky vs Wolf

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.

©iStock.com/Автор

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

Siberian Husky vs Wolf

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.

©iStock.com/slowmotiongli

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

Siberian Husky vs Wolf

The wolf is estimated to be nearly 300,000 years old, compared to the Siberian Husky that originated in the 20th century.

©iStock.com/Nicholas Chase

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

Siberian Husky vs Wolf

The wolf is social only in its pack, otherwise elusive, while the Siberian Husky is extremely friendly with both humans and other animals.

©iStock.com/rogertrentham

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

Siberian Husky vs Wolf

Given the large size of the wolf, it lives a slightly shorter life compared to the average Siberian Husky.

©Sbolotova/Shutterstock.com

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.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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