The internet is full of photos and memes comparing dogs to seals. With their long whiskers, bright eyes and expressive faces, it is easy to see why, but is there any truth behind it? Is it just a myth or are seals genuinely related to dogs?
Caniformia Suborder
Within the natural world there are seven taxonomic categories:
- Kingdom
- Phylum
- Class
- Order
- Family
- Genus
- Species
The more categories two species share, the more closely related they are. Dogs and seals both belong to the same order, Carnivora, and the same sub-order, Caniformia. This means they do share certain characteristics and physical similarities; however, they are no longer closely related.
Seals belong to the family Phocidae, while dogs belong to the family Canidae. Pinnipedia, the family comprising seals, sea lions and walruses, split from caniform species around 50 million years ago. In other words, seals and dogs once shared a common ancestor but that was millions of years ago and they cannot be regarded as related.
Pinnipeds are now mostly marine species, spending a small amount of time on land. Canid species live on land and spend very little time in water.
Similarities between Seals and Dogs
There are many similarities between dogs and seals, so much so, that many people believe the two species are related.
Both species have bright eyes, expressive faces and a friendly disposition. They are also naturally trusting animals.
They share a similar facial structure, such as a broad head, forward facing eyes and long facial whiskers.
Dogs and seals belong to the order Carnivora, meaning they are predatory species. While modern dogs are domesticated, the food we provide for them is predominantly meat such as chicken and fish.
Seals are also a predatory species, hunting for fish such as silverfish, codfish, salmon, sardines and anchovies. They also feed on krill, octopus and crustaceans including crab and shrimp.
Also Read: What Do Seals Eat?
Main Differences between Seals and Dogs
While dogs and seals share many similar traits and physical characteristics, there are many more differences.
Dogs live on land, moving on four legs. Seals have two front flippers used for swimming and no hind legs. Their lower body tapers to a strong tail which aids in directional momentum in the water. While on land, seals move by shimmying along on their belly and front flippers.
Another key difference is that seals have a thick layer of blubber, whereas dogs have a thick layer of fur and a low-fat index. They are physically adapted to completely different environments.
There are many other species that belong to the same order as dogs and seals, including:
- Ferrets
- Minks
- Weasels
- Otters
- Badgers
- Raccoons
- Bears
- Sea lions
- Walruses
These species are all widely different, however, they do share many common similarities. All animals in the order Carnivora are predatory, or ‘flesh eating’ mammals. While they may all look different, live in different habitats and have different lifestyles, they do share some characteristics.
Animals within the same order once shared a common ancestor, but this was millions of years in the past and they would no longer be considered related species.