Timber Wolf Grooming

Without question, grooming a Timber Wolf will be difficult. Since these animals have such unpredictable temperaments, giving them care of any kind could be time-consuming and even dangerous. If your Timber Wolf is a hybrid mix with a dog breed, Wolf grooming may be less stressful--and the same applies for Timber Wolves that are domesticated early in puppyhood. In any case, it's a good idea to start all Timber Wolf grooming practices as early in the animals' lives as possible so the wolves can get used to being touched and handled.

That said, the info in the following sections is for Timber Wolves that agree to be groomed. Here you'll learn more about caring for the Timber Wolf coat, including detailed info on brushing and bathing. You'll also find out how to maintain their teeth, ears, and nails--and you'll learn exactly why shaving a wolf's coat is never a good idea.

Overall Timber Wolf dog grooming requirements are moderate to high--and a lot of that care will consist of maintaining the animal's thick, double-layered coat. Brushing will be necessary maybe twice per week--but these animals have a heavy shed in the spring (and depending on the climate, in the fall as well), so daily brushing will be required during those periods.

In regards to bathing: wild wolves are known to keep themselves very clean. Not much info exists about the cleanliness of domesticated Timber Wolves, but it's safe to assume they'll only need baths every four months or so.

Haircuts won't be required at all. And shaving a Timber Wolf coat is not at all recommended! (See more info on this in the Styling & Haircuts section below.)

And while owners can (and might need to) learn all the Timber Wolf grooming needs on their own, it'll be good to take the animal to a professional groomer at least once--if, that is, the owner can find a groomer willing to groom a wolf! The groomer will probably be able to get the wolf's coat in better shape, and provide tips on how to groom a Timber Wolf at home.

Maintaining these animals' coats will also require the use of a few Timber Wolf grooming tools, including a pin brush and canine shampoo.

Timber Wolf brushing will need to happen about twice a week for most of the year, and daily during shedding season to help collect dead hairs.

The best brush for a Timber Wolf is a pin brush, as this type glides through the thick hair the best. During shedding season, a de-shedding tool like a Furminator might be good to use prior to the brushing.

To brush a Wolf: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle. Then starting at the shoulders, go through the coat section by section with the pin brush, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle or mat, the best way to deal with it is to simply use your fingers to separate the hairs, going strand by strand if necessary.

Timber Wolf bathing probably won't need to happen very often, as this species tends to instinctively clean itself on a regular basis. A Timber Wolf bath will likely only be necessary 2-3 times per year--unless, of course, you have an especially dirty and stinky Wolf and an "emergency bath" is in order.

It's important when bathing your Wolf that you use canine shampoo (and conditioner, if desired). The kind made for humans has a different pH, and will probably irritate a wolf's skin. The best shampoo for Timber Wolves includes brands like 4-Legger, Earthbath, and Buddy Wash--all of which will make your Wolf smell clean and fresh.

How to bathe a Timber Wolf: first give the animal a good brushing. You can bathe your Wolf either in a bathtub (which hopefully has a spray nozzle attachment) or in an outdoor plastic pool using a garden hose. Wet the coat thoroughly, then apply a generous amount of shampoo to the wolf's back. Lather well, working downward and outward as you go. (And don't forget the legs, underbelly, and tail!) Clean the wolf's face, head, and ears with a washcloth, then rinse the coat until the water drips clear from it. If using conditioner, repeat the entire process with that.

Towel-dry the coat, then give it another quick brush-through to make the coat look neat and clean.

In all honesty, the phrase "Timber Wolf haircut" should never even be said aloud. These animals have existed for many thousands of years with their native, undisturbed coats--so the only acceptable Wolf hairstyle is its natural one!

Even so, some people might think that shaving a Timber Wolf coat will make the animal shed less, and will keep it cool in hot weather. Simply put, both these ideas are myths. Double coats on dogs (and wolves) act as natural insulation, trapping warm air between the layers on cold days and cool air on hot ones. This, in turn, regulates the animal's body temperature. A shaved Wolf will be much more susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn, and will get cold very easily.

Neither will a shaved Wolf coat shed less. Since it's the undercoat that sheds, unless the wolf is shaved bald--which is never a good idea!--the undercoat remains, and the animal still sheds. The shed hairs will only be shorter.

So to anyone considering shaving their Timber Wolf: do yourself a favor. Put those clippers away!

Besides its coat, a Timber Wolf will need regular maintenance in other areas:

• Teeth: Just like humans and dogs, the teeth of a wolf will decay if not cared for. Brush Timber Wolf teeth once or twice per week to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize that Timber Wolf bad breath! You can use a regular toothbrush, but it's probably best to use canine toothpaste, as the kind made for humans will likely make wolves sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If your Timber Wolf's ears aren't cleaned periodically, they'll collect dirt, grass, and other debris, and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the wolf's ears at least once per month using canine ear cleaning solution (available at pet stores or online). Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and always use cotton balls (never Q-Tips!) to wipe out any excess solution.
• Nails: If Timber Wolf nails click on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the wolf's nails as close to the toes as possible--but be careful not to cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), as doing so can make the nail bleed and be painful.