Reviewed & updated: March 1, 2023 by Jamie Wilson BA
Are you looking to get a wolf tattoo? Then check out this list of 10 small wolf tattoo designs in different styles and colours.

Wolves are known to live in packs and hunt in packs.
A wolf represents protection, family and loyalty. This is why people love getting wolf tattoo designs to portray these qualities.
Animal tattoos, like the wolf, symbolize strength. Wolves are known to trust and follow through on their instincts, especially in difficult and dangerous situations. Wolf tattoo designs can be made from small tattoo designs, or wolves in the wild, an angry wolf, a snarling wolf or a howling wolf or even a mandala wolf tattoo. As we will explore in the designs below, wolf eyes are a striking feature and reflect the wolf’s wilderness and hunting skills.
You can find wolf tattoo designs starting with 200 dollars for minimalistic black line wolf tattoos to get done in your skin. Also black and grey shaded small wolf tattoos can be made in your arm for a low cost. The cost may vary depending on the size and artist demand. You can also get tribal wolf tattoo designs symbolizing strength, bravery, and loyalty. Let’s explore the best wolf tattoos below to inspire your very own cool wolf tattoo!
Dual Tribal Wolf Tattoo

These black wolf tattoo designs show two small wolf heads merged together. A creative twist and turn has been given to this small tribal wolf tattoo. A crescent moon inverted downwards in the black color is designed on top of the wolf head. Also, the wolves share one common eye, which appears to be bleeding. The wolf’s tattoo shows their tongue hanging from the mouth with sharp teeth jutting out. The entire tattoo is drawn in black ink and the wolves’ faces are shaded with dot work. The wild nature of the animal is shown through these small wolf tattoo designs. This small wolf tattoo representing kami spirits can be done on various body parts. The ideal placement would be the wrist or forearm. You can also get them on your shoulder or chest area as well. Most men choose these awesome tribal wolf tattoos showing Shinto gods and all the details of a wolf howling.
Moon And Howling Wolf Tattoo

This wolf tattoo, small, simple shows the natural behavior of wolves. This wolf is howling looking up at the moon. This elegant wolf tattoo features the wolf standing on the edge of a cliff. The wolf is drawn in solid black ink and the cliff has a realistic design with subtle shading. The crescent moon in the sky is black with a little grey shading.
Traditional wolf tattoos for men and women, like this one, that show the wolf in his natural habitat are quite popular. This idea can be designed and adapted as a watercolor wolf tattoo. This wolf tattoo small in size can be done anywhere in your body parts. You can place this tattoo on the shoulder or forearm or even wrist like a small simple wolf tattoo. The awesome tribal wolf tattoo designs including the moon can be inked on the chest or back as well.
Wolf Tattoo Sketch With Rose

This wolf tattoo is a contradiction to other black wolf tattoo designs. Most tattoos we have seen so far show the wolf being aggressive or howling. However, in this lovely tattoo, the wolf is holding a red rose in his mouth and almost looks as if he’s smiling. The wolf’s face is inked in fine lines and shading of grey, black and white. The striking blue eyes of the wolf stand out from the rest of the features, and contrast the red rose.
This tribal wolf tattoo represents loyalty, care, and love. Compared to the lone wolf tattoos for men, this one is good contrast, a friendly wolf with blue eyes. You can work with a talented tattoo artist to recreate this as a watercolor wolf tattoo and make the design more memorable. This tattoo is placed on the side of the torso as it needs a large canvas.
Mandala And Celtic Wolf Tattoo Designs

This lone wolf head tattoo has a mandala design on his wolf head. The wolf head has a geometric style mandala design in the back of the wolf head. The partial mandala design looks like a crown worn by this Celtic wolf tattoo. The wolf head tattoo has a smooth texture and looks like a faint sketch, while the mandala design in the back has thick black lines.
Far from the snarling wolf or howling wolf tattoos, this one is quite calm. A geometrical wolf tattoo design would pair well with this mandala design. As shown in the picture, this design looks wonderful as a wolf forearm tattoo. You can get this tattoo as part of a lone wolf tattoo sleeve or just as individual wolf tattoos for men and women.
One-Line Wolf Tattoo

This howling wolf tattoo is done with a single-line freehand drawing. With a minimal design, this is one of the most creative howling wolf tattoos. A single line connects each element of the wolf head and merges into the crescent moon design right behind the moon.
This wolf hand tattoo design is one of a kind. You can get this wonderful wolf tattoo on your chest, forearm, shoulder or even on your legs. You can get a geometric wolf tattoo drawn in the same freehand manner.
Lone Wolf Tattoo

