Pet Knob

Dogs That Kill Coyotes: 15 Different Breeds

By James Smith · · Updated

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Encouraging dogs to attack or engage with wildlife, including coyotes, can be dangerous and is often not recommended. Coyotes can carry diseases, and such confrontations may result in injuries to both the dog and the coyote.

However, some dog breeds may display protective or territorial behavior that can deter a coyote attack. Such a breed can also kill a coyote when the pet owner is in danger. Here are a few dogs that kill coyotes.

Dog Breeds that Attack and Kill Coyotes

There are many reports of coyotes attacking and killing dogs. For example, a coyote killed a silky terrier just steps from its owner’s front door in Nahant, MA. The pet owner, Chris Del Dotto, said the coyote didn’t seem scared when he tried to fend it off.

Coyotes also attack humans. For instance, a coyote attacked a two-year-old in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles.

That’s why some homeowners and ranchers use big dogs to counter coyotes. So, what dog can kill a coyote? The following are some breeds that may be up to the challenge:

1. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Image by Nathalie G from Pixabay

The more popular name for it is Anatolian or ASD. This dog breed has a remarkable blend of physical prowess, unwavering loyalty, and protective instincts. It’s large and robust. The AKC lists males at about 29 inches tall at the shoulder and 110 to 150 pounds, with females around 27 inches and 80 to 120 pounds.

When faced with a coyote threat, it’s likely to respond with courage and determination to safeguard the charges, whether livestock or their human family.

The Anatolian shepherd dog’s history is rooted in its role as a livestock guardian, primarily in their native region of Anatolia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey.

2. Great Pyrenees

Image by Bakos82 from Pixabay

The Great Pyrenees, which some call the gentle giant, is a remarkable breed cherished for its impressive physical characteristics and unique behavioral traits. These dogs are magnificent in size, with males standing at a commanding 27 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weighing 100 pounds or more, while females are slightly smaller.

Great Pyrenees dogs were livestock guardians in the Pyrenees Mountains, so their protective instincts run deep. For example, a Great Pyrenees named Casper killed eight coyotes when a pack went after sheep belonging to Georgia farmer John Wierwille. Casper was badly hurt in the fight and needed surgery.

3. Kangal

Image by Peter Morth from Pixabay

Originating from Turkey, this breed is one of the largest and most robust dog breeds globally, with males typically standing 29 to 33 inches at the shoulder and weighing 110 to 145 pounds.

Their commanding presence, accentuated by their short, dense double coat, which comes in various shades of fawn with a distinctive black mask, gives them an imposing and noble appearance.

These dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty. They’re incredibly gentle and affectionate with their families, displaying remarkable patience and tolerance, even around children. However, their protective nature becomes apparent when they perceive a threat.

Their size, strength, and protective instinct make them formidable adversaries to potential predators. For centuries, they were livestock guardian dogs in Turkey, protecting herds from predators like wolves, bears, and jackals. In North America, the same instincts are put to work against coyotes.

4. The Alabai

Image by Damnjanovic from Pixabay

The Alabai, also known as the Central Asian Shepherd Dog, is robust and muscular, with the AKC standard calling for a minimum height of 25.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder and a minimum weight of 88 to 110 pounds. Many dogs are bigger. The Alabai has a strong, broad head and powerful jaws.

Bred to be guardians and protectors for centuries, the Alabai are a loyal and protective breed.

This breed is known to be highly alert and attentive, making it an excellent watchdog. Its protective nature extends to protecting livestock from coyote attacks.

5. Tosa Inu

Image by ZebraZ from Pixabay

Originating in Japan, this breed is a large and muscular dog, with a minimum height of 21.5 to 23.5 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 100 to 200 pounds, according to the AKC. Their appearance exudes strength and power, featuring a broad, imposing head with a strong jaw, a short, smooth coat that can come in various colors, and a sturdy, well-proportioned body.

Historically, the Japanese bred them for dog fights, which involved aggression considered inhumane and illegal in many countries today. However, responsible breeding and socialization practices have aimed to reduce this inherent aggressiveness, and modern Tosa Inus are generally not inherently aggressive toward people.

Their strength and size can deter or challenge a coyote, especially in a protective scenario.

6. Irish Wolfhound

Image by 12019 from Pixabay

These dogs are giants in the canine world, with males towering 32 inches or more at the shoulder and weighing at least 120 pounds. The AKC calls it the tallest of all its breeds. This breed boasts an elegant and imposing appearance, characterized by their long, wiry coat.

It’s somewhat docile and even-tempered, which is a stark contrast to its imposing physical presence.

Coyotes are generally wary of larger animals, and an imposing Irish wolfhound may discourage them from approaching. However, it’s important to note that Irish Wolfhounds aren’t typical guard or protection dogs.

7. Akbash

Image by Ramazanondersen from Wikipedia

The Akbash is strikingly majestic, exhibiting a sturdy and powerful frame between 28 and 34 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 90 to 140 pounds. These dogs have dense and weather-resistant fur, ideal for their historical role as livestock guardians in harsh environments.

