The Best Wolf Tattoo Ideas and Meaning

Since the old days the wolf was respected by humans. Brave warriors and hunters used to wear the fur of a wolf to demonstrate that they killed a beast and took its strength.

Now people wear a wolf tattoo on different body parts but the meaning of it remains the same. Men and women can differently interpret the image. It could be the symbol of bravery, aggression, strength, as well as the symbol of loyalty and commitment to family values.

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Wolf Tattoo Meaning

A wolf tattoo is a highly symbolic image that communicates a variety of meanings depending on the culture, gender, and design of the tattoo. It is a popular tattoo choice for both men and women, and a wolf tattoo can represent a variety of aspects of life, from protection to personal power.

 

PROFESSIONAL TATTOO PENS:

 

For guys, a wolf tattoo may represent strength, courage and leadership, while for women, it can symbolize intuition, independence and motherhood. In both cases, the wolf can also be seen as an indication of loyalty, loyalty to family, friends and ones personal beliefs. The strong and powerful imagery of the wolf has been used since ancient times in a variety of cultures to represent strength and masculinity.

The symbolism of lone wolf tattoos is particularly strong. A lone wolf symbolizes personal strength and autonomy, courage in the face of adversity and standing apart from the pack. This can be a positive message for a man who has seen some of life’s struggles or a woman who is forging her own path.

The howling wolf tattoo is another popular wolf design, and this one often symbolizes power, freedom, and a connection with nature. It can represent a person’s journey and inner strength, as well as their need for exploration and adventure.

Nordic wolf and raven tattoo designs are typically more symbolic, and can represent the duality of life and nature, or the choice between good and evil. Wolf tattoos can also take on a tribal or traditional nature, reflecting the culture and beliefs of the wearer. A tribal wolf tattoo often represents a spiritual connection with the natural world, while a traditional wolf tattoo more often alludes to loyalty, protection and strength.

No matter the design, a wolf tattoo has a powerful and symbolic meaning, and is a popular choice for both men and women. The wolf has been an iconic image throughout history and has come to represent a range of values, from strength, courage and protection to independence, intuition and linking to the natural world.

Best Wolf Tattoo Ideas

1. Lone Wolf Tattoo

Bright and traced clearly tattoos of a lone wolf out in the wild show us a person who tries to find a balance between a human society and his own life and values. Men choose arms and shoulders as tattoo placements to fully express their inner world.

@ana.maria.ene.tattoo

@felipinhocaetano

@tattooprodigies

@jhongutti

 

2. American Traditional Wolf Tattoo

An old school wolf with open jaws traditional cartoon tattoo is a lucky charm for its wearer. A person with this kind of tattoo is used to fight the society back. Regardless of the style of the tatoo, it also shows the seriousness of a person’s intentions. It’s usually placed on arms and hips. Rarely, it’s tattooed on the chest; though, if this is the case it accentuates a sensitive and passionate character.

@cassknoxtattoo

@juanma27.art

@brandonbobst

@traditionalkings

@studioet.tattoo

 

3. Tribal Wolf Tattoo

Black ink is used to create a tribal tattoo. The popular ideas are a howling wolf, an outline of a wolf's profile, or a full head. A howling animal is either a lone wolf, or a wolf who leads a pack. A wearer of this tattoo shows his commitment to family or tribal values and wants to tie a knot with the right candidate. Usually men place this tattoo on arms, forearms, and shoulders. Inked there, it underlines the strength of the person who chooses a wolf’s head tattoo.

 @the_blackhart_tattoo_studio

@tatuajespipeint

@neal_panda

@_artist_for_life

@utility_tattoo

 

4. Wolf Side View Tattoo

A wolf side view tattoo is either a tattoo of a jumping wolf or a howling predator. A wearer wants to show how other people perceive him. It’s usually a clear message for potential friends or enemies.

@silver_lining_tattoo

@feline_sick

@monikamichniewicztattoo

@josstattoolyon

 

5. Geometric Wolf Tattoo

A wolf head and geometric design speak for a straightforward person. A wearer is usually someone who doesn’t like to hide from problems and tries to find a balance between organized society and their wild nature. Normally, this tattoo is of a small size and it’s perfectly outlined on shanks.

