Which Dog Breeds Can Defeat a Wolf or a Bear? (11 photos)

A wolf or a dog? If you've always wondered who's stronger, we'll find out now! Just a warning: the truth won't be so straightforward, but that makes it even more interesting.





Why fight? Let's live in peace!

Long ago, humanity bred dogs capable of fighting wolves and emerging victorious from the encounter. At one time, this wasn't a whim, but a necessity. Such dogs are called wolfhounds. These aren't specific breeds, but rather two large groups. The former were bred for protection. The second type is for attack.



When they came to avenge a bitten side.

Wolfhounds as protectors

These include the Caucasian Shepherd, Alabai, Gampr, Kangal, Debet, Khotosho, and some others. Their selection was not planned, but spontaneous: dogs lived alongside people for thousands of years in places where they had to fight tooth and nail for their own and their owner's life.





These collars aren't just for show. They're a necessity. They protect the dog's most vulnerable spot—the throat. Forest predators target it first.

Wolfhounds were never kept on soft beds. They were hardened by nature and endless battles with enemies. They are powerful dogs, more like gladiators. They are still used to guard livestock or people in places where wildlife prevails over civilization.



With such a protector, the herd can sleep soundly.

Their instinct for self-preservation is relegated to the very last place. Unlike wolves, these dogs fight to the end, despite any injuries they may sustain. They won't retreat until they win. Wolves lack the same passion for fighting—they back down even when they face the potential for defeat.



They disguise themselves as sheep to strike at the enemy at the most unexpected moment.

Add to their unwavering will, steely muscles, a thick fur coat that protects against bites like armor, and a size advantage. The average wolf weighs 45-60 kg. Adult males in their prime can easily weigh over 100!



Steel muscles and a strong will—that's what these dogs are made of.

Wolfhound Hunters

This includes the sighthound, the Asian Tazi, the Saluki, the Sloughi, and the foreign Greyhound, the Irish Wolfhound, and a couple dozen other breeds. The purpose of these dogs' breeding was simple: wolf hunting. They also hunted other game species, but the sighthound's main trophy is a wild forest predator.



When pursuing a wolf, the main thing is not to run into yourself.

To do this, they need to catch up and even overtake the wolf in a field. For comparison, the average speed of a wolf is 40-45 km/h. A Greyhound can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h! These dogs are light, graceful, and aerodynamic. They have a narrow muzzle, fine bones, defined muscles, and not a drop of excess fat. This is not an animal, but a race car. These dogs can pursue their prey for a long time, until the animal is completely exhausted and stumbles.



Hey, maybe we should take a time-out? I'm going to cough up my lungs!

However, sighthounds aren't meant to fight predators. They must catch and hold the animal until the hunter arrives—their build simply can't withstand close combat. That's why sighthounds always work in groups: a pack makes it much easier to hold the prey in place and still survive.

These dogs are braver than wolfhounds.

But there's a third group of dogs. They're not wolfhounds, but they have plenty of strength and spirit. Likes. Not under this post, but real hunting Laikas, like the Karelian Bear Dog, the European Laika, the West Siberian Laika, and some other breeds. These are the dogs that hunters and foresters even take to bear hunting.



They woke up, smiled, and charged at the bear.

And here the job is more difficult than simply chasing a gray one across a field. The clubfoot is a far more dangerous opponent. However, the dog's job is to defeat the bear. Not physically, but mentally. Laikas are some of the bravest dogs in the world. Their ferocious agility borders on madness.



The Canadian Eskimo Dog is the only breed in the world capable of taking on a polar bear. Native peoples use them to defend themselves against the world's largest land predator.

A group of two or three dogs, having spotted a bear, will not let it escape until a human arrives. How do you stop an animal 10-15 times larger than you? Scare it! The huskies growl, circle, and lunge. The bear, caught off guard, is forced to defend itself.



— Don't yell at me! — No, don't yell at me!

Is it dangerous? Absolutely! If the dog isn't agile enough, it'll be smashed against a tree with one blow of a paw. Does this stop trained Laikas? Not at all. The thrill of the hunt clouds judgment. From the outside, these dogs look rabid! But this is the only way to fight the forest's most fearsome predator.