Everyone loves wolves, and everyone loves to draw them. I definitely had a wolf phase, and I made some mistakes. Basically, I drew them like dogs but pointier looking. Knowing what I do now, here are some differences for reference.

Here’s a husky next to a wolf. In green, because why not. 

Some similarities

Really fuzzy (so cute!)

Similar build

Bushy tail 

That’s about it

Now, for the differences. They’re subtle, but really important

Head

Dogs raise their heads. Wolves keep them level with their body. IMO, this was unintentional selection by humans for dogs that looked more like them (there’s a lot of this). This is probably the biggest thing that makes your wolves look unrealistic. 

Face size: dogs have bigger heads, retaining a “puppyish” look. Wolves heads are smaller and pointier (hard to see here).

Markings

Huskies, and other dogs, have really distinct markings because humans have bred them that way. In wolves, the patches of color are blurred into each other

White fur: Huskies and other dogs have completely white chests and underbellies. This is less common in wolves, and even the white patches around their face tend to be more cream colored.

Wolves’ black stripe: typically they have a distinctive dark stripe down their back, much more bold than their other markings

Dogs’ pale ruff: behind the Husky’s front leg, you can see a really pale ruff of fur. Wolves have this but it’s much more subtle

Face

Smiling: Dogs often look like they’re smiling when they pant/open their jaws. Wolves simply don’t have this expression. Again, this is a human selection thing. Smiling (so baring your teeth) is a very human thing to do, so they pick it out in dogs, but it’s not natural. 

Eyebrows: Oh look, another product of artificial selection. While wolves do have lighter-colored “eyebrows” above their eyes, it’s way more pronounced in dogs. 

Perked ears: Aww, so cute. A dog thing. Wolves ears are more rounded, and while they are perked, they’re smaller and less protruding. 

Eyes: Wolves eyes are smaller, and sometimes more angular. However, their pupils are still rounded. 

Okay, so we’re done with that. Now, none of this actually matters. You want to make a wolf that smiles? Go for it. You want a big fluffy tail? Knock yourself out. Super cool fur markings? Do it.