@exploretagswolftattoo

@nilojjosue

@artlisboa_tattoo

 

6. Wolf Howling at the Moon Tattoo

A night wolf tattoo design could be interpreted as a symbol of loneliness. A wearer is meticulous in choosing a partner and doesn’t waste his time on casual relationships. Girls opt for this design less often than guys. Still, if you see this design on a body part of a woman, it shows their commitment to family values. The tattoo is usually inked on hands to attract the attention of a long awaited wolf partner.

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@madastattoo

@feliine

@explorelocations267449694edi-tattoo-studio

@bokitattoo

 

7. Celtic Wolf Tattoo

According to Celtic mythology the wolf eats the Sun to anticipate the arrival of the Moon. This Celtic tattoo image means rebirth. To reach that state, a person should go through the Moon phase. The body art is usually placed on the chest or shoulders to underline the path from war lust to peace.

@queenofheartstattooslisbon

@ink.and.intuition

@jerry_magni

 

8. Wolf and Dreamcatcher Tattoo

Native Americans used to hang a dreamcatcher in their houses to protect dreams of their children. This tattoo design is popular among women who value their families more than anything else. This tattoo is often inked on a hip, a perfect place to show or to hide a tattoo.

Read next: 45 Protection Tattoo Ideas to keep you safe from evil.

@tattoobolo

@siyeon_tattooer

@fernandopinhotattoo

@patrik_osko_art

 

9. Realistic Wolf Paw Tattoo

A wolf paw tattoo is a sign that was left by a stronger wolf. It’s usually inked on the chest or another sensitive part of the body. It could be a wolf paw with a heart element or an aggressive tearing up the skin effect wolf paw tattoo. The former one tells a person was chosen to become a warrior and a defender, the latter shows off his strength and perseverance.

@ikova_ink

@ivanmuctattooart

 

10. Wolf Paw Print Tattoo

Wolf paw design tattoos show us the potential of its wearer. Prints are usually inked on an arm to show that a wearer is ‘touched’ by the wolf and that the animal transferred his internal strength to a person.

@roberttothtattoos

@d_ore.art

 

11. Native American Wolf Tattoo

What does the wolf symbolize in Native American culture? Some Native Americans believed that wolves were their ancestors and treated the animal with a special respect. They believed that a wolf spirit was coming on them during a battle and giving strength and courage. A wolf with Cherokee Headdress, a wise ancestor, is placed on visible body parts. Native American wolf tattoo represents a person with a backbone.

@inkdistrictamsterdam

@tommytattoostudiojkt

@josehenriquetattoo

 

TEMPORARY WOLF TATTOO:

 

12. Badass Wolf Tattoo

Badass wolf with a huge smile, teeth bared, is a popular tattoo idea among people who warn their enemies not to impinge upon their values. This tattoo inked up on the hand of a man symbolises determination to fight back in case of danger.

@edgarramostattoo

@yido_tt

 

13. Nordic Wolf Tattoo

In Norse mythology a wolf is called ‘Fenrir’. It’s an avenging alpha wolf. A big Nordic wolf tattoo inked up on a shoulder or a forearm is associated with determination to fight back if someone tries to break personal boundaries.

@metztli.saamed.tattoo

@mupadi_tattoo

@yankeetattooink

 

14. Wolf Pack Family Tattoo

The pack of wolves always gives the idea of a family whose members trust each other. This tattoo choice reflects a family person who values friendship and family values. Its wearer is always surrounded by people and ready to protect his clan. It’s a great half to full sleeve tattoo idea as it is often quite big.

@manuaguila_tattoo

@stelmaszczyk.ink

@t.arttoo_j.ta

 

15. Wolf Head Tattoo

A wolf without a dangerous smile is quite a romantic symbol that is chosen among men and women. A front wolf’s head or a three-quarter image of it says about welcomed wisdom and spiritual growth. Choose a hand for a small wolf head tattoo, if you prefer a larger tattoo, lay it on a hip or the chest.

@mor_tatts

@hhtattoonoosa

@tattooist_danha

@vlad_tattoo116

 

16. Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Tattoo

A dual image of a wolf and a sheep shows off artifice and a skill to adapt to a situation. It also shows a strong man’s character as there is a backbone under a soft shell. This tattoo on your hand is a strikingly good place to ink it.

