Box Comparisons between wolf and dog
Over the years scientists have compiled lists of features that can be used for identifying wolves and dogs. Unfortunately, most such lists are based on qualitative comparisons and provide very genera! statements. Wolf and dog population-level comparisons are lacking.
There are some features of the skull that could be typical for one species on the basis of relative comparisons. For example, a tooth could indicate the species if found in a mandible, but not alone. For most such measures there is a need for some sort of scale along which the individual data could be categorized.
Morphological traits
Some suggested differential morphological traits that have been regarded by many authorities as distinguishing wolves and dogs:
• Dew claws. Wolves never develop dew claws (first digit: hallux) but they are also missing in most dog breeds (Clutton-Brock 1995).
• Tail: Wolves never have a sickle-shaped or tightly curled tail, but this is also lacking in mosL dog breeds (Clutton-Brock 1995).
• Ears. Wolves' ears are always erect and never drooping (but many dogs also have erect ears).
• Tail glands: The supracaudal gland is absent or reduced in dogs (Fox 1971, Clutton-Brock 1995).
• Lower jaw: Turned-back apex on the lower jaw in dogs (which is present only in some wolf subspecies, Chinese wolf (C. lupus chanco) (Olsen and Olsen 1977).
Relative differences in the skull
Some suggested differential morphological traits in which relative differences in the skull are Indicative of the species (most references from Clutton-Brock 1995 if not stated otherwise):
• Skull and body. Skulls of dogs are shorter and smaller (volume) for the same body weight (Kruska 2005).
• Skull and teeth: Teeth are smaller in relation to the skull (Wayne 1986b, Morey 1992).
• Skull length and width The muzzle is wide relative to its length, in the skull the palate and maxillary region became shorter and wider, in relation to skull length (this is why the dog appears to have a shorter nose) (Box 5.5).
• Skull and sinuses: Frontal sinuses are enlarged in dogs.
• Skull and bullae: The auditory (tympanic) bullae are smaller and flatter In dogs.
• Skull and forehead: The angle of the forehead ('stop') tends to be larger in dogs,
• Skull and orbit: In the dog the shape of the orbit is more rounded, and the eyes look more directly forwards.
• Mandible and teeth: The upper tooth row is more bowed and the angle of the mandible deeper with the ventral edge more convex, mandible deeper in wolves.
• Mandible and teeth: Teeth in dog are often more compacted, especially in the premolar region.
Cranium
Skull
Tvm panic hulla
Mandible
Zygomatic arch /
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