Is my dog part coyote?
A part coyote dog will often have one or more of the following physical trails – a pointy muzzle, drooping tail, reddish-tinged fur, flat forehead, and/or slim build.
It can be fascinating to see a dog that doesn’t appear to resemble any that you are aware of. This can make your mind wonder about other animals such as wolves and coyotes.
It will make you ask, “Is my dog part coyote?” and that is an interesting query to make.
In general, it’s rare for this to happen but it does occur. Don’t assume your dog isn’t part-coyote because there are certain dogs that will have this genetic makeup once you look closer.
For those asking, “Is my dog part coyote?” this guide is going to help dive deeper into the subject matter by pointing key signs to look for in your dog.
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Is My Dog Part Coyote? Signs to Look For in Your Dog
Sign #1 – Pointy Muzzle
The main sign a dog owner is going to notice will be the muzzle.
This is the most distinctive trait a part coyote dog has and it’s the first thing you should look for. The pointy, black-colored muzzle is a clear-cut sign that your dog has a bit of coyote blood running through its veins.
Of course, this doesn’t mean it’s a guarantee!
There are certain dog breeds that are going to have pointier muzzles, but this is just one sign that is going to stand out when you first take a look.
When you are assessing the dog’s muzzle, it makes sense to look at what you assume the dog’s breed should be. Compare photos and pay attention to the muzzle.
Does it appear to be pointier? Does it seem to look more like a coyote’s muzzle?
Sign #2 – Flatter Forehead
Along with the pointy nose, coyotes are also renowned for having a flatter forehead in comparison to dogs.
If your dog is part coyote, it may take this look from the coyote side of their family. This means you are going to see the dog have a flatter forehead, which makes the muzzle stand out.
In some part coyote dogs, this is going to be subtle, while others are going to have a clearly flat forehead.
Just like with the pointy nose, it’s recommended to compare photos of the dog’s assume breed.
You want to see whether or not the forehead is in line with what you expect the dog’s breed to be.
Sign #3 – Sleeker Build
This is another common sign that stands out with a dog that’s part coyote?
If you are asking, “Is my dog part coyote?” you are going to realize the build is what is different. In general, the dog is going to look skinnier than an average-sized dog.
It is going to have a more slender appearance, which makes it look like it’s on a diet or has been running for long periods.
Coyotes are genetically designed like this and are always on the slimmer side.
This means your dog may also have picked that up and maintained a slender build.
Sign #4 – Drooping Tail
This is a rare sign but it is one that is going to offer more of a clear-cut assessment of your dog and its genetic makeup.
If the tail appears to be bushy and drooping then that is a good sign that your dog has a bit of coyote blood in its body.
The tail tends to droop for coyotes, which other dogs will have more of an alert tail that wags. This is one that is going to be a distinctive physical trail you can look out for.
When you start combining it with other traits, you start to get a better feel for what your dog really is.
Final Thoughts
Is my dog part coyote?
If you have noticed 1-2 of the physical characteristics cited above then it may be true. You will want to be careful when raising a dog that’s part coyote because it’s going to be difficult to train and is going to have an independent streak that’s noticeable.
This becomes a serious issue as the dog gets older, but it’s not impossible to manage.
A lot of part-coyote dogs do well and will age gracefully as long as you are aware of their genetic makeup. Take the opportunity to speak to a vet when it comes to learning more about your dog, especially if it is part coyote.
You are going to get a better read on the dog once it starts getting older. A lot of dogs will retain most of their adult physical traits near the age of 1-2. This is when you are going to get a good look at what the dog is without having to do a DNA test.
For more on learning about your dog, read these articles – helping dogs go to the bathroom at night, coyote attacks on dogs, good dog boots for dogs, and tips for finding dog urine at home.