@canvastattooandartgallery

@pieklowstapienie_

@tattoodollstudio

 

17. Simple Small Wolf Tattoo

They say the success of a man is through the soles of his feet, that of a woman is from her legs. Many girls opt for a tender and feminine wolf tattoo. They place it on their hips, shoulders, and chest to accentuate their bold character. Men prefer to have a small and simple wolf tattoo to show their independence and loyalty to the pack. They choose to ink it up on their neck or wrist.

@meimei.tattoostudio

@yeoni_tattoo

@hwadaminktattoo

@apofadaous

 

18. Japanese Wolf Tattoo

Okami is the Japanese name for a wolf. Japanese wolves are quite small, they resemble more foxes than strong European or American wolves. A Japanese style wolf tattoo is rather a symbol of spiritual growth than that of aggression and strength. Usually it’s placed on a hand or a chest, depending on its size.

@jesusmiami

@scatto_tattoo

@sdzn

Related: 45 Beautiful Lotus Flower Tattoos

 

19. Two Wolves Fighting Tattoo

The story of two fighting wolves started a long time ago. Our ancestors believed in the internal struggle between two spirits, darkness and light. A man with this tattoo shows that he possesses two natures, the one that can love, the other that can fight. Dotwork is an ideal technique for large tattoos inked up on hands, a chest or a back.

@vlad_tattoo116

@dino_tattoo

@ammartattoo

 

20. Snarling Wolf Tattoo

A profile of growling wolf with a scary grin symbolises a person who is always ready to protect himself and his family. Brave men who show in actual practice their strength and aggression favour this tattoo design. The hand is an ideal tattoo placement to warn enemies of a strong male character.

@studio18.tattoo

@paulbirchmore_tattoo

@queenofheartstattooslisbon

@jhongutti

 

21. Wolf and Mountain Tattoo

A wolf on the background of mountains is a great tattoo idea that identifies a strong character of its wearer. It’s a person who loves freedom and won’t stop on his way to reach a goal. A wolf and mountain tattoo could be also paired with a moon image. It is a great idea to create a half or full sleeve.

@sketit_tattoos

@stefan.rella

@sacredgemometry

 

22. Big Black Wolf Tattoo

A masculine tattoo with a big black wolf represents a reserved nature of a person. He lives according to his own principles. Leg tattoo placement symbolises his independency to choose a life path, arm tattoo placement tells us about robustness when making up his mind.

@govindatattooer

@samukastattooart

@roman__baier

 

23. Wolf Skull Tattoo

This tattoo represents loyalty to one’s beliefs and comprehension of rapidity of life. A wolf surrounded by many skulls shows us that a person has already overcome many challenges in life. It also means being fearless in the face of death. The perfect place for a wolf skull tattoo is a shoulder or a forearm.

@renatofirminoo

@dimitarzlatanovhenry

@vladthethird_tattoo

@marcellobasiletattooer

 

24. Girl with Wolf Headdress Tattoo

A tattoo with a girl wearing an animal cowl suits people with a strong character and whose lives have some mystic elements. The tattoo, usually inked up on an arm, could also demonstrate wolf’s protection. A person receives animal strength during tough times.

@nito_ink

@hirene.deesa

@_dontattoo

@rachaelsawtelltattoo

@guizzitattoo

 

25. Wolf with Rose in Mouth Tattoo

A wolf and a rose tattoo has several meanings. For one thing it could represent a determined nature of a person, and for another it could show a romantic and loyal person. This tattoo is on trend among girls and guys. They usually put it on rather sensitive body parts to show that they can suffer from pain in the name of love and beauty.

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@maykontattoo

@queenoffoolss

@its_a_trap0_0

 

26. Vicious Wolf Face Tattoo

A portrait of a dire wolf symbolises brutality and bravery. Men place it to show a struggle for life, their values and ability to attack first if needed. This is a big size tattoo to command the attention of enemies and let them fear a wearer. Usually inked on the chest, back and arms.

@galaxy_tattoo_art

@shatskytattoo

@hirene.deesa

 

27. The Witcher Tattoo

A magic Witcher medallion with a wolf head bears a sacral meaning to its wearer. People with this tattoo want a wolf spirit to come on him and defend them from failures and bad decisions. It’s usually paired with a chain and other mystic elements. Looks cool on an arm.

