Can Coyotes Breed With Dogs? Canine Interbreeding Explained
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The coyote (Canis latrans) belongs to the Canidae family, which also includes dogs, wolves, jackals, and foxes. Since coyotes and dogs are genetically similar, they can breed with each other, though this is quite uncommon in the wild.1 That said, the offspring of these unusual pairs are usually fertile and fully viable.
Read on for a roundup of interbreeding between coyotes and dogs and their offspring, which are known as “coydogs.”
How Is Interbreeding Between Different Canine Species Possible?
In North America, the ranges of the wolf (Canis Lupis) overlap with those of the coyote.2 Due to the development of urban areas, the ranges of these wild animals also overlap with human settlements, meaning it is theoretically possible for a coyote or wolf to interbreed with a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).
That said, although crosses between dogs and coyotes, coyotes and wolves, or dogs and wolves are biologically possible, they are rather rare. These animals typically evolve in suitable habitats—that is, when adequate resources and fertile partners are available. Therefore, interbreeding between these canids tends to occur only when there is a shortage of healthy, viable mates of the same species.
Under What Circumstances Do Coyotes Breed With Dogs?
Female dogs come into heat about twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. Coyotes’ normal mating periods are between January and March. However, some dog breeds may come into heat more frequently, at any time of the year.3 If a female dog comes into heat near the territory of a male coyote, the latter may approach and attempt to mate with her. Sometimes, a female dog may run away for a few days to find a partner—dog or coyote.
Conversely, male domestic dogs can also mate with female coyotes, though this is rarer in the wild.
When Did Coydogs First Occur?
According to some studies, there is little evidence of recent hybridizations between the coyote and the domestic dog. That said, the study of the coyote genome reveals that from 2% to 11% of the genes of the coyote can be attributable to the dog. Therefore, according to researchers, hybridization between dogs and coyotes could date back to the time of colonization!
Moreover, certain evidence seems to show that coydogs existed even before the colonization of North America by Europeans. For example, in Mexico, there was a tradition of breeding female dogs and male coyotes, as the hybrids were considered tough, loyal, and good guardians. Unfortunately, the interbreeding “method” was rather cruel, as it entailed taking a female dog in heat and leaving her chained up in the mountains for a few days until she was impregnated by a male coyote.
What Do Coydogs Look Like?
The offspring of coyotes and dogs can exhibit a range of distinct traits and physical characteristics due to the genetic mixing of the two parents. However, predicting the temperament of coydogs is rather tricky because they can inherit “wild” traits from the coyote parent. For this reason, it is not recommended to cross these two species for the sole purpose of having a coydog as a pet. Also, it is not even legal to own such a canid hybrid in certain states.
Final Thoughts
Even when two similar species of the same family, such as coyotes and dogs, coexist in the same territory, there are often natural barriers to reproduction, namely distinct social habits and incompatible fertile periods. These obstacles generally prevent interbreeding. That said, when natural mates are scarce, unusual offspring can emerge, such as coydogs.
However, it should be noted that coyotes are wary of humans and avoid encounters with people and pets as much as possible. Consequently, the occasions when coyotes come into contact with dogs just to mate are rather rare.
Featured Image Credit: Artur Begel, Shutterstock
