Dogs Worldwide

Grey wolves (Canis lupus) are the ancestor of all domestic dogs. They are carnivores and hunt large prey, such as moose, reindeer, elk and bison, using their strong sense of smell.

Grey wolves had the largest natural distribution of any mammal except human beings. Sadly, they can no longer claim this record as they have been lost from much of their former range.

Wolves tend to hunt in packs and will also take smaller prey such as rabbits, rodents and other small mammals. They guard a large territory from other wolves and can travel long distances in their search for food.

There are usually about 6-10 wolves in a pack, and the more food available, the larger the pack. There is a dominance system in which the higher ranking individuals get to eat first.

Only the Alpha (dominant) male and female will breed in the pack. They breed in January and after 60-65 days, the female gives birth to 5-9 cubs. Other members of the pack contribute to the feeding of the pups after they have been weaned.

Most cubs are physically fully grown in their first year but mature reproductively after a few more years.

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