Wolves are one of the deadliest apex predators on earth. We take a look at the biggest wolf – and how do they compare to dogs?
What is the biggest wolf in the world? Meet the deadly canine apex predator – as well as its domestic rivals
Wolves are one of the world’s most deadly apex predators, easily taking down prey much larger than themselves.
Several species go by the name of ‘wolf’: red, grey, Ethiopian, African and maned. They’re found around the world, from the Arctic wolves in the High Arctic to the Italian wolf.
Once hunted to near-extinction across mainland Europe, wolves have been naturally migrating west from Poland and can now be tracked in Germany – although not everyone has welcomed their return.
What is the biggest wolf species?
The largest wolf (and the biggest member of the entire dog family) is the grey wolf of North America and Eurasia. The heftiest males can reach about 80kg in the wild.
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However, some breeds of domestic dog (which are descended from grey wolves, or something very similar) can get even bigger. English mastiffs and St Bernards can weigh more and Great Danes may stand taller at the shoulder. Indeed, many of the biggest dog breeds were originally used to defend livestock from wolves.