Pup Development

Wolf Pup Development: Physical & Social

Wolf pup development as well as the preparation and care of wolf pups, are fairly consistent around the world. The following timeline provides information on the wolf pup development of various physical and behavioral tools that wolves use for survival.

Birth to 12 days
Neonatal period
- Have dark fur, rounded heads and are unable to regulate their own body temperature
- Blind with closed eyes, deaf with small ears and a “pugged” nose with little, if any, sense of smell. Good sense of taste and touch
- Limited to a slow crawl, mainly with front legs but have a good sense of balance
- Are limited to sucking and licking; can whine and yelp
- Will feed four or five times a day for periods of three to five minutes
- Average females gain 2.6 pounds and males 3.3 pounds per week for the next 14 weeks
14-24 Days
Transitional period
- Eyes open and are blue at 11-15 days but their eyesight is not fully developed and pups cannot perceive forms until weeks later
- Milk incisors present at 15 days; can eat small pieces of regurgitated meat
- Begin to stand and walk; vocalizations include growls, whimpering and squeaks, first high-pitched attempts at howling
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
14-24 Days
24 to 77 days
Socialization Period
- Begin appearing outside of the den and playing near the entrance
- Ears begin to raise around 27 days and hearing improves significantly
- Around 31 days the ears are erect but with tips still flopping
- Canines and premolar teeth present
- Growth of adult hair around nose and eyes
- Disproportionately large feet and head
- Short, high-pitched howls are gaining strength
- Mother may go off for hours on end to hunt
- Dominance and play fighting begin
- Gradual process of weaning begins
- Can follow adults up to a mile away from the den
8 to 16 weeks
Juvenile Period
- Adults abandon den and move pups to a rendezvous site
- Weaning complete, pups feed on food provided by adults
- Adult guard hair becomes apparent on body
- Eyes gradually change from blue to yellow-gold
- Pups begin to follow adults on hunting trips for a short while and return to the den by themselves
- Weight: 22-30 pounds
8 to 16 weeks
14 to 27 weeks
Period of Rapid Growth
- Pups will gain approximately 1.3 pounds per week over the next three months
- Weight: 28-70 pounds
- Milk teeth replaced
- Winter fur becomes apparent and pup appearance is nearly indistinguishable from adults
- Pups begin to accompany adults on hunts
27 to 51 weeks
Period of Slow Growth
- Female pups will gain approximately .07 pounds per week and male pups will gain approximately .4 pounds per week
- Pups begin to travel with pack
- Begin actively hunting
27 to 51 weeks
1 to 3 years
Sexual maturity
- Epiphyseal cartilage closes off signaling the end of skeletal growth
- Pups status in the pack may start to take shape with pups displaying either more dominant or submissive behaviors
- Weight: 60-100 pounds

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