To make wolf armor in Minecraft, you need 6 armadillo scutes arranged in a specific pattern on a crafting table. Armadillo scutes drop from armadillos when you use a brush on them, and the armor can be equipped on any tamed wolf to protect them during combat.
Wolf armor was added in the 1.20.5 update and carried into 1.21, finally giving players a way to keep their loyal companions alive during dangerous encounters.
Wolf Armor Crafting Recipe
To craft wolf armor, place 6 armadillo scutes on a crafting table in this pattern:
This creates one piece of wolf armor. Unlike player armor, there's only one piece that covers your wolf's entire body.
How to Get Armadillo Scutes
Armadillo scutes are the key ingredient, and you can only get them from armadillos. Here's how:
Finding Armadillos
Armadillos spawn naturally in two biomes:
- Savanna (and all savanna variants)
- Badlands (and all badlands variants)
They're passive mobs that roll into a ball when threatened, so they're easy to spot wandering around these warm biomes.
Collecting Scutes with a Brush
Unlike most mob drops, you don't kill armadillos to get scutes. Instead:
- Craft a brush (1 feather + 1 copper ingot + 1 stick)
- Find an armadillo
- Use the brush on the armadillo
- Collect the scute that drops
Armadillos drop scutes naturally over time as well, but brushing is much faster. Each brush use has a chance to drop a scute, and it doesn't hurt the armadillo.
Scute Drop Rate
- Brushing: Drops 1 scute per successful brush
- Natural shedding: Armadillos drop scutes occasionally on their own
- Baby armadillos: Don't drop scutes until they grow up
You'll need 6 scutes per wolf armor, so plan to spend some time brushing if you have multiple wolves.
How to Equip Wolf Armor
Once you've crafted wolf armor, putting it on your wolf is simple:
- Make sure the wolf is tamed (feed it bones until hearts appear)
- Hold the wolf armor in your hand
- Right-click (or interact) on your tamed wolf
- The armor appears on your wolf immediately
Your wolf now has extra protection during fights.
Wolf Armor Stats and Durability
Wolf armor provides 11 armor points to your tamed wolf, which significantly reduces damage from most sources.
Durability
- Wolf armor has durability and takes damage when your wolf gets hit
- When durability runs out, the armor breaks
- You can repair wolf armor using armadillo scutes at an anvil
What It Protects Against
- Mob attacks (zombies, skeletons, creepers, etc.)
- Player attacks in PvP
- Most environmental damage
What It Doesn't Help With
- Fire and lava damage
- Fall damage
- Drowning
How to Dye Wolf Armor
One of the coolest features of wolf armor is that you can dye it any color, just like leather armor.
To Dye Wolf Armor:
- Place the wolf armor in a crafting grid
- Add any dye next to it
- Take the colored armor from the output
You can mix multiple dyes for custom colors, and you can re-dye armor as many times as you want. This is great for color-coding wolves or matching your wolf to your own armor.
How to Remove Wolf Armor
If you need to take the armor off your wolf:
- Hold shears in your hand
- Right-click on your armored wolf
- The armor drops as an item you can pick up
The armor keeps its remaining durability and color when removed.
Can Wolves Die with Armor On?
Yes, wolf armor doesn't make your wolves invincible. They can still die if they take enough damage. The armor just gives them more survivability, especially against groups of enemies.
If your wolf is low on health, feed it any meat to heal it. The armor reduces incoming damage but doesn't regenerate health on its own.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make wolf armor in Minecraft?
Craft wolf armor using 6 armadillo scutes arranged on a crafting table. Place scutes in the top-left, top-right, middle-left, middle-center, middle-right, and bottom-left slots.
Where do you find armadillos in Minecraft?
Armadillos spawn in savanna and badlands biomes. Look for them wandering around during the day in these warm, dry areas.
How do you get armadillo scutes?
Use a brush on an armadillo to collect scutes. Craft a brush using 1 feather, 1 copper ingot, and 1 stick. Brushing an armadillo drops scutes without harming it.
Can you dye wolf armor different colors?
Yes, wolf armor can be dyed any color using the same method as leather armor. Combine the armor with any dye in a crafting grid to change its color.
How do you remove wolf armor?
Use shears on your armored wolf to remove the armor. It drops as an item that you can pick up and reuse or repair.
Does wolf armor break?
Yes, wolf armor has durability and takes damage when your wolf gets hit. When it breaks, you'll need to craft or repair a new piece using armadillo scutes at an anvil.
What version added wolf armor?
Wolf armor was added in Minecraft Java Edition 1.20.5 and Bedrock Edition 1.20.80, alongside the armadillo mob.
Can you enchant wolf armor?
No, wolf armor cannot be enchanted. It can only be dyed and repaired with armadillo scutes.
