Wolves are carnivorous, furry, caninebeasts that often run in packs. Wolves encountered in the wilderness are typically hostile and attack characters that approach them too closely. Diseased, sick wolves of Elwynn Forest tend to keep to themselves and not attack characters, because they are sick and weak. Oddly, the Diseased Wolf of Western Plaguelands will not hesitate to attack players, probably because the plague drove them into a frenzy, making them attack everything on site.
Wolves are indigenous to many parts of Azeroth. They live on every known continent and have a wide variety of subspecies and social habits. Although most are hostile toward anyone who trespasses on their territories, a few unique dire wolf packs have befriended the Horde in recent years. These cunning and ferocious creatures have found an especially welcome home among the orcs, who admire their endurance and keen survival instincts.[1]
Wolves are a major symbol of the Horde, especially to the orcs. They serve as guards, scouts, pets, and partners. The large cousins of the wolf, the worgs, are used as the orc mount. Many such wolves came from Draenor with the orcs, others were natives of Azeroth.
Orcs and other Horde shamans hold them in high regard. They can speak to them and summon spectral wolves, some serve a giant wolf spirit.[2] Their armor also often has a wolf on it.
The Frostwolf clan of Alterac has an especially close connection to the native wolves, and two giant wolves, Duros and Drakan, who guard their chieftain.
Wolves are a popular pet due to their large variety of skins and locations. Worgs, when tamed as a hunter pet, are in the same category as wolves and have the same skills. Wolves are ferocious pets.
Though hunters can respec their pet wolves into Cunning or Tenacity, they are inherently Ferocity. In addition to the abilities that come standard with all pets ([Cower], [Growl], [Avoidance]) and those given to their natural or retrained specialization, all wolves are given the following:
Dire wolf: Dire wolves look like normal wolves but are nearly twice the size. These powerful beasts, 8-9 feet long and weighing 600-800 pounds, are the most well-known orc mounts.MoM 170HPG 221
Wolves are sold by Ogunaro Wolfrunner located in Orgrimmar. Freka Bloodaxe, the Ogrimmar Quartermaster in Icecrown, also sells two unique Wolves.
Speculation
This article or section includes speculation, observations or opinions possibly supported by lore or by Blizzard officials. It should not be taken as representing official lore.
It is possible that large wolves were also indigenous to Outland and were domesticated by the uncorrupted orcs. When Kil'jaeden forced the orcs to assault Azeroth, they brought the wolves with them. After the old Horde was scattered and destroyed, wolves adapted and settled in their environment. They were also taken to Kalimdor on orcish ships to help as defense.
Patch 3.1.0 (14-Apr-2009): Bonuses equalized. Damage had a +10% bonus and now has +5% bonus. Armor had no bonus and now has a +5% bonus.
/Patch 3.0.2 (14-Oct-2008): Pet bonus changes. Armor had a +5% bonus and now has no bonus. Health had no bonus and now has a +5% bonus. Damage had no bonus and now has a +10% bonus.