Originally from Turkey, the Akbash breed is calm, confident, and often independent. These traits make it an exceptional livestock guardian breed. It does so by patrolling the perimeter of your property and using an imposing presence, loud barking, and assertive demeanor to discourage coyotes from approaching.

8. Rottweiler

Image by Kevin Seibel from Pixabay

These dogs have a sturdy frame ranging from 22 to 27 inches at the shoulder, and males weigh 95 to 135 pounds. Rottweilers are descendants of ancient Roman cattle dogs and have a long history of serving as herders and working dogs.

As for their role in defending against coyotes, Rottweilers can be effective protectors due to their size, strength, and protective instincts. They can serve as guard dogs when coyotes threaten livestock or property.

9. Pitbull

Image by Dillondygert from Pixabay

Pit bull-type dogs, such as the American Staffordshire terrier, have a muscular, stocky build with a broad head, short coat, and a powerful jaw that gives them an imposing appearance. AmStaff males weigh 55 to 70 pounds. Despite this body structure, pit bulls are loyal and thrive on human interaction, making them excellent companions and family pets.

When it comes to aggressiveness, pit bulls have a mixed reputation. While they were a bull-baiting and dog-fighting breed, responsible breeding and training may have shifted their temperament towards being gentle and friendly dogs.

However, pit bulls are also formidable opponents due to their strength and courage. They may engage in defensive behavior if they perceive a coyote is threatening their family or territory.

10. Dogo Argentino

Image by thereseb87 from Pixabay

It’s a breed hailing from Argentina, originally bred for big-game hunting, particularly for hunting wild boar and pumas. This heritage has instilled in them a strong hunting instinct, intelligence, and loyalty to its owner.

The hunting background can make these dogs more inclined to chase or confront smaller animals like coyotes, especially if they perceive them as threats.

11. Pyrenean Mastiff

Image by TBjornstad from Wikipedia

This majestic breed from the Pyrenees Mountains has a commanding stature, standing between 28 and 31 inches at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 120 to 190 pounds. A dense, weather-resistant double coat covers this robust build.

When faced with a threat to their flock or family, these dogs may display assertiveness and courage, using their imposing presence as a deterrent.

12. Kuvasz

Image by Laila from Pixabay

Well-muscled and robust, standing 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 70 and 115 pounds, the Kuvasz exudes an air of nobility and power.

Bred as livestock guardians for centuries, Kuvasz dogs are natural protectors safeguarding property and loved ones. Hence, they can deter potential threats like coyotes.

13. Sarplaninac

Image by Illyricum Scardus from Wikipedia

The Sarplaninac, often referred to as the Sar or Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, is a remarkable breed with physical characteristics deeply rooted in its historical role as a livestock guardian in the Balkans. These dogs are robust and sturdy, standing 24 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 70 and 100 pounds.

Bred for centuries to protect livestock in rugged terrains, the Sarplaninac is a formidable opponent for coyotes. They confront and even attack coyotes to protect their livestock, driving them away from the herd or flock they’re guarding. Their tenacity and courage in danger make them effective deterrents to coyote predation on farms and ranches.

14. Komondor (Hungarian sheepdog)

Image by Hell Čadanová from Pixabay

The Komondor is historically a livestock guardian. These dogs are instantly recognizable by their distinctive corded coat, which forms dense, mop-like dreadlocks to counter harsh weather conditions and potential predators. They’re large, with males at least 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder and 100 pounds or more, and females at least 25.5 inches and 80 pounds or more.

Despite their shaggy appearance, they have an agile body. If a Komondor perceives a coyote as a threat to their flock or family, they may confront it with great determination. These dogs have powerful jaws and sturdy bodies that enable them to defend their territory when the situation calls for it.

15. Cane Corso

Image by Erika Varga from Pixabay

This Italian dog breed has a compact frame that exudes strength. Standing 23.5 to 27.5 inches at the shoulder, with weight in proportion to height, this dog is an imposing figure that can be an asset to deter or defend against potential threats, including coyotes, in a home or property.

Conclusion

What dog can kill a coyote? Loyal, affectionate dog breeds that want the best for their human friends, even if it means attacking a ferocious coyote. Most dogs that kill coyotes are historically guardian or hunting dogs. They have the physical strength to take down a coyote after it fails to heed loud barks and other deterring actions.

Coyote hunting contests may be illegal in some places, but eliminating predatory coyotes may be permissible by wildlife services. However, it may be illegal to use dogs to harm or harass such wildlife, so it’s crucial to be aware of local regulations.

FAQs

Are Coyotes Afraid of Big Dogs?

Yes, to some extent, but they may still attack big dogs. However, coyotes more often attack smaller breeds. For instance, coyotes jumped a backyard wall and attacked three chihuahuas when they pounced on them at Tamara Wynn’s Granada Hills home in California. One was killed, one was carried off, and one was badly injured.

Do Barking Dogs Scare Coyotes?

They may deter coyotes from approaching because these wild animals may perceive the noise as a potential threat.

Can a German shepherd kill a coyote?

Yes, a German shepherd or any large dog can injure or kill a coyote in a physical confrontation. However, the outcome would depend on various factors like size, health, and the circumstances of the coyote encounter.

Sources

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