Such observations led researchers to believe that the common ancestor of dogs and wolves may have actually been open to human companionship, leading to the development of their friendlier, cuddlier ancestors that we all know and love.
Let’s not forget, though, that dogs are still entirely different animals than wolves, even when said wolves are brought up by humans. The study, lead by Eötvös Loránd University’s Dorottya Ujfalussy in Hungary, proved that that wolf puppies can get attached to humans, but that doesn’t mean people should adopt wolves!
This is especially true when wolves are taken out of their natural habitats, which usually range for hundreds of miles, to live with humans. Moreover, studies of dogs’ brains prove that they are truly happier around us, even more than when they’re around other dogs! Humans even reduce stress in dogs. Yet that’s not so with wolves.
Wolves actively fear humans, and they avoid environments occupied by them. They’re also far more independent than their domesticated counterparts despite their pack-like mentality. For example, when wolf packs go hunting, the puppies are often left alone, so they learn to take care of themselves.
Learn more about the wolf-dog relationship on the next page!
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