Examples of wolves' colouring

Modern research suggests dogs originate from wolves. Wolves are among the world's most well-spread mammals and can survive in a variety of climates. They also show a variety of shades and sometimes even patterns in their coats. This page shows some examples of different wolves' (of various subspecies) colours, to perhaps offer a chance at illustrating how dogs' various patterns could have developed.

White wolf

Light grizzle wolf

The 'classic' grizzle wolf

Two very dark wolves in a pack of grizzles

Could the light markings found in many wolves be caused by what in dogs is referred to as 'urajiro'?

These iberian wolves lack the classic pale markings seen in many wolves

The arabian wolf's close resemblance to primitive breeds of dogs is undeniable. Here is a light grizzle.

This wolf has light facial markings, but unusually even colours on the body comapred ot most wolves.