@vlad_tattoo116

@silly_handpoke

@nataszkatattoo

 

28. Angry Wolf Tattoo

A side view of a wolf with a dire grin, being ready to attack, identifies the determination of a person in face of failures and obstacles. A wolf inking is usually placed on an arm to show others that its wearer never runs from problems but tackles them instead.

@bogdanvodatattoo

@nilsbelander.tattoo

@adrada.art

 

29. Wolf and Tiger Tattoo

Two reigning predators, a wolf and a tiger, represent speed in taking decisions. The tiger is a sign of energy and velocity, the wolf is a sign of bravery. Mix them to double their strengths. Try an inking in a Japanese style, on the chest, to underline loyalty to the pack.

@yandemarlon_tattooer

@ghy_undead

Related: 95 Gorgeous Octopos Tattoos for Real Men

 

PROFESSIONAL TATTOO PRODUCTS:

 

30. Wolf in Forest Tattoo

A wolf in a forest tattoo symbolises maturity. A man with this kind of a tattoo shows people his leadership skills. He reaches decisions independently and knows what he wants from life.

@bruno_tatto

@igisaj.fatboy.tattoo

@bokitattoo

 

31. Wolf Eyes Tattoo

Wolf eyes tattoo staring at you from the skin reveals the true nature of its wearer. Whatever you see in front of you, a true wolf nature will break free. The eyes represent loyalty to principles and a family. It also means a deep understanding of the outside world and that a person looks beneath the surface.

@alex_ilustraink

@tatua.v.eh

 

32. Realistic Wolf Tattoo

The realism of wolf tattoos says about a serious side of its wearer. Its wearers don’t like hypocrisy and lies because they tend to call things as they are. Many men favour a hand placement for this tattoo.

@jhongutti

@johnlaurentart

 

33. Mandala Wolf Tattoo

Mandala is a map or a matrix of everything around us. A mandala wolf tattoo shows the true side of a person, who has chosen a brave animal as his totem. Its wearer listens to his inner instincts to make life choices. A thigh is a good place to ink this tattoo.

@bokitattoo

@inkdistrictamsterdam

@gracidart

 

34. Viking Wolf Tattoo

Vikings were famous as sailors, old sea dogs. A simple tattoo design shows us love for freedom and loneliness. A wolf in the ring in the tattoo symbolises a life cycle through which you are going alone.

@alexandramaria.rada

@jon_marino_13

 

35. Wolf Couple Love Tattoo

Wolf family tattoos mean loyalty to the pack, to the offspring, and to the beloved one. This design could be placed on an arm to show everyone that a person’s heart is already taken.

@skinart_mag

@tadi_tattoo

@ale_pre_tattoo

 

36. Wolf and Indian Tattoo

Native Americans would give their brothers a wolf name only if the last-named were audacious in a battle. American Indians believed to be descended from wolves. A wolf totem was a powerful symbol of commitment to traditions. Native American wolf tattoo is chosen by people who value family and brotherhood. Your shoulder is a great place to ink a calm and peaceful Native American wolf.

@geraldinetatuajes

@dmitriy_urban

 

37. Minimalist Outline Wolf Tattoo

A subtle outline of a wolf tattoo is an inking that works as a talisman. A predator’s spirit helps a person during times of crisis or when they need to reach an important decision. An arm or a leg are good placements to touch or see a tattoo and feel a surge of energy and determination during difficult times.

@noeliapoulaintattoo

@permagrafix

@tatmotoo

 

38. Watercolor Wolf Tattoo

A wolf watercolor tattoo represents a humanlike creature that appears from the spirit and disappears in a human body after the completion of its mission. A howling wolf shows great promise that wants to break free. Your back or a large part of a shoulder are great places to ink it if you want a large size tattoo with whimsical details.

@anna_katlinskaya

@catalina.andreea7

@dave_poole

 

MAKE YOUR OWN WOLF TATTOO:

 

39. Wolf and Lion Tattoo

Lion is a king of animals in a savanna, wolf is also a king of animals but in a forest. Both of them represent leadership, beauty and loyalty to a family. Double them to double the values. Men opt for images of howling predators, while women choose ideas of peaceful animals for their tattoos. People frequently choose side tattoos, one animal under another. If the tattoo is small, go for a narrow placement on a forearm.

