Have you heard of coydogs, or are they something new to you? Coydogs have been around for hundreds of years now, and they’re still making headlines today because people want to know what makes them so unique.
Coydogs are fast in thinking and are quick on their feet. So if you want to own a coydog, you will need to be strong to keep up with this breed. Coyote dogs, or coydogs, as they are commonly known, are wild and fun, which makes them exciting.
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What Is a Coydog?
A coydog is a cross between a coyote and a dog. The average size of a coydog ranges from 30-50 pounds. They usually have a black coat coloration with light tan markings on their ears and snout. However, because of the coyote parentage, they can also have red or grey mixed in as well.
Their average lifespan if domesticated is 10 to 13 years, like many other domestic dogs. Female coydogs tend to be slightly smaller than males.
Hunters love coydogs for their keen sense of smell, which is second only to the bloodhound. Still, coydogs can make good pets and loyal companions.
It is not recommended to keep an intact female coydog in your household because she has a very strong odor during the mating season, which will attract males dogs from all around.
Some owners believe that coydogs make great pets because of their loyalty and intelligence. However, they are less likely to respond to commands as easily as a typical domestic dog would.
You may check this article to know more.
How the Hybrid Happens
A coydog is a cross between a coyote and a domestic dog. The coyote-dog breed can occur in the wild, where the number of other coyotes can be rare. This hybrid animal occurs in wild places where there are fewer other animals to mate with, so they have been known to mingle among domesticated dogs for companionship or breeding.
Hormonal differences between a coyote and a dog present obstacles when it comes to mating. However, some dog breeds go into heat twice a year, providing a rare opportunity that can lead to successful mating. This is why it is not easy to find coydogs that are genuinely half dog and half coyotes.
When you crossbreed a male coyote with a female domestic dog, the hybrid dog produced is called a coydog. If a female coyote mates with a male domestic dog, the resulting breed is called dogote.
The physical appearance of coydogs will greatly depend on which parent they take after more.
However, all coydog pups grow up to have remarkably piercing eyes. Coydogs are known to be highly intelligent and very loyal.
How to Test if Your Dog Is a Coyote Mix
Testing for the coydog is not always an easy task. The only way to determine if your dog is a coydog, or any breed for that matter, is to take DNA samples and send them to a reputable lab.
You can take this test by sending in either blood drawn from both parents or tissue taken from the placenta before pups are born. But for the most accurate test, it’s recommended that you send in blood from both parents.
Coydog Litter Size
The litter size often depends on the dog parent used for crossbreeding. Generally, a coydog usually has a litter size of 4 to 6. However, it is not uncommon to see a litter size of 10 or just one coydog puppy.
Typical Signs of Coyote Mix Puppies
If your dog just gave birth to some cute puppies, you may see some traits that indicate they are coydog puppies.
These puppies usually have sharper ears compared to their dog counterparts.
They also have longer legs and smaller feet than their dog parents.
Since coydog puppies don’t know how to be social like domesticated dogs, they are not playful. They learn how to hunt from a very young age. It’s also common for coydog pups to have a stronger prey drive than most dogs, and you will see them go after smaller animals like cats or even raccoons!
Coydog puppies differ from domestic dog puppies in that they grow faster. They are as smart as purebred dogs, but they have many of the instincts of a coyote.
They are also extremely territorial and will protect their space by whatever means necessary.
What to Feed Coydog Puppies
Coydog puppies eat the same food as coyote puppies. Both species are omnivores, and if in the wild, they will usually hunt down small rodents. As pets, coydogs are typically fed a diet of dry dog kibble mixed with high protein canned dog food (such as tuna or beef and chicken).
In the wild, before the puppies can strike out on their own, the mother coyote will bring home fresh kill for her pups to eat. This is how they learn the proper way to capture and consume prey to be successful on their own once grown.
Coydogs Temperament
Coydogs can either be shy, gentle, friendly, fearful, or aggressive. They tend to be a one-person pet, mostly bonding with only one individual.
They are usually not a good choice for a pet as many people do not know how to deal with their natural canine instinct. However, you can still train your coydog from a young age to become a loving pet.
Coydogs’ temperament made the Teotihuacan people breed them to get strong, loyal, resilient, and temperamental protectors. Coydogs do not bark like dogs but rather howl and make hissing sounds, just like cats.
Since they are highly energetic, coydogs should exercise 2 to 3 times a day. The exercise should include jogging, brisk walking, and sufficient playtime to burn off their energy. Failure to do that, and the coydogs will manifest negative behaviors throughout their life.
Taking Care of Your Coydog
If you own a coydog, you may be wondering how best to take care of them. Worry not, as the points below will help you understand them.
