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Why wouldn't wolves and dogs normally "get along"?
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 2:10 pm
by victortiti89
I've read on several websites that if the two species meet, wolves would kill dogs(even wolfdogs). There were cases when a wolf and a dog played together and got along just fine, but these are rare. Why does this happen? They are similar species...
Re: Why wouldn't wolves and dogs normally "get along"?
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 5:48 pm
by Isela
The fact that they are similar species doesn't particularly play a role in this situation. Wolves are territorial, and so will feel the instinctive need to defend their territory from other canines. They will also attack coyotes and foxes if they see either of the two on a carcass the wolves took down. Dogs are no exception to the wild instincts that wolves possess.
There are exceptions to this, of course, one example being the wolf Romeo, who lived in Alaska and went out of his way to play with the neighborhood dogs. However, like you said, these cases are few and far between.
In general, wolves view other canines as competition, and will usually try to defend their territories from other canines, including dogs.
Re: Why wouldn't wolves and dogs normally "get along"?
Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2018 5:17 pm
by Invar
They're not just similar, they're arguably the same species.
Probably this is why they don't get along -- wolves typically don't like stranger wolves, and drive them off or kill them.
Re: Why wouldn't wolves and dogs normally "get along"?
Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2018 8:14 pm
by Koa
I think Isela covered this question well already so I will lock this thread to prevent repeated answers.
Topic locked.