Canid Identification: Wolves, Coyotes, and Dogs

Wolf Characteristics
General Comparison
Photos
Tracks

Wolf Characteristics

The following wolf characteristics were designed to help non-biologists determine if an animal is wolf, dog, or hybrid and are the average measurements taken from 24 adult wolves. Certain characteristics may vary with animal’s age and health status, such as canine wear and fur conditions. If an animal has at least 8 out of 10 of these characteristics, there is a high likeliness that it is at least part or mostly wolf, but in some cases DNA testing maybe needed to confirm its status.

Head is relatively large, with broad cheeks ~ 5.75 inches (~15 cm) across, below the eyes.
Face markings are well blended, lacking distinguishable borders.
Well furred erect ears rounded at tip ~ 4.75 inches (~12.1 cm.) long.
Light colored slanted eyes, ranging from amber to yellow.
Normal coloration is rusty brown (cinnamon) with black tipped guard hair, winter coat has thick under fur & guard hair.
Elongated snout (non-dished) with black nose and large ~ 1.0 inch (~23 mm) inward curved canine teeth.
Narrow keeled chest and hips, front feet slightly toed out, shoulder height ~ 28 inches (~73 cm).
Long legs with large ~ 3.5 inches (9.0 cm) long by ~ 2.6 inches (6.7 cm) wide front feet and smaller back feet
Ruff of fur around neck and shoulder area resembling four layer cape appearance. Chest girth ~ 24 inches (~ 60.5 cm)
Straight busy tail with black tip, black spot (precaudal gland) on top of tails base. Tail bone length ~ 17.5 inches (43.5 cm)

General Comparison

Species Diagnostics	WOLF	COYOTE	DOG
Color	Mix of tan, brown, black, gray & especially cinnamon on ears. Some are black.	Mix of tan, brown, gray & some black, but usually lighter than wolf.	Highly varied but usually not the mix of tan, brown, gray & black of wolves. Often more solid colors.
Hair	Furry	Furry	Often flat & short.
Ears	Erect, rounded & furry.	Erect, pointed & furry.	Floppy or erect, lack fur in ears.
Head	Large, long, blocky snout, low forehead.	Long, pointed snout, low forehead.	Short, blocky snout, high forehead.
Tail	Held flaccid or out straight, no curve.	Held flaccid or out straight, no curve.	Usually curved tail and some curl over back.
Precaudal Gland	Black spot on back of tail.	Black spot on back of tail.	Usually no black spot on back of tail.
Chest & Legs	Narrow chest, legs close together.	Narrow chest, legs close together.	Often broad or barrel chest, legs spread apart.
Weight (adults)	50-100 lbs.	25-45 lbs.	5-150 lbs.
Shoulder Height	27-33"	20-22"	10-32" (few are greater than 25").
Total Length	5-6 ft.	3 1/2 - 4 1/2 ft.	Highly variable.
Footprints	View Footprints

Photos

Thumbnails link to larger images.

Wolves

Coyotes

Dogs

Wolf-Dog Hybrids

Tracks

Last Revised: March 21, 2011