@lademoiselletatouee

@crazypynk

@rafaomtattoo

 

40. Girl and Wolf Tattoo

A tattoo of a hawkish huntress together with an audacious wolf represent a determined and persistent character who knows how to take care of herself. Some girls consider wolf as a totem animal, a source of bravery and beauty. This tattoo is usually inked in a vertical way, so opt for an arm or a leg as placements.

@rodolfomellotattoo

@guizzitattoo

 

41. Dragon Wolf Tattoo

Dragon is an Asian symbol that represents power and energy. A tattoo of a dragon and a wolf bears a lot of meanings as it shows a transformation of something ephemeral into real things. People who have inked it believe that they have grown up from restless children into mature adults with a backbone. This tattoo design is quite detailed, choose a shoulder or a shank to place the whole image with a variety of elements and patterns.

@ludo_mortuus

@cristiansantori_tattoo

 

42. Alpha Wolf Tattoo

A masculine tattoo of an alpha wolf symbolises leadership skills of its wearer. Someone who has a backbone, and is able to be responsible for themselves and their loved ones. A tattoo is usually placed on visible body parts, carried as a banner.

@dmitriy_urban

@jhongutti

 

43. Wolf and Butterfly Tattoo

A simple tattoo where you can see a wolf and a butterfly is chosen by romantic people who nevertheless face difficulties head-on. A truly strong character with a backbone can balance between wolf and butterfly natures. The design doesn’t require a lot of space, making it ideal for a forearm placement, visible to its wearer and those close to him.

Read next: 40 Red butterfly tattoo Ideas

@eduardo.mec.tattoo

@laura.caselles

 

44. Wolf with Flowers Tattoo

A wolf framed with flowers is another romantic tattoo design. It’s painted to show boldness and bravery on the one hand, and tenderness, readiness to love and care on the other hand.
The combination is balanced, a wolf doesn’t seem like a predator, glaring at you from floral jungles.

@eli.blackberry

@tattooist_div

@diegodiaztatuador

 

45. Wolf with Blue Eyes Tattoo

Blue eyes of a wolf are the window to the soul of the inner world of its wearer. He can open up only to the nearest and dearest. A shoulder or a forearm are perfect placements to show off this blue eyes portal.

@donogantibor_tattoo

@nito_ink

@ukrytawmiescie

@jhongutti

 

46. 3D Wolf Tattoo

A very realistic wolf tattoo helps to catch a glimpse of the inner world. You can’t completely hide your true nature, and a strong character needs time to open up at the right moment. A dimensional tattoo is usually placed vertically, that’s why it’s better to opt for a shoulder to create a half sleeve.

@gabrielsouza.tattoo

@mazierotattoo

@galaxy_tattoo_art

 

What are the best body parts to get the wolf tattoo?

1. On Sleeve Wolf Tattoo

A full sleeve wolf tattoo is a great place to ink a wide and dimensional tattoo as you can fit a huge vertical tattoo story there. A wearer can easily see it or keep far from prying eyes under clothes.

@jhongutti

2. Half Sleeve Tattoo

A tattoo starting from the shoulder and ending at elbow joints is best for toned guys with big biceps. The image is perfectly placed there, and it could be easily hidden under clothes. Though many girls like this tattoo placement as well, they usually have smaller arms and it could affect the tattoo presentation.

@diegodiaztatuador

3. On Chest

There is some sacramental sense in inking on the chest. It’s not just an area where to place an image, but a part that is close to the heart. Usually people put a lot of meaning into tattoos like that; for example, they ink up important dates to remember them forever.

4. Forearm Wolf Tattoo

If a person wants to command the attention with a tattoo, he chooses his forearms. That’s the ultimate goal of this choice, to show a tattoo to others. The large and detailed tattoo like that could be hidden only under a long sleeve.

@sara_motta_tattooer

5. On Hand

A hand is the body part that is very visible. While shaking hands a new acquaintance will be forced to see a wolf tattoo like that. It is a neat expression of a character and a message to other people. A face and a hand are the places you can’t hide. A determined person can choose this placement. A wolf head with a grin tattoo is usually placed there.