To successfully own and care for a coydog, you should:
1. Train Your Coydog
As seen earlier, coydogs should be trained when young. This will help you cope well with them. Obedience training where you teach them commands such as: “sit,” “stop,” “go,” and so on should be a priority.
Training your coydog should be accompanied by rewards and punishment. Using the harsh technique to train your coydog is not advised as it is more likely to backfire.
Training coydogs is not an easy task. If you are not an experienced trainer, it is best to hire one. A trainer will best help you to figure out which training best suits your coydog, depending on the nature it has developed.
2. Groom Your Coydog
Introduce your coydog puppies to personal grooming, such as bathing as soon as possible. You should brush their coats and clip their nails once a month. You should also check their skin for any irritations or allergies.
3. Health Checks
Coydogs may have fewer health issues because they are strong and sturdy like their wild ancestors, which makes them fit to survive in the wild. However, coydogs may still experience health problems such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, and elbow dysplasia.
4. Offer Good Living Conditions
Coydogs do well in homes where there is plenty of space. This is so that they can engage in vigorous exercise. If you own a coydog, you should make sure to fence your property very well, as coydogs are known to disappear for days because of their instincts to explore. They are not best-suited for urban centers or apartments.
5. Feeding Your Coydog
The food that coydogs eat ranges from healthy fruits and vegetables to chicken treats. They eat what you would typically feed your dogs.
You will probably want to stick with the premium foods made for dogs. That way, you can ensure they don’t have any allergies or intolerances to anything.
Coydogs love meat, and they will be happy when you give them a lot of raw meat to satisfy their appetite. Since coydogs love bones, make sure you stock plenty of them as their treat.
You should also feed 2 to 3 times a day, and you should provide water all day. Speak to an experienced veterinarian to know which kind of food you should feed your coydog.
German Shepherd Coyote Mix
Have you ever heard of a coyote shepherd? A coyote shepherd or a German coyote is a crossbreeding between a German shepherd and a coyote. This mix is usually more active, intelligent, and energetic.
This hybrid has a unique appearance, which is why many breeders and owners love to have them. It is also believed that some genetic diseases can be eliminated by crossbreeding, and the offspring will be of higher quality.
Characteristics of a Coyote Shepherd
A coyote-German shepherd weighs about 60-120 pounds, and its average height is 22 to 27 inches. They can live up to 15 years. However, they are not easily trained. If you wish to have them as pets, you need to be strong and patient.
Coyote shepherds have upright ears, slanted backs, a thick coat ideal for keeping them warm through cold months. They also have a long tail, and they howl and produce a high-pitched bark. As for the color of their coats, they can be black, brown, coyote tan, grey, or white.
The Coyote-Australian Shepherd Mix
This is a hybrid dog that is a mix between an Australian shepherd and a coyote. They have the best of both breeds as coyotes are known as being intelligent, resilient and resourceful, while Australian shepherds are loyal, trainable and protective. Coyote-Australian shepherds can be aggressive if they feel threatened but with proper training, this breed should not pose any problems for most families.
Although these dogs don’t require as much grooming and exercise as purebreds, they still need to get used to being brushed on a regular basis. Take them out every day for at least half an hour of walking, jogging or running just like you would with an active Australian shepherd.
The coyote and the Australian shepherd are both canids possessing high energy levels. To keep them happy and healthy you will need to give them lots of physical activities to help them burn their energy.
Characteristics of a Coyote Australian Shepherd mix
Due to the combination of both breeds’ origin, coyote-Australian shepherds grow into medium-sized animals with good athleticism, endurance, and stamina. In terms of height, it can reach up to 20 inches and weigh about 30 pounds.
The coat of the pup tends to be about medium in length, straight with a slight wave texture. The wavy nature of their coat helps them cope with cold weather. They have distinctive double coats that are coarse with an abundant undercoat layer.
If you are planning on adopting a coydog, you should be aware of the pros and cons that come with them.
Pros of Having a Coydog
- They will protect you from danger.
- They are very loyal and smart.
- They can easily get along with other pets but don’t like strangers.
- They respond well to discipline and training.
Cons of Having a Coydog
- They can be aggressive.
- They are territorial, so if you plan to get one make sure you live in a rural area or have a lot of land where the coydog can roam and play.
- They shed a lot.
Final Thoughts
If you love the sharp piercing eyes of a coyote and the loyalty of a dog, a coydog could be for you. They are excellent pets for those who don’t mind sharing their space with them, are affectionate like a dog, and territorial like a coyote.
If you want to get traits from either side of their family tree, then a coydog is the dog for you. They are also very protective of their owners. These dogs make better pets if you live in a rural area.