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Dogs and wolves rely equally on visual communication.

Yep. While visual communication—such as the position of ears, tail, and lips—is important among wolves it is believed to be less relied on by dogs. Selective breeding among dogs has produced species with drooping ears, lobbed tails, and long coats that are less effective in performing traditional dominant-submissive wolf and dog behaviors; examples include ears up or pinned back, tail straight behind or tucked between legs, or raised or lowered hackles. Domestic dogs are thought to rely more on olfactory senses.

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Photo: Lynn and Donna Rogers, North American Bear Center, Ely MN.

What's in a Howl | Ed Bangs | Wolf-Dog Connection
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