Since learning about the therian community a few years back, I’ve noticed there are TONS of younger/newer therians who are all wolf ‘kin. I’m not calling out anyone, just trying to encourage y’all to do more research on your ‘kintype(s).
Here are some reasons you’re (probably) not a wolf therian:
Even looking at JUST canines, there are so many different species and subspecies. There are 4* different species/subspecies of wolves. 37* different species of foxes. 19* different species/subspecies of coyote. 36* different types of wild dogs. And 360* officially recognized dog breeds (this number does NOT include mixed breeds and mutts). There is no way that HALF of the community (specifically therians) are all gray wolves.
* = These numbers are as of current taxonomy information and do not include extinct species/subspecies of canines
I often see (mostly younger/newer) therians say that they are either a solid black wolf with red eyes or a solid white wolf with blue eyes. Both of these colorations are not biologically possible in wolves*. It’s rare to find a wolf with a solid coat color in the wild, they are often marbled with two or three colors. Although wolves CAN have blue eyes as pups, the color changes as they age. The only natural found eye colors for wolves are gold, orange and green- green is very rare, but it is possible. The only way a wolf could have “red” eyes, is if it were albino- meaning a complete lack of any pigmentation (their eyes lack color, but appear red because of the blood vessels in their eyes). So, no, you’re not a black wolf with red eyes- they’re more likely to be gold or orange. And if you’re a white “wolf” with blue eyes, it’s more likely that you are a “wolf looking” dog breed or wolfdog, rather than a pure wolf.
* = Although these traits are not found in wolves, they can be found in other types of canines.
Anyone who has done any research on dogs and wolves know that they behave in different ways. Wolves CAN bark, but they aren’t very good at it- they don’t really need to. A wolf’s bark sounds more like a growl than a traditional dog bark. Dogs literally depend on humans and will often seek them out, where as wolves will actively avoid people.
**Also, everything about pack theory was proven incorrect, please stop. “Alphas” are literally the parents, with the rest of the pack literally being their children.
One thing that ALWAYS confused me about wolf (or any other wild ‘kintype) therians, is their “need” to wear a collar. Wild animals don’t wear/need them, unless it’s a GPS tracker collar for science. Collars are common in domesticated animals as a proof of ownership; wild creatures aren’t owned by anyone. If you believe that you “have to” wear any gear (collar, tail, ears, whatever) to be a therian/otherkin, i promise you don’t.
** If you’re a therian/otherkin who wears a collar because you’re owned by your partner(s), just like the style or any other reason, that is completely acceptable. I’m not going after you, fam 💜
Again, I’m not trying to “attack” anyone. I’m just asking y’all to do more research on your ‘kintypes (literal research and meditation). It took me years to finally figure out mine. Please don’t just pick the first thing you think of.
EDIT: If you’re a mythical wolf (i.e. werewolf, hellhound, cerberus) please don’t @ me. I love you and you’re valid. I’m specifically addressing biological wolves. Thanks fur coming to my TED talk.
EDIT TWO: Just more clarification. If you have gone through all the things I mentioned above and still say your ‘kintype(s) is a wolf, then you do you. This post is more directed towards those therians who pick wolf without doing research or those who aren’t entirely sure.
