Axel – a Canid Grin

It has always been a challenge to identify Axel and Grayson.  We use a subtle coloration of a saddle on Grayson’s back to tell them apart from a distance, but if you get a head on view, Axel is easy to distinguish based on his unique facial expressions, especially the canid grin.  The canid grin is described as a social and often stimulating behavioral expression that can lead to encourage wolves to greet, or in the case of 7-month old wolf pups, wrestle.  So, if you can’t see the pup’s pelage, how do you ID them? Axel’s nose does appear more elongated giving him a more triangular face (although both have very blocky muzzles compared to previous pups).  Another notable characteristic is Axel’s animated expression that is usually accompanied by some type of animated action.  When he greets, he has an excited twirl with an open mouth and a connection of teeth.  If a wolf runs by, he is quick to grab a tail or if it’s a wolf care staff, Axel will grab a set of keys or a string on a coat.  This isn’t new behavior, but an extension of the attitude we saw when we met this pup.  We are discouraging this behavior, as the saying goes.. if it’s not welcome behavior from an adult wolf, it’s not welcome from a pup.  Axel continues to be the larger of the two pups and is nearing 80 lbs of weight as he enters his 7th month of age. Here are his weights since our last post.