Coyotes are wild canine species. But despite being a wild dog, society has tried to domesticate it. We know dogs were domesticated from wolves, but what about coyotes? Can they reproduce with domestic dog species?
In the past several years, we have seen an increasing love for wolfdog hybrids, and coyotes are no surprise. Today, we will talk about the coyote dog mix. Is it possible?
First things first, the Coydog is not a purebred dog. In theory, it is a cross between a domestic dog and a coyote. But how real and possible is this theory in practice? Let’s find out.
What Is A Coydog?
According to the definition, a Coydog is a canid hybrid resulting from a mating between a male coyote and a female dog. Hybrids of both sexes are fertile and can be bred through for generations. On the other hand, a dogote is a hybrid between a male dog and a female coyote.
Here is a fun fact. This type of breeding occurred long before the European colonization of the Americas. Melanistic coyotes have inherited their black pelts from dogs likely brought to North America through the Bering Land Bridge some 12,000 years ago by the ancestors of the indigenous people in the US.
Coyote dog mix puppies were bred deliberately in pre-Columbian Mexico. At the time, coyotes were held in high regard. And in the city of Teotihuacan, it was common to crossbred coyotes and Mexican wolves with dogs to breed resistant, loyal but temperamental, good guardians.
When held in captivity, F1 hybrids tend to be more mischievous and less manageable pups than dogs. They are also less trustworthy.
Hybrids can vary in appearance. Yet, they generally retain the coyote’s adult coat color, which is dark neonatal coat color and bushy tail. Their white facial mask is present as well.
F1 hybrids are more intermediate in form between dogs and coyotes, while F2 hybrids are more varied. Both resemble their coyote parent in terms of shyness and intrasexual aggression.
How Can Coyotes And Dogs Mate?
Here is the tricky part. Coyotes and domesticated dogs are unlikely to mate because of their social tendencies. Then you also have to take into consideration the short breeding season. This is all the reason why coydog puppies are extremely uncommon. At the time when coyotes mate, domesticated dogs are not usually in heat.
So, how does it work? Dogs usually have their puppies throughout the winter, while coyotes mate in January and March, and give birth around May or June. Yet, some dogs go into heat up to three times per year.
When a male coyote meets a female dog that is in heat, it is possible for them to procreate. Yet, in most cases, coyote dog mixes are a result of artificial mating, or as we say it, IVF.
Female coyotes go into heat once a year. Male coyote sperm count remains dormant or very low for most of the year. In spring, it raises for about 2 months in conjunction with the female’s heat cycle.
Does This Dog Exist?
Some people claim that the Coydog is an urban legend. Others, beg to differ and have seen a coyote-dog mix.
It is a fact that dogs, coyotes, and wolves can mate with each other and produce fertile offspring. The problem is the mating cycles of the two species.
Then, you have to take social habits into consideration. A wild coyote is highly unlikely to become friendly with a domesticated dog. Instead, they are more likely to eat the dog or attack it.
Yet, as we know, there are some coyote-dog mixes around. Most of them, are in captivity.
What Are Some Common Coyote Dog Mix Options?
This might surprise you, but there are actually examples of dogs that have been crossbred with coyotes. According to Hepper, there are eight types of coyote dog mixes.
Those are coyotes mixed with Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, and Golden Retriever.
Can You Legally Own A Coydog?
In certain locations, yes, it is permissible to own a coyote dog breed. Coydog breeders exist. Yet, the procedure of breeding and selling these puppies is questionable at best. The laws must be addressed before you can get a coyote dog mix breed.
Yes, some states have exotic pet ownership rules. Check the rules before trying to get a Coydog. Generally speaking, if you can own a Wolf dog, you can also own a Coydog.
Now, while owning one might be legal, you must decide whether it is the right choice.
Is It Safe To Own One?
The temperament of a Coydog might vary from one dog to another, and from one owner to another. We must remember coyotes are wild animals. They are used to living in the wild.
Some reports say these animals are wonderful companions. Others say they can be destructive to people and property.
It is hard to tell what the temperament of your dog will be. Sometimes, you cannot guess the temperament of a mixed breed dog, yet alone a mix between a domesticated dog and a wild animal.
There is no guaranteed answer to the question “Is a coyote dog mix safe for a typical family seeking a companion”.
