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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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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