How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

Last Updated on April 1, 2023 by Amin Tawar

How Big Is A Gray wolf or Timber Wolf?

gray wolf size
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

We all have read the story of little red riding hood during our childhood, and have made a perception that wolves are very large, clever, and cunning animal species. 

But have you ever wondered if this is actually true? 

While one cannot really know if this species is cunning or not (until you actually come face to face with a wolf), you can definitely know if How Big Is A Wolf? 

The largest wild dog (Canidae) in the world, the grey wolf (Canis lupus), also known as the timber wolf, is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere and is a subspecies of the Gray wolf. 

In terms of their size, Gray wolves, also known as timber wolves, can reach lengths of 4 to 6.56 feet (120 to 200 centimeters) and weighs 40 to 175 lbs as adults (18 to 79 kilograms). 

Additionally, the average weight range for a female is 50 to 85 pounds, while the average range for a male is 70 to 110 pounds with the shoulder height ranging from 2.6-3 ft.

Timber Wolf Size Length Weight
Male 5 to 6.5 feet70 to 110 pounds
Female 4.5 to 6 feet50 to 85 pounds

Read Complete Timber Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Is A Dire Wolf?

dire wolf height length
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

Moving on to discussing the size of another type of wolf, let’s look at how large and heavy a Dire wolf is. 

In terms of size, the dire wolf is large and some of the adult dire wolves were roughly the same size as the largest gray wolves, which have a body length of 69 inches and a shoulder height of 38 inches.

To be more specific, the dire wolves are one of the largest northern wolves, which on average have a shoulder height of up to 38 in (97 cm) and a body length of 69 in (180 cm). 

Moreover, the male and female dire wolves were nearly identical in size, so we can take the same size for both.

Dire Wolf Size Length Weight
Male and female Shoulder height: up to 38 in (97 cm) 
Body length: 69 in (180 cm)
130 to 150 pounds (60-70 kg)

Read Complete Dire Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Is A Maned Wolf?

maned wolf height length
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

Another type of wolf that you can come across is the Maned wolf. The maned wolf is an omnivorous, crepuscular creature that has adapted to the wide-open spaces of the South American savanna. 

The largest canid in South America is the maned wolf. It is simple to mistake the maned wolf for a long-legged fox because of how similar their appearances are. Their size is one way to distinguish them from one another.

Despite being in a different genus, the maned wolf and red fox have some minor similarities. 

The typical adult is 90 cm (35 in) tall at the shoulder and weighs about 23 kg (51 lb). Both male and female Maned wolves, like the Dire wolves, are between 44 and 50 pounds in weight, up to 34 inches tall at the shoulder, and 4-4.5 feet long (excluding the tail).

Manned Wolf Size Length Weight
Male and female Shoulder height: 90 cm (35 in)
Body length: 4-4.5 feet
23 kg (51 pounds)

Read Complete Manned Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Is A Northwestern or Mackenzie Valley Wolf?

mackenzie valley wolf height
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

Yet another type of wolf with quite an interesting name is the Mackenzie Valley Wolf. These are one of the largest wolves in the world, with a scientific name of Canis lupus occidentalis, commonly referred to as Mackenzie Valley wolves. 

Many parts of western Canada and Alaska, including Unimak Island, are home to these large wolf species. Because they have a large number of available prey to feed on, they typically grow to be very large in both length and weight.

The Mackenzie Valley Wolf is typically between 81 and 102 cm (32 to 40 inches) tall at the shoulders and between 1.5 and 2.1 meters (5-7 feet) long (head and tail included).

While the females are about the same size in terms of length and height, they do differ in their weight. The Mackenzie Valley wolf has a wide weight range, with females weighing about 101 pounds and males weighing about 137 pounds.

Mackenzie Valley Wolf Size Length Weight
Male Shoulder height: 81 and 102 cm (32 to 40 inches)
Body length: 1.5 and 2.1 meters (5-7 feet)
101 pounds
Female Shoulder height: 81 and 102 cm (32 to 40 inches)
Body length: 1.5 and 2.1 meters (5-7 feet)
137 pounds

Read Complete Mackenzie Valley Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Is A Mexican Wolf Size?

mexican wolf size
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

The Mexican gray wolf, also known as “el Lobo,” is a subspecies of the grey wolf. Although the wolf’s common name is amusing and interesting, the Mexican wolf is one of the rarest and most genetically unique subspecies of gray wolves in North America. Additionally, the Mexican Grey wolf is one of the smallest subspecies of the Grey wolf. 

