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Can Coyotes Breed With Dogs ?

Can Coyotes Breed With Dogs ?

Every pet parent wants to be the proud parent of a dog that will make heads turn.

This craze has resulted in the rise in demand for hybrid animals.

A hybrid is achieved by mating two species of closely related animals. For instance, a lion and a tiger can be mated to produce a liger.

 But can the same be done for a dog and a coyote? Can Coyotes Breed With Dogs?

The Short Answer:

Yes! Coyotes can breed with domestic dogs.

Coyotes and dogs are closely related, so it’s not surprising that they can produce hybrids.

In fact, the two species have been interbreeding for centuries. Coyotes are actually believed to have evolved from domesticated dogs.

The Coydog & Dogote

The offspring of a coyote and a dog is called a coydog. They are canid hybrids, which simply means that they are the result of two different species of the family Canidae breeding.

These hybrids are fertile and can be bred through four generations. Coydogs are the offspring of a male coyote with a female dog.

When a female coyote mate with a male dog, the offspring is referred to as a dogote.

The first coydogs were created in captivity in Europe in the 1930s. They were bred to study the behavior and genetics of both species.

 Coyotes and dogs have similar body shapes and coloring, so it was difficult to tell them apart.

 It wasn’t until the 1960s that researchers were able to document the first wild coydog sightings.

Characteristics of Coydogs/Dogotes

Caydogs are not recognized as a separate breed by any major kennel club, but they are considered to be a hybrid of the coyote and domestic dog.

 There is no standard appearance for a coydog, as they can inherit any combination of physical traits from their parent breeds.

They tend to be smaller than coyotes, with shorter legs and thicker fur. They may also have some dog-like features, such as floppy ears.

Coydogs typically exhibit some degree of hybrid vigor, meaning that they are generally healthier and more vigorous than either parent species.

While coydogs can survive in the wild, they are not as well adapted as coyotes.

They may also be less wary of humans, which could lead to them becoming nuisances or even dangers in populated areas.

 If you do have a hybrid like a coydog, it’s important to socialize them early on so that they learn how to behave around people and other animals.

With proper training and socialization, coydogs can make wonderful pets.

Coyotes and dogs both belong to the mammalian order, Carnivora, which means that they are both meat eaters.

As a result, coydogs have a strong hunting instinct and love to chase prey (usually small animals). They also enjoy digging holes in the ground and playing fetch.

Coydogs typically get along well with other animals, including dogs and cats.

 However, they may be aggressive towards other coyotes or members of their pack (or family).

Coydogs living in suburban areas often become accustomed to humans and may beg for food or approach people for petting.

However, those living in rural areas may be warier of humans and less likely to interact with them.

Is A Coydog Similar to a Wolf?

The answer to this question is both yes and no.

The Coydog is similar to a wolf in that they are both canids, and they share certain physical characteristics.

Coydogs usually look like small wolves or coyotes, but their exact appearance can vary depending on which parent they take after.

They can range in size from 15 to 50 pounds and have a coat that is usually gray, brown, or black. 

However, the Coydog is not exactly like a wolf, because they have distinct differences in appearance and behavior.

For example, Coydogs typically have the independence and self-sufficiency of a coyote, but they may also be more trusting and submissive around humans like dogs are.

They also have the physical strength and agility of a coyote, but they may not be as successful at hunting since they lack the experience.

On the flip side, wolves are typically much larger than coydogs, weighing in at around 60 to 175 pounds.

They also have a more powerful build, with a thick coat of fur that is usually gray, white, or brown.

Wolves are also more social creatures than coyotes, living in packs and working together to hunt prey.

Coydog Temperament

Coydogs are highly unpredictable, and their temperament can vary widely. They should only be cared for by those who understand them well; these aren’t dogs that any first-time pet owner would want!

Granted, some coydogs may inherit the docile and manageable personality from one parent but this is more of an exception to the rule. 

It’s important to remember these dogs have one wild parent and they will inherit some of the character traits from the coyote.

Coydog Health Issues

Coydogs are hardy animals and can survive with few health issues—even in the wild.

However, they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis, and other health problems especially as they get older.

Their life expectancy is highly variable, ranging anywhere from 5 to 15 years old.

Coydogs are also susceptible to the same parasites and diseases as both coyotes and dogs. These include heartworm, ticks, fleas, ear mites, and mange.

Vaccinations can help prevent some of these health issues.

How Much Exercise Does a Coydog Need?

A coydog is half-wild. Coyotes are adapted to traveling long distances and running a lot as they hunt for prey.

This agility and energy are passed on to their offspring. Coydogs are, therefore, not a good choice for someone that lives in an apartment—they need a large backyard where they can exercise and play.

Coydogs will need to be stimulated through lots of play, hikes, jogging, and other high-intensity activities.

If they do not burn out their energy on exercise, they will tend to be mischievous and may even get destructive like knocking over pots and just being a handful.

Suffice to say these are not the best pets for parents who are looking for a laid-back approach to pet parenting.

Can I Legally Own A Coydog?

Coydogs are often bred and sold as wolfdogs because these are regulated as native species.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the law allows you to own a Coydog.

Each state has its own set of laws that govern hybrid animals. While some allow anyone to own hybrids, some states might require a special license – especially for hybrids that have a wild animal as one of the parents.

 If the authorities believe that the animal will be a threat to the public, there is a good chance it will either be illegal or regulated.

Before you think of owning a Coydog, do some research on what your state and local law say about hybrid pets.

Closing Thoughts

Based on the available evidence, it appears that a coyote and a dog can successfully mate and produce viable offspring.

While there are some physical differences between the two species, they are not enough to prevent them from being able to mate.

However, it should be noted that coyotes and dogs have different social structures, so their offspring might not easily integrate with other dogs or coyotes.

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Last Updated on March 8, 2023 by

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