Understanding the Differences Between Coyotes and Dogs
While coyotes and dogs may look similar to the untrained eye, they are not the same animal. Both belong to the Canidae family, yet their genetics, behavior, and evolutionary paths diverge significantly. Understanding what makes a coyote not a dog is essential for pet owners, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone living near natural habitats.
1. Species and Genetic Differences
The first and most fundamental difference lies in their taxonomy. Coyotes belong to the species Canis latrans, while domestic dogs are classified as Canis lupus familiaris. Despite sharing a last common ancestor, these animals have evolved on different trajectories for thousands of years.
Dogs are the result of human-driven domestication and selective breeding. Coyotes remain undomesticated and have evolved under natural selection in the wild.
2. Physical Appearance
Although some dog breeds resemble coyotes, there are key physical traits that help distinguish them:
- Coyotes are leaner and have longer legs than most dogs.
- They have a more narrow, elongated snout.
- Their ears are large and pointed, usually standing upright.
- The tail of a coyote is bushy and carried low, often pointed downward when they move.
3. Behavior and Temperament
Coyotes retain their wild instincts and behaviors. Unlike dogs, they haven’t been bred for companionship or cooperation with humans.
- Coyotes are solitary or form small family units, while dogs are highly social and dependent on human cues.
- Coyotes are more cautious and elusive; they avoid humans and display high situational awareness in the wild.
- Dogs are trainable, display loyalty, and adapt to various environments through socialization and domestication.
4. Diet and Hunting
Another distinction is their feeding behavior. While dogs rely on human support for food, coyotes are opportunistic predators and scavengers.
- Coyotes hunt small prey like rodents, rabbits, and birds.
- They also eat fruits, vegetables, and garbage in urban settings.
- Dogs, though they retain some of the instincts, generally don’t hunt for survival anymore.
5. Domestication History
Dogs have been living alongside humans for over 15,000 years. This domestication journey shaped their genes and behaviors to suit human needs—companion, worker, and protector roles.
Coyotes have never undergone this process. While hybrids between dogs and coyotes (coydogs) do occur, coyotes themselves remain distinctly wild and non-domesticated animals.
6. Legal and Ethical Implications
Trying to keep a coyote as a pet is illegal in many regions. Even where it’s allowed, it’s highly discouraged due to safety, health, and welfare concerns—for both the animal and the owner.
- Coyotes are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
- They carry diseases not common in domestic dogs, including rabies.
- Keeping a coyote in captivity compromises its well-being and violates its natural instincts.
7. How to Tell Them Apart in the Wild
If you come across a canine in the wild and aren’t sure whether it’s a loose dog or a coyote, here are some cues:
- Gait: Coyotes trot with a steady, purpose-driven pace and leave a signature trail with back paws landing in front paw prints.
- Response to humans: Coyotes will flee if they detect human presence; dogs might approach.
- Vocalizations: Coyotes produce yips, howls, and high-pitched calls, especially at night.
The Bottom Line
Though they belong to the same broader family, domestic dogs and coyotes are distinct in many crucial ways. From their genetic makeup to their physical traits and behavior, coyotes remain wild animals unsuitable for domestication. Recognizing the differences helps ensure safe, respectful interactions with wildlife and better care for our canine companions.
