15 Canines With A Wild Dog Appearance That Are Great For Families

There’s something magnetic about dogs that resemble their wild counterparts. It speaks to an instinct we can’t quite name, a blend of admiration and intrigue. But what happens when these stunning breeds are also loyal to your family? They become integral members of your household. Here are the ones that bring both wild looks and steady hearts into your home.

Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound carries an ancient elegance, with a coyote-like face and an athlete’s build. Yet beneath that regal look is a total goofball who loves to run and play. They’re affectionate with family and curious about the world, always sniffing out the next bit of fun.

Ibizan Hound

With legs like stilts and ears that could tune into satellite radio, the Ibizan Hound looks like a runway model with coyote charisma. Built for speed and grace, these dogs thrive on affection and activity. Around their family, they’re mellow clowns. They’re clean and wonderfully expressive, flashing toothy grins when happy.

Tamaskan Dog

Tamaskans look like they stepped out of a snowy forest fairy tale. But don’t be fooled by those wolfish looks. These dogs are softies at heart. Known for being good with kids and quite the chatter. Yes, Tamaskans “talk” a lot, with a range of expressive howls and whines.

Northern Inuit Dog

“Game of Thrones” fans, take a bow. The Northern Inuit Dog, famously known as a dire wolf double, is more cuddly than feral. Developed in the UK, this breed is affectionate and thrives on attention. The serious expression hides a total goofball once settled in.

Utonagan Dog

A mix of mystery and warmth, the Utonagan was bred to mirror the wolf without the wild. Part Siberian Husky, part Alaskan Malamute, and part German Shepherd. These big canines have a strong family instinct. Want a dog that enjoys story time on the couch? This one’s a fan of cozy moments.

Shikoku Dog

If ever a fox and a wolf made a pact, that’s a Shikoku. Native to Japan and originally used for hunting, these dogs are intelligent and cautious. But give some structure, and they shine. The loyalty runs deep, especially in tight-knit families who value routine and a bit of spirited play.

Podenco Canario

Like a shadow slipping through desert dunes, the Podenco Canario moves with quiet grace. Everything about this dog whispers “coyote,” from its lean figure to those oversized, always-alert ears. Their calm demeanor indoors makes them low-maintenance for a breed that looks like it could outrun a jackrabbit.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Small and full of attitude, the Alaskan Klee Kai is like the spicy little cousin of the Husky. Don’t let the size fool you; this pint-sized pup has opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them. While they can be a little shy around strangers, they are a good fit for active families.

German Shepherd Mix

There’s something timeless about the German Shepherd, especially when mixed with other breeds. Depending on the mix, they can be alert and independent or snuggly and silly. What stays constant is their deep bond with their humans. With structure and affection, these dogs become protectors with wild dog swaggers.

Norwegian Elkhound

Muscular and always up for an adventure, the Norwegian Elkhound is a tail-wagging contradiction. This breed’s fluffy gray coat, upright ears, and curled tail create a silhouette that’s not too far off from a coyote on the prowl. But once inside, these dogs morph into affectionate shadows, following their humans from room to room.

Saluki

Long-limbed and feathered in all the right places, this ancient hound looks like it stepped straight out of a desert sunrise. Its coyote-like silhouette is unmistakable. But don’t let that regal air fool you. At home, the Saluki is a sensitive soul that enjoys curling up with its people as much as it enjoys open-air sprints.

Azawakh

Picture a coyote sculpted from sunlight and sinew. The Azawakh is all angles and elegance, with a presence that feels both wild and regal. This West African sighthound thrives in homes where peace meets play. They aren’t overly demonstrative, but when they bond, it’s for life.

Belgian Malinois Mix

Sharp as a tack and sleek as a shadow, the Belgian Malinois mix is the adrenaline-loving link in the coyote-inspired family tree. Their athletic build and narrow faces often channel wild-dog energy, especially when crossed with leaner breeds. These mixes thrive in families that love structure and stimulation.

Lurcher

A Lurcher is what happens when elegance gets a little dirt under its nails. These sighthound mixes carry the windswept, wiry charm of a coyote caught mid-sprint. They’re fast, no doubt, but they’re also huge fans of long naps on soft cushions. With children, they’re surprisingly gentle and patient.

Pariah Dog

Their narrow faces and nimble legs practically scream coyote, and their smarts are street-earned. The Pariah Dog, found across regions like India, Southeast Asia, and Africa, is the very definition of scrappy loyalty. But bring one into a loving home, and you’ll find a devoted and deeply adaptable family dog.