The wolf is the largest wild canine. The base colour of the wolf's fur is a grey yellow. Black guard hairs are most prominent on the back, the shoulders and the tip of the tail.
Keen senses, large canine teeth, powerful jaws, and the ability to pursue prey at 60 km (37 miles) per hour equip the gray wolf well for a predatory way of life. A typical northern male may be about 2 metres (6.6 feet) long, including the bushy half-metre-long tail.