If you look at the size of the wolf in terms of its length and weight, Mexican wolves typically range in size from 50 to 80 pounds, measure 36 to 40 inches from nose to tail (generally 5.5 feet), and stand 24 to 32 inches tall at the shoulder. 

Additionally, females are barely smaller than males. Both the male and female Mexican wolves have a maximum weight of about 100 to 175 pounds.

Mexican Wolf Size Length Weight
Male and female Shoulder height: 24 to 32 inches
Body length: 36 to 40 inches
50 to 80 pounds

Read Complete Mexican Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Is An Arctic Wolf? 

arctic wolf height length
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

Unlike other wolves that we have discussed so far, the Arctic wolves live in cold and low-temperature environments like the Arctic. 

The High Arctic tundra of Canada is home to a subspecies of grey wolf known as the Arctic wolf, also referred to as the White Wolf or Polar Wolf. 

These subspecies are pretty large and look bulky because of their dense furs, which they use to keep their body insulated.

But how large are these species of wolves? The arctic wolves are medium-sized animals, and the size of male Arctic wolves is larger than that of females. 

Their shoulders height ranges from 25 to 31 inches (63 to 79 centimeters), while their overall body length is 40-70 in (1-1.8m). 

Furthermore, the average weight of both the male and the female Arctic wolves is about 100-160 lbs (45-70kg). 

Arctic Wolf Size Length Weight
Male and female Shoulder height: 25 to 31 inches (63 to 79 centimeters)
Body length: 40-70 in (1-1.8m)
100-160 lbs (45-70kg)

Read Complete Arctic Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Is A Red Wolf?

red wolf height length
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

One of the most spectacular and dangerous looking wolves that are pretty eye-catching are the red wolves, which are currently listed as the world’s most endangered species of wolves. 

The Red Wolf’s distinctive reddish cast, for which it is named, is one of its most unique characteristics.

If you are wondering about how large these species of wolves are, then let me tell you that these are pretty small. 

They have a length of about four feet and a shoulder height of roughly 26 inches. The male and female Red wolves are nearly the same sizes as most other wolves; the females are only marginally smaller than the males. 

Red wolves range in size from 45 to 80 pounds, with males weighing on average 60 pounds and females 50 pounds.

Red Wolf Size Length Weight
Male Shoulder Height: Upto 26 inches
Body length: 140 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet)
60 pounds
Female Shoulder Height: Upto 26 inches
Body length: 140 – 165 centimeters (4.5 – 5.5 feet) 
50 pounds

Read Complete Red Wolf Size Comparison

How Big Are Wolf Compared To Dogs?

gray wolf size compared with dog
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

You would have seen that the wolves almost look quite like most of the large and aggressive dog species. 

However, both are quite not the same, in behavior as well as size. While the typical dog probably weighs between 30 and 50 pounds, wolves are usually bigger. 

Even the tiniest gray wolves typically weigh between 50 and 75 pounds, and the largest specimens can weigh up to 175 pounds. Wolves are longer and taller than the majority of dogs.

How Big Are Wolf Compared To Humans?

gray wolf size compared with human
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

Have you ever come across a wolf in your life? If not, then what would happen if you do come across any of the wolves mentioned above? 

Gray wolves have bodies that are between 50 and 70 inches long, making them about half the size of an adult human. 

In terms of weight too, the wolf would definitely win over humans. Thus, if you are wandering in a jungle where there are chances of a wolf attack, beware and take safety precautions. 

How Big Are Wolf Compared To Lion?

dire wolf size compared with lion
How Big Is A Wolf? All Wolf Size Explained & Compared

One of the top predators and most aggressive animal species is the lion king. But, what would happen in a fight between a wolf and a lion? Who would win the battle? 

So, depending on their size, it is quite possible that the lion takes over the wolves as they are larger. 

That is, Lions are large felines that can weigh up to 550 pounds and grow to lengths of over 8 feet, while wolves are canine carnivores that weigh up to 150 pounds and grow to a height of 5 feet.

Conclusion

And that was everything you need to know about the size of a Wolf. I hope this article was informative enough and your queries were answered. 

Thank You For Reading!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top