What is a Coydog?
The Coydog or Coyote Dog is the hybrid result from the mixing of a dog breed (huskies or other spitz-type dogs) and a coyote.
A true coydog has one pure coyote as one of its parents. One needs to make the difference between the coydog and the coywolf, as these terms are often mistaken for one another.
The Appearance of a Coydog
Coydogs are very rare breed mainly because of the limited breeding season of the coyotes. The coydog may differ in appearance depending on their parent’s breed. Coyote dogs have an athletic and strong built.
They are medium to large in size with triangular ears and a long muzzle like coyotes.
Their eyes are usually brown and can be quite sharp and piercing. They have a hairy and downward tail. Coydogs howl like coyotes but also bark like dogs.
Coydog Pictures & Images
Quick Information ~ Coyote Dog/ Coydog
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Coydog |
| Other Names | Dogote |
| Color | White, Brown and Sable |
| Coat | Dense-medium |
| Breed Type | Hybrid |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 22-28 inches |
| Weight | 60-120 Pounds |
| Life Span/Life Expentancy | 5-15 Years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, Energetic, Fast, Agile, Shy, Strong and Loyal |
| Shedding | Once a year |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Good with Children | Unpredictable |
| Litter Size | 5-7 puppies on an average |
| Country of Origin | America |
History of Coyote Dog/ Coydog
The origin and history of a coydog are not well known. Many people believe that the breed is a myth, despite several breeders producing coydog puppies.
The breed is believed to have been created for centuries and some evidence has pointed to the people of Teotihuacan breeding coyote dogs to produce a powerful and loyal hunting companion.
Coydogs make sounds that are a mix of a howl and a high pitch bark which is a unique ability owing to its coyote parents.
Temperament and Personality Traits
The owners of coyote dogs should be aware that the temperament and traits of a coydog may vary between coydogs of the same litter.
Overall, coydogs are quite unpredictable and are not meant for the first time dog owners.
Coydogs are not a preferred choice for a pet for most people do not have the knowledge regarding natural canine instinct and their behavior!
The individual behavior and nature of the coydogs might range from a shy, timid nature, to a gentle, friendly one, to an aggressive and fearful that would feel threatened and afraid very easily.
Coydogs tend to be one person pets, as they demand personal attention. However, if socialized and trained properly they can be loving and kind to the entire family.
Anyone keeping these dogs needs to be a 100% firm, confident, and a consistent pack leader.
Care ~ Exercise, Grooming & Health Problems
Exercise
Coydogs are very energetic and agile and need daily exercise schedules to burn their energy levels.
Regular activities, running, brisk walking, jogging, and sufficient playtime is recommended to expend their energy or else they may result in aggressive or destructive in nature.
High level of activities and vigorous exercise schedules like brisk walking, jogging, and playtime regularly meet their such needs of burning out the energy.
Since Coydogs are intelligent indulging them in activities like toys, flyball, agility test, obedience competitions will be great for their development.
Grooming
Coyote Dogs are not high maintenance dogs and grooming them every day is an easy task.
The grooming needs of a coydog may vary depending on their coat type and their parent dog breed. However, a standard coydog should be groomed like regular dogs of the same size and hair type.
Brush their coat only when it is necessary and keep a check on them to keep them clean and tidy to avoid any skin irritation or allergies.
Trimming their nails once a month is advised if they don’t shed on their own.
Health Problems
The coydog is a hardy breed with few health issues.
resulting in lameness are common health issues coydogs are prone to. They can be susceptible to genetic diseases inherited from their respective breed parents.
Feeding ~ Food & Diet of Coydog
Owing to their large size and hyperactive energy level, it is evident that coydogs need high-quality food that has high protein and fat.
Feeding should be done two or three times a day with access to water throughout the day.
The coydog thrives on a Raw diet with a large quantity of raw meat to satisfy their appetite.
Coydogs have a fetish for raw bones, make sure you feed them with sufficient bones in their meals to nibble through the day.
Interesting Facts ~ Coydogs
- A Coydog is not suitable for apartments style or suburban settings.
- Owing to their unpredictable and aggressive nature Coydogs are not recommended for families, especially those with young children.
- ‘The North American Indian’ author Edward S. Curtis mentions about breeding coyotes with dogs: “Indian legend declares that the first dogs were obtained somewhere in the north by men who had spread snares in front of a rocky cave and scattered partially decayed meat about the place. In those early times, dogs were very valuable, and not many possessed them. Sometimes young coyotes were caught and at maturity were bred with female dogs.”