Although other wolves within the pack may copulate when prey abounds, the alpha pair are normally the only ones to mate, which serves to produce the strongest cubs and helps limit the number of cubs the pack must care for.

A wolf's jaws are massive, bearing 42 teeth specialized for stabbing, shearing, and crunching bones.

Mesocyon, a small dog-like creature with short legs and a long body, lived approximately 35 million years ago. Like the wolf, it may have lived in packs.