Weedon Scott, a wealthy Yukon gold hunter, first encounters the wolfdog White Fang during a brutal dogfight orchestrated by Beauty Smith. Witnessing White Fang being suffocated by the bulldog Cherokee, Scott physically strikes Smith and pries open the bulldog’s jaws to free the animal. He forcibly purchases White Fang despite Smith’s resistance.

Assisted by his partner Matt, Scott takes White Fang to his cabin. Though Matt doubts the vicious animal can be tamed, Scott persists with patient kindness, using soothing tones and offering food to build trust. This gentle approach overcomes White Fang’s trauma, fostering loyalty.

When Beauty Smith later attempts to steal White Fang, the wolfdog attacks. Scott pulls him off, recognizing Smith as a threat and reinforcing his role as protector. Planning to return to California, Scott initially leaves White Fang behind but relents when the wolfdog pursues his ship. He allows White Fang aboard the Aurora for the journey south.

In California, Scott introduces White Fang to his San Francisco family estate. Judge Scott, his father, expresses concern over housing a part-wolf animal. Scott supervises White Fang’s adaptation to domestic life, including curbing predatory instincts around poultry.

A subplot involves Mit-sah, an Indigenous figure from White Fang’s past. Kidnapped by Beauty Smith during the voyage, Mit-sah is used as leverage to infiltrate the Scott residence. Smith threatens Mit-sah’s life to subdue White Fang while attempting to murder Judge Scott in revenge for a prior prison sentence. Upon discovery, White Fang breaks free and confronts Smith. Mit-sah commands the attack, leading to both being shot during the struggle before Scott’s family intervenes.

Scott stays by White Fang’s side during recovery. The wolfdog survives, cementing his place in the household.