The physical differences between my dog, Shadow (a Bichon Frise) and the modern wolf.


In today's blog am I am going to run through the physical differences between my dog, Shadow (a Bichon Frise) and the modern wolf.

  • The most striking difference is in size: a wolf measures c.80 - to 85cms at the shoulder, Shadow only 30cms.
  • The Bichon Frise has been selectively bred for a soft, curly, white coat which is hypoallergenic. It has a double coat. Its tail curls upward. The wolves coat has evolved through natural selection to blend with its surroundings. Its tail is straight.
  • The Bichon’s head is rounder, with a “stop” and the muzzle shorter (brachycephalic) which enhances abilities to follow human gestures (Effects of selection for cooperation and attention in dogs. Behavioral and Brain Functions, 2009), further humans are more attracted to this shape. The wolf retains the dolichocephalic skull. The wolf’s skull and brain are relatively larger than the dog’s. The Bichon’s ears flop downwards, the wolf’s are erect.
  • Dogs and wolves have the same number of teeth, though those of the dog are smaller and have less complicated cusp patterns. Wolf jaws are larger and stronger so that they can crush bones as they remain carnivores and have to catch and kill their own food. The wolf has more amylase in its saliva to break down raw meat, the dog on the other hand can break down starch and can therefore live as an omnivore.
  • The wolf’s skeletal structure lends itself better to running than the Bichon’s: its gait moves the back legs move backward and forward in the same line as its front legs, whilst the Bichon back legs go between its front legs when running. The wolf also has larger paws and a narrow chest which also help it run faster. They also have two webbed toes to aid swimming and crossing snow.
  • Dogs come reach sexual maturity earlier than wolves (6-12 months v 18-24) and come into heat biannually rather than annually.  They have larger litters and develop slower. This is thought to be because they no longer have to survive in the wild.

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