Here's why:
* Genetics: While dogs and wolves can interbreed, they have distinct genetic makeup. Wolves have a higher chromosome count than dogs.
* Behavior: Wolves are wild animals with strong instincts for hunting, pack behavior, and territoriality. Dogs, through selective breeding, have been domesticated for thousands of years and exhibit more docile and adaptable behavior.
* Physical Differences: Wolves are typically larger and heavier than dogs. They also have a different facial structure, with longer muzzles and narrower skulls.
Therefore, while a domesticated wolf is not a dog, it's important to remember that both are fascinating and complex animals.