@sukheinkdoctorz

@fernando_lunaart666

6. Shoulder Tattoo

A shoulder tattoo can tell us a lot about a person. Initially, this was a place to sear a mark to differentiate people. The side for your wolf tattoo is important as well, the left side means darkness, the right one instead means light.

7. Wolf Tattoo on Back

Back tattoos are popular among women. Tattoos can easily be hidden under hair and clothes. It could be seen as a message only by a chosen person. For men, a back placement is the option for dimensional and detailed tattoos. I guess, I don’t need to mention that if you want a large tattoo on the back, you should go only to qualified masters, right?

@liberta_ptc

@johnlaurentart

8. Rib Wolf Tattoo

A belly is the origin of life. Especially when we think about women. Placing an upper belly tattoo is very painful. A girl who wears a wolf and flowers tattoo on this body part underlines her tenderness and sensitivity.

Read next: Pink and Purple Hair for Your Brand New Style

@luke_vella_skinlabel

9. Full Body Wolf Tattoo

Initially, the Japanese and the Polynesians were pioneers in inking up tattoos on the whole body. People usually belonged to different family clans. And placing a tattoo was a ritual for them. Nowadays, few brave people, free from judgements, tolerant to hours of pain, can tattoo their whole body like that. If you belong to this category, choose a dimensional image with different whimsical details.

@thenovaexpansion

@sammytattooist

10. Hip Tattoo

A hip and a calf are as dimensional as a shoulder. They are best placements for wolf tattoos in realism or vertical 3D styles. Men like these places as tattoos can be easily hidden under clothes. Girls also prefer a hip placement as a tattoo looks bodacious there.

 

More tattoo designs to inspire your mind

Wolf with Wings Tattoo

@autark_das_tattoostudio

@zombieoncanvas

Wolf and Raven Tattoo

@sinkwell

Wolf Cub Tattoo

@cesarmejiatattoo

Wolf Spirit Tattoo

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Wolf and Baby Pup Tattoo

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Old School Wolf Tattoo

@cassknoxtattoo

@akara_arts

White Wolf Tattoo

@_dontattoo

Running Wolf Tattoo

@t.arttoo_j.ta

@denglauso.art

Wolf Pack Minimalist Tattoo

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Wolf Silhouette Tattoo

@pandartetattoo

Neo Traditional Wolf Tattoo

@mademoislmarie

Wolf and Trees Tattoo

@bokitattoo

Grey Wolf Tattoo

@mgrabek_tattoo_and_beauty

Three Eyed Wolf

@nickcarusotattoo

Wolf’s Claw Tattoo

@sevinktattoo

Wolf and Bear Tattoo

@durstattoo

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@trinhspiration

Fine Line Wolf Tattoo

@ink.rmb_hontattoo

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@studio18.tattoo

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@lukaszostaktattoo11

Little Tiny Tattoo

@kadi_rex

Wolf and Feather Tattoo

@innervisionstattoo

Wolf and Demon Tattoo

@dybuk.ink

Steampunk Wolf Tattoo

@bruno_tatto

Good and Bad Wolves Tattoo

@sinistersamstorey

Wolf and Dagger Tattoo

@anabell.m.art

Black and White Wolf Tattoo

@sunset_tattoo_ubatuba

@disciplesinktattoo

Irish Wolf Tattoo

@tattootonysquires

Space Wolf Tattoo

@izavisualiza

@rachaelsawtelltattoo

Blue Wolf Tattoo

@przestrzen_artystyczna_tattoo

@scarletfoxink

Wolf Totem Tattoo

@sarahchristinetattoos

New School Wolf Tattoo

@4ndy_w4lker

Wolf and Heart Tattoo

@studio_51tattoos

Ghost Wolf Tattoo

Evil Werewolf Tattoo

@bokitattoo

Wolf with Arrows in Back Tattoo

@witchofneedles

Stark Wolf Tattoo

@baltimoretattooguru

Wolf with Arrow Tattoo

@lammy2012

Armor Wolf Tattoo

@delight_needle_cartridges

@loitsutupa

Polynesian Wolf Tattoo

@solit_tattoo

Human Wolf Tattoo

@iacobusk