The tribal wolf in this tattoo design is shown walking alone, yet they are strong and capable of taking care of themselves. As some wolves are independent and solitary creatures, this is where the phrase “Lone wolf” is derived from. While this wolf tattoo design is small, it is quite detailed and looks like a light sketch. Inked with strokes of black, grey and white, this small wolf tattoo elegantly shows the wolf in its natural state wandering and walking alone. This wolf tattoo design is placed on the upper arm, but it would look great on the chest, forearm, shoulder or thighs as well.
Geometric Wolf Tattoo

This tattoo is a stunning combination of a small geometric wolf tattoo and a tribal wold tattoo. Split down the middle, the right of this tattoo shows the wolf in clean black brush strokes depicting the fur, and one eye, and ear. On the left side, there is a detailed wolf design done in geometrical lines and shapes. The geometric shapes are filled in solid black or have black lines. Combined, it shows one smiling wolf with a thick mane and captivating eyes. This tattoo is placed on the left side of the chest and utilises the large canvas quite well. If you are looking for hybrid wolf tattoo designs that are artistic and raw, you can try this one!
Howling Wolf Tattoos

This wolf pack tattoo shows an adult wolf and a cub wolf, both howling with the moonshine falling on them. This tattoo is inked in a fine line style and uses light shading in the design. These wolf tattoos are a matching tattoo pair inked by a mother and daughter. You can get such similar wolf tattoo designs with your parent to showcase the bond and connection you have with each other. This tattoo can show a connection with your family and life. You can have this tattoo on your shoulder or wrist.
Wolf Head Tattoo With Name

Here is realistic wolf head tattoo inked in black and dark grey lines with a name inscribed below it in calligraphy style. This is a wonderful gesture to dedicate a tattoo for a loved one or family member. This small wolf head tattoo is placed on the forearm and does not occupy too much space. One of the best ideas for wolf tattoos for men and women, you can place this on the shoulder or wrist as well. You may choose to get this wolf tattoo design with realistic wolf colours or change the font type as per your preference.
Realistic Wolf Tattoo

One of the most realistic wolf tattoo designs so far, this one looks assertive and bold. The wolf face is detailed in dark, thick lines. The wolf’s piercing golden-yellow eyes highlight the wolf’s fierce behavior. The wolf’s smiling face seems contrasted with its golden gaze. This tattoo is inked on the forearm and has a finished, clean look.This wolf head tattoo is a good option for you to have on your hands.
If you are looking for more exciting wolf tattoo designs, then you can take a look at our suggestions below.
- Watercolor wolf tattoo on chest
- Wolf tattoo sleeve with other elements
- Snarling wolf and moon tattoo
- Angry wolf in watercolor technique tattoo
- Wolf hunting tattoos on the chest
- Pack of wolves tattoo
- Small lone wolf tattoo
Feature image from Pinterest
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What does a small wolf tattoo mean?
Small wolf tattoos often symbolize strength, intelligence, loyalty, and a connection to one’s inner animal nature. Wolves are viewed by many cultures as powerful guardians of the spirit world and represent strong family bonds that endure over time. They can also signify a fierce warrior spirit or simply be an expression of admiration for their beautiful wild nature. Small wolf tattoos can be a great way to express your own inner strength and courage. They are often seen as a reminder of the power within us all, even in the face of adversity.
What is the best placement for a small wolf tattoo?
The best placement for a small wolf tattoo is anywhere on the body which can be easily seen. Common placements include the shoulder, wrist, ankle, and even ribs. Depending on the size of your tattoo, it can also look great on areas such as the back of your neck or upper arm. It’s important to choose a placement that works best for you and the design you want. Consider what areas of your body are most visible when wearing clothing and how it will look in different positions. If you’re unsure, talk to your tattoo artist about what will work best for the size and style of your tattoo.
What are some of the most popular small wolf tattoo designs?
Some of the most popular small wolf tattoo designs include a single howling wolf, an anime-style wolf, or a pack of wolves. Other popular designs may feature a lone wolf standing in the wilderness, two wolves facing each other, or a scene with multiple wolves running together. Many people choose to add other elements to their design such as stars, moons, flowers, or feathers. Some may even choose to incorporate geometric shapes or tribal patterns into the tattoo for a unique look. No matter what design you choose, make sure to express your own personal style and have fun with it!
Are small wolf tattoos painful?
The level of pain you experience when getting a small wolf tattoo depends on the placement and size of the design. Generally, areas with more nerve endings such as elbows or the feet will be more painful than other areas of the body. However, everyone’s pain tolerance is different so it’s important to take into consideration how much pain you are willing to endure before getting inked.