Wolves live in diverse and changing environments. Preparation and care of pups is
fairly consistent around the world as is pup development. The following timeline
provides information on the development of various physical and behavioral tools that
wolves have for survival.
| Neonatal Period: Birth to
Eyes Open (12 to 14 days) and Period of Maximal Growth |
BIRTH
 |
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 but a 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 lbs and males 3.3 lbs per week for the next 14
weeks
|
| Transitional Period: Eye Opening to 20-24 Days |
2 WEEKS
 |
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
|
| Socialization Period: 20-24 Days to 77 Days |
3 WEEKS
 |
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
|
4 WEEKS
 |
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
|
5 WEEKS
 |
Gradual process of weaning begins
Can follow adults up to a mile away from the den
|
| Juvenile Period: 12 Weeks to Sexual Maturity
(1 - 3 years) |
8 - 16 WEEKS
 |
At 8 to 10 weeks:
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
At 8 to 16 Weeks:
Eyes gradually change from blue to yellow-gold
|
12 WEEKS
 |
Pups begin to follow adults on hunting trips for a short while and
return to the den by themselves
Weight: 22-30 lbs
|
| Period of Rapid Growth: 14 - 27 Weeks |
14 - 27 WEEKS
 |
Pups will gain approximately 1.3 lbs. per week over the next three months
Weight: 28-70 lbs
|
4 - 6 MONTHS
 |
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: 27 - 51 Weeks |
7 - 8 MONTHS
 |
Female pups will gain approximately .07 lbs. per week and male pups will
gain approximately .4 lbs. per week
Pups begin to travel with pack
Begin actively hunting
|
1 YEAR
 |
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 lbs
|
| Sexual Maturity: 1 to 3 Years |
1 - 3 Years
 |
Hormonal changes signal sexual maturity
May choose to disperse from pack
Weight: 60-100+ lbs
|
Note: Weights provided are average and
vary geographically and by gender.
|
