Dogs

Coydog

A coydog, or dogote as they are sometimes called, is the hybrid offspring of a coyote (Canis latrans) and a dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Together they are genetically capable of producing fertile young.

The result of a male dog and a female coyote is a dogote, while the result of a male coyote and a female dog is a coydog. There IS a difference where the cross-breeding of animals is concerned. The male of the species tends to give the first part of the offspring's name.

Coydogs are fairly rare in the wild, in part because female coyotes are fertile for only about 60 days out of the year. Nevertheless, they are born sometimes. Wild coydogs can cause major problems for humans, as they typically have all the infamous cunning of coyotes but lack coyotes' natural fear of humans. A German Shepherd/female coyote