There is something magnificent about dogs that resemble their wild ancestors, and the same applies to coydogs, which are coyote/domestic dog hybrids. Although people can keep coydogs as pets, there are many pros and cons to consider before adopting one. For instance, it’s very difficult for these dogs to ignore their wild instincts, requiring intensive training. They can also be prone to running away and aggression.
Read on to learn about coydogs, the pros and cons of adopting one, and other dogs with similar characteristics.
Coydogs Are Coyote and Dog Hybrids
A coydog is a coyote and domestic dog hybrid. Coyotes are similar enough to dogs biologically to breed with them; however, they rarely interbreed even though they share the same territories.
Rare interbreeding occurs in the wild where the coyote’s range expands and other coyotes are scarce, but it is a difficult hybrid. That’s because coyotes and dogs do not share a synchronized breeding cycle.
Coyotes mate seasonally between January and March, whereas domestic dogs are fertile year-round. Some rare breeding programs produce coydogs, but in the U.S., some states ban this breed. In Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, and a few other states, it’s illegal to have a coydog or wolfdog (wolf/dog hybrids).
Unlike mules, which are hybrids that cannot produce viable offspring, coydogs can have litters of puppies that can also reproduce upon maturity.
But what does a coydog look like? The medium-sized coyote has pointed ears, a slender muzzle, and a bushy tail. They are usually grayish brown with hints of red. Since there are hundreds of breeds of domestic dogs, hybrids between the two vary widely in appearance. They typically have dark neonatal hair color, a white face mask, and an ebony coat. They maintain their coyote parent’s bushy, downward tail.
Pros and Cons of Adopting a Coydog
As noted, because of their different breeding cycles, coydogs are pretty rare. What’s more, if you’re looking to adopt one, it can be close to impossible. Some coydogs spend their lives at wildlife rescues rather than in people’s homes.
Some pros and cons regarding coydog adoption include:
- These dogs generally have low-maintenance grooming needs, and they don’t tend to shed very much. You can keep their coat looking fresh by relying on specialized dog brushes, such as a slicker brush.
- Coyotes are highly intelligent animals that are adaptable to many conditions. So, a mix could also inherit these traits, making them quick to learn simple tricks. Yet, because of their wild instincts, their willingness to be trained (called “biddability”) is low.
- As coydogs get older, many of their wild coyote traits emerge. They can be standoffish and aggressive. They may also try to wander and may not be outgoing or social.
Coydogs are not recommended for households with small children. If you’re looking for a family dog with coydog traits, consider getting a Husky or a Tamaskan.
Should You Keep a Coydog as a Pet?
If you have come into possession of a coydog, it is important to practice caution. These are not your typical dog. Their mixed genes make them more unpredictable than either dogs or coyotes.
Every aspect of a coydog is unpredictable–their appearance, temperament, and behavior. Thus, they are not ideal pets. They are also not very affectionate. These curious dogs are hard to train and incredibly independent. Unless you are a professional trainer, you’ll likely deal with some common behavioral problems, like urinating indoors and excessive barking.
The fact is, coydogs are not like domestic dogs. They still have natural instincts that are more centered on survival, not being good household companions. Selectively breeding dogs is a process that has taken hundreds of years to perfect, with lots of thought gone into looks, behavior, and temperament. Adopting a coydog is like rolling the dice. Unlike getting a dog from a reputable breeder, there are no guarantees when it comes to its suitability as a pet.
There Are Domestic Breeds That Resemble Coydogs
If you love the look of a coyote but want the companionship of a domestic dog, here are some breeds to check out. Tamaskan dogs are loyal, devoted, and large dogs with erect ears and a bottle brush tail reminiscent of the coyote.
Similarly, there are many dogs with wolf-like characteristics, such as the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky. Huskies are thickly coated sled dogs that are friendly, strong, and active. These dogs come in a variety of colors and have a wilder appearance than many other breeds.
Alaskan Malamutes are similar to Huskies. They are spitz-like dogs that not only resemble coyotes, but they’re also affectionate and loyal.
These breeds make great pets, and their temperaments are much more predictable than those of coydogs.
Dog Tests Can Identify Coydogs
It’s hard to identify a coydog on looks alone because of how varied their physical traits can be. If you suspect that you have one of these hybrids, you could run a dog DNA test through Embark. This company is one of the few dog DNA tests that also checks for traces of wild candids, including coyotes, wolves, and dingoes. Knowing your dog’s genetic makeup (even if it’s just a supermutt) can help you better understand their natural tendencies and temperament.
Think Twice About Keeping a Coydog
Coydogs are an interesting, rare hybrid between dogs and coyotes. This unpredictable offspring is not meant to be a pet. It still retains much of its wild tendencies. Coydogs are beautiful, but their behaviors are erratic. They are difficult to train and are not as affectionate as domesticated dogs.
If you enjoy the look of a coyote but are looking for a companion animal, several breeds resemble their wild cousins such as the Alaskan malamute, Siberian Husky, and Tamaskan dog. If you ever encounter a wild coyote, practice caution. Do not attempt to pet the animal and leave it be.
