Have you wondered whether some dogs have retained their ferociousness and ability to fend off wolves? Well, some dog owners have, and the idea that all dogs have become too used to being pets and not predators is simply not true.
Although many dogs covered in mainstream media tend to be the cuter and more domesticated pets, several breeds have retained their strength. We have compiled a list of working dogs that are more than capable of killing a wolf.
List Of 17 Dog Breeds That Can Kill Wolves
1. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, is a hunting breed. Dogo Argentino dogs are renowned for their beautiful white fur coats. Their solid and athletic physique makes them ideal for hunting prey.
This breed can grow between 24 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 80 to 100 pounds. Their broad and well-structured heads make them look similar to the American Bulldog. Before being used as hunting dogs, Dogo Argentino dogs were bred to be fighting dogs.
This means that they are no strangers to physical altercations and would be able to take down a wolf.
2. Sarplaninac
The Sarplaninac is a large breed with long and dense fur. Their fur is typically 4 inches long, and if groomed properly, they tend to be incredibly fluffy. Their fur coats can manifest in several solid colors, such as tan, black, and white. Their weight ranges between 55 to 80 pounds, while their height ranges 22 to 24 inches tall.
Sarplaninac dogs are independent and have strong guarding instincts. This breed is primarily calm but can unleash their offensive side when they are in sticky situations. Their temperaments do not make them an ideal pet to have in an apartment in the city.
Sarplaninacs are flock-guard dogs, and they are best suited for the outdoor. They would be best suited to live on a farm or any place where they have ample space to roam around.
3. Kangal
A male Kangal shepherd dog is 28 t 31 inches tall, while their female counterparts are 25 to 30 inches tall. The males weigh between 106 to 132 pounds, while females weigh between 88 to 110 pounds.
Kangal shepherd dogs have short and dense double coat fur coats. They originated in Turkey, where they were used as guardian dogs for livestock. To this day, the Kangal shepherd breed is still prevalent in Turkey.
The Kangal shepherd dog has a lean, athletic build that allows it excellent mobility and speed. They bear an intimidating appearance and are more than capable of defeating a wolf in battle.
4. Alabai
The Alabai breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world. They are currently referred to as the Central Asian Shepherd Dogs. They are large and intelligent gentle giants. Despite their overall calmness, Alabais are pretty bold, strong, and can put their gentleness aside and use violence when necessary.
This breed is dignified and has strong protective instincts. Their height ranges from 24 to 28 inches, while they weigh between 88 to 110 pounds. Alabais are healthy dogs who do not have any specific illness that their breed is prone to. They are highly adaptive to different environments, which historically made them the ideal guard dogs for long journeys.
5. Caucasian Shepherd Dog
A Caucasian shepherd dog is a giant breed that weighs between 99 to 170 pounds and is typically 23 to 30 inches tall. This breed has been around for longer than 2000 years and originates from the Caucasus Mountains area.
Caucasian shepherd dogs do not take well to strangers and other animals that they do not know. Although they possess the potential to be affectionate family dogs, Caucasian shepherd dogs are highly territorial. When they sense that their territory is being threatened, they will swiftly deal with the intruder, whether it be a wolf or any stranger.
6. Irish Wolfhound
This laid-back breed tends to prefer cold weather. They originate from the Irish, where they were used for hunting deer and wolves during the 1800s. Over time, the Irish Wolfhound became more domesticated, and people started adopting them as their family pets.
Male Irish Wolfhounds weigh 120 to 155 pounds and are 32 inches tall. He females tend to weigh 105 to 135 pounds and are 30 inches tall. Their fur coats tend to be rough and can manifest in several colors, such as white, fawn, red, and black.
7. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a Mastiff-type dog. It is believed that the Cane Corso breed descended from Roman war dogs. They were bred to guard property, hunting game, and all-around working dogs.
The Cane Corso is a large and muscular breed. They stand at 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 90 to 120 pounds. This breed naturally possesses a vigorous temperament. If they are adequately trained, they will grow to be affectionate and loving towards their family. However, if they are not well-trained, they will be inappropriately aggressive.
8. Borzoi
The Borzoi has Russian origins, where they were bred as a hunting and coursing breed. They were renowned for their hunting capabilities; however, they were later recognized as a domesticated breed. This occurred when European royalty took a liking to the Borzoi breed.
Borzois are highly adaptive and calm. They can live in any environment; however, they are not particularly fond of being left alone for a prolonged period. When they were used as hunting dogs, they would hunt in groups of three. Hence their need for companionship.
They are between 26 to 32 inches tall and weigh between 55 to 105 pounds. Borzois have a lean body structure, and their fur coat is silky. They carry themselves with elegance, which can sometimes cause people to forget Borzoi’s physical strength.
9. Komondor
These fluffy dogs are energetic and loud. Females weigh 70 to 80 pounds and are 26 inches tall. In contrast, males tend to weigh between 80 to 100 pounds and are 28 inches tall. Komondors require between 20 to 40 minutes of physical activity daily.
Komondors are a highly social breed who do not enjoy being alone for too long. They may become destructive if they do not get an adequate amount of attention. They were initially bred to be herd guardians.
10. Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is generally referred to as the Japanese Mastiff. They are a fighting breed that originates from Japan. The Tosa Inu is considered a dangerous breed that is not suited to be a pet for a family with children and other pets.
If they are firmly trained, they can be calm and gentle giants; however, their uncontrollable aggression towards strangers and other animals can be troublesome. Tosa Inus require regular strenuous physical activity to release their frustrations and quench their curiosity.
The Tosa Inu’s weight ranges between 84 to 132 pounds, and they are 22 to 26 inches tall.
11. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff originates from Tibet. Tibetan Mastiff stands at 26 inches and weighs between 75 to 160 pounds. They are stubborn and tend to want to emphasize their independence. Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and have strong wills that urge them to want to be viewed as equals and not pets.
However, they are excellent family dogs who love to please their families. They are loyal and have a strong urge to protect their loved ones. They are not aggressive towards strangers, but they are not very sociable either.
12. Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario is a breed of working dogs. They are typically between 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 84 to 110 pounds. Their short and dense fur coats manifest in various colors, including brindle, black, and fawn.
This breed is highly energetic and requires daily strenuous exercise to release its pent-up energy. The Perro de Presa Canario is quite the curious breed, so games would allow you to satisfy their curiosity and ensure that they get the physical activity that they require.
13. Bully Kutta
Bully Kutta’s are believed to have originated from Pakistan. These dos are notorious for their aggressive and stubborn behavior. The aggression has made them prime victims of illegal dog fights in Pakistan.
Bully Kutta’s are considered to be dangerous to strangers and sometimes even their owners because of their large size and natural aggression. Hence they are not ideal family dogs, but they would give a wolf a run for their money.
14. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
A female Anatolian Shepherd is about 27 inches tall and weighs between 80 to 120 pounds. While Male Anatolian Shepherds are typically 29 inches tall and weigh 110 to 150 pounds. Anatolian Shepherds have muscular and well-build physiques.
These Turkish dogs are protective but also friendly and affectionate. They tend to be friendly to their family but not so much towards strangers and other pets. However, these traits can be changed through adequate training.
15. Wolfdog
As the name suggests, Wolfdogs are the crossbreed that results from breeding dogs with wolves. Since Wolfdogs possess several wolf-like temperaments and characteristics, you should have a high level of experience before owning a Wolfdog.
This is especially true when the wolfdog is more wolf than dog. However, Wolfdogs are generally affectionate, energetic, intelligent, and playful. Due to their size, playfulness, and energy levels, they are not ideal for a family with younger children. They are natural hunters and would make a good match-up against a wolf.
16. Gamper Armenian Wolfhound
The Gamper Armenian Wolfhound is a large breed that is renowned for its impressive pulling power. They are about 25 to 35 inches tall and typically weigh 85 to 185 pounds. They have a muscular build and have think double fur coats.
The Gamper is a natural guardian who does not typically engage in games but prefers to observe. Despite this fact, they require an ample amount of open space to run around. The Gamper Armenian Wolfhound is best suited to be a farm guardian. Their strength and size make them a force to be reckoned with.
17. Boerboel
Boerboels are large and dependable dogs that weigh between 110 to 200 pounds and are 22 to 28 inches tall. They were bred to be farm dogs in the seventeenth century by Dutch settlers in South Africa. The Boerboels were used for hunting wildlife which included leopards and baboons.
The Boerboel’s esteemed past as a hunting dog and their eagerness to please and protect their owners means that if need be, they would be able to kill a wolf.
So here we end the list of dogs that can defeat wolves, below are a few questions discussed regarding the dogs Vs. a wolf.
FAQ
Can A Cane Corso Kill A Wolf?
Yes, a Cane Corso can kill a wolf. Cane Corsos are naturally aggressive, large, and muscular, so they would overpower the wolf if they were to fight a wolf.
Can A Big Dog Kill A Wolf?
Yes, big dogs can kill a wolf. However, the mere fact that a dog is big does not mean that they have the physical strength and aggression to kill a wolf.
Wolf Vs. Dog Who Would Win?
Depending on the dog breed, dogs could win. However, wolves would generally defeat dogs because they are more adapted to such physical confrontations than domesticated dogs.
Can A Bullmastiff Kill A Wolf?
Yes, a Bullmastiff can kill a wolf. Bullmastiffs are large dogs who have the raw physical strength to be able to kill a wolf. They are also able to be aggressive when need be.
What Type Of Dog Can Kill A Wolf?
Large dogs such as the Borzoi, Alabai, and Irish Wolfhound can kill a wolf. They have the strength and the speed to be able to overpower wolves.
Who Is Stronger Wolf Or Dog?
Although several breeds are technically capable of overpowering wolves, wolves are more potent than dogs. Since wolves are accustomed to living in the wild and hunting their meals, they have more experience and endurance than domesticated dogs.
Can A Dog Join A Wolf Pack?
No, a dog cannot join a wolf pack. Wolves would not recognize a domesticated dog as one of their own, not even at the bottom of their rankings. If a dog were to try to join a wolf pack, the wolves would most probably kill the dog.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are capable of killing wolves. Even though most dog breeds have become quite domesticated, do not be mistaken because dogs have still retained their strength. If anything, dogs who have a caring family to whom they have grown attached, would be able to perform even better when put against wolves to protect their loved ones.
There’s one more dog breed that you guys might be thinking that can kill a wolf, Rottweiler. Do you have any questions with Rottweiler being able to kill a wolf? If yes, then here’s your answer – Can A Rottweiler Kill A Wolf?
So, this was the list of 17 dog breeds that can kill wolves, if you have any suggestions or feedback let me know in the comments, I would love to read all of them.
And also Iranian Sarabi.