German Shepherd vs. Coyote: Everything You Need to Know

The German shepherd dog is one of the most popular breeds in America. Another name of this breed is Alsatian. They are intelligent and hard-working dogs. Their loyalty and courage are the other characteristics of this breed. They are trained to guide and assist the handicapped people, the police, the military forces, drug detection, search, and rescue operations. All the above, they are a faithful companion. 

The coyote is a species of canine, which is a native to North America. It is smaller than the wolf. And it is also called American jackal by zoologists. These species are very versatile. The coyotes can quickly adapt themselves to new environments. They have 19 subspecies. They are carnivorous and can eat anything from deer, rabbits, rodents to birds, and even reptiles. But if they can’t find anything to eat, they can survive on fruits and vegetables. The greatest threat to coyotes is humankind and grey wolves. The coyote is social but not so dependent on con species. The basic social unit of a coyote pack is a family that has a female. Families are formed in mid-winter. The coyote is monogamous. They make dens for rearing the kids.

It is believed that they can be domesticated. But the taming and domestic rating is possible as long as the coyote is a pup. But they can be destructive as well.

German Shepherd dogs and coyote looks similar. Coyote is quite identical to the German Shepherd dog if you have a quick look. Both of them look like a wolf. But both have different characteristics and features. So be clear about them, and let’s compare their speed, size, bite, force, habitat, appearance, habits, etc.

Difference Between German Shepherd vs. Coyote

  • Size

The average weight of coyotes is from 8 to 18 kgs, whereas the average weight of German shepherd aged 22 to 40 kgs.

  • Appearance

The German shepherd is mostly black and tan, whereas coyotes often have dark grey neck, chin, and belly. But they have black too. Both have thick tails. Coyotes have black tail tips, but not always. The German shepherd has tails more hooked at the end. German shepherds lift their tails when they walk, but coyotes keep their tails low while running. The muzzle of the coyotes is more pointed and has longer legs than German shepherds. German shepherds are broad and whereas coyotes are sleek and lean.

  • Bite force

The coyote’s bite force is 153, and the German shepherd bite force is almost double at 238. 

  • Habit and habitat

German Shepherd dogs are domestic dogs. They enjoy living in the cozy corner of the house, playing with toys. Coyotes like to live in the wild areas. They love open areas like prairies and deserts. German Shepherd dogs love special dog food, whereas coyotes can eat anything like insects, squirrels, etc.. They love to hunt for their food, but German Shepherd dogs love to play and work with the man. 

Pros and cons of German shepherd coyote

If German shepherd mates with a coyote, the crossbreeding of German shepherd dogs and coyotes will result in what is called as coyote German shepherd mix, or we can call them as German shepherd coyote cross. The coyote German shepherd mix will have a face mask of white color, a downward bushy tail, and sable color of the coat. The piercing eyes and long triangular ears can be the other features of this mix breed. This hybrid can wait from 60 to 120lbs.

The meeting of two different breeds will have negative and positive outcomes. The future owners and breeders will have to keep in mind the possible cost and benefits of having a German shepherd coyote cross.

This hybrid will have a unique appearance. It is also believed that crossbreeding can be able to prevent genetic diseases. As a result, healthy offspring will begin the purebred generation. They will be more agile, energetic, strong, and intelligent.

But as we have a benefit, so do we have disadvantages as well. It is possible that the coyote German shepherd mix may have an unpredictable temperament. They may not be playful and outgoing, which means they are not going to be easily handled as pets. They may need a larger space as they prefer to live in open areas.

Facts about Coyotes and German Shepherd Dogs Encounters

It is really fun to hear about some facts based on incidents about German shepherd and coyote encounters. One of the foremost qualities of German Shepherd dogs is that they are very protective and can quickly rescue operations. There are numerous stories when a German shepherd attacks coyotes and rescued its owners. Coyotes are more in attacking mood when in groups. But German Shepherd dogs still be the winner in the fight. It is said that in an encounter where coyotes attacked In group and took an edge over a German shepherd. An average family usually owns a German shepherd dog at home. So to keep your pet safe, owners must have proper lighting and coyote proof fencing. It is said that coyotes are more active to roam around during January as it is their breeding period.

Although a German Shepherd dog has the weight advantage, coyotes have the edge over German shepherd dogs with their intelligence and experience. German shepherd dog has never seen real action nor an opponent. In urban and suburban areas, coyotes don’t want a fight and will run away.

In brief, we can conclude that German Shepherd and coyotes share some similarities and still have dissimilarities. They differ in behavior and habits. And for future owners, it is to understand what might be the pros and cons of German shepherd and coyote mix outcome. They should have some prior protective measures to have the mix breed.

As these dogs are a little challenging to handle, the owners are advised to take the help of professional trainers. This will make it easy to adjust to your new pet. 

I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy the journey of growing old with them.