shadow – Oct 28, 2000 12:00 AM

The pups winter coat is thickening by the day. Their guard hairs are growing in length and have reach well over 4 inches. Some of the guard hairs on the shoulders have a very crimped or wavy appearance. The variation differences of the Arctic pups to the Great Plains adults are really beginning to be noticeable. The shorter, more rounded ears of the Arctic's really contrast with the shape and size of the adults ears. Certainly the smaller exposed surface area of the ear would be advantageous in the winter climate of the Arctic. Another striking difference is the size of the paws and the bulkiness of the pups legs. In comparison to the adults, the pups have a larger paw size and appear to have a denser leg structure (larger diameter). Where the adults seem to have longer, lankier legs, the pups seem to developing legs like a fence post. We estimate the pups weight to be at about 70 pounds, but an exact weight has not been measured since early October when they weighed 62 lb..