Welcome to our Arctic Wolf dog breed information page where we detail the facts you need to know about the Arctic Wolf dog breed. Prefer a simpler way to identify the best dog for your family and living situation? Visit our puppies for sale page to use our free "Find Your Best Friend" App to see your perfect matches.
Lifespan
The Arctic Wolf has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years when domesticated.
Origin
The Arctic Wolf is a wild dog that descends from the Canadian Arctic. The Arctic Wolf is a subspecies of the Gray Wolf and is also called the White Wolf or Polar Wolf. Today, the Arctic Wolf can still be found in the Canadian Arctic as well as Greenland.
Since the Arctic Wolf is wild, they are not sold as pets unless domesticated or crossed with a purebred dog like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute or German Shepherd. When bred with a purebred, the Arctic Wolf is often referred to as a wolf hybrid or wolfdog.
Size
The size of the Arctic Wolf can vary, but generally the Arctic Wolf weighs 75 to 120 pounds and measures 25 to 31 inches.
Grooming Needs
The Arctic Wolf has few grooming needs, but it is important to start handling their coat, ears and nails at an early age to get them used to being touched.
The Arctic Wolf’s coat may more closely resemble their wolf or dog heritage, but is normally thick and coarse. The Arctic Wolf’s coat sheds moderately most of the year, then more heavily during the change of seasons. They should be brushed once a week and more frequently during their heavy shedding seasons. Arctic Wolves should also have their ears cleaned and nails trimmed regularly. They only need one or two baths a year.
Character
The Arctic Wolf is generally more reserved and less predictable than a purebred dog.
Temperament
The Arctic Wolf’s temperament is dependent upon their breeding, but they tend to retain more wolf-like characteristics. Wolf hybrids are generally shy and curious. They are not outgoing like a purebred dog. Arctic Wolves are more likely to be private and quiet. However, they can be loving and affectionate with their owners.
The Arctic Wolf takes about three years to grow out of their puppy stage and can be rambunctious during those years. The Arctic Wolf is not a companion for small children. They may misinterpret their screaming and running around as reason to chase after them. Likewise, the Arctic Wolf should not be housed with smaller animals as they may regard them as prey.
Training Needs
The Arctic Wolf requires an experienced handler along with lots of training and socialization. The Arctic Wolf wants to be dominant and needs a strong alpha as a leader. Consistency is very important with the Arctic Wolf as is positive reinforcement. The Arctic Wolf should never be treated harshly. Wolves are surprisingly sensitive and will lose respect for their owner if yelled at or abused.
Activity Level
The Arctic Wolf is energetic and may be best suited to life outdoors. The Arctic Wolf is a chewer and digger, and can be destructive if housed inside. They also need room to roam. Arctic Wolves require a secure yard with a high fence or a comfortable pen. If the Arctic Wolf does live indoors with their family, they need at least 60 minutes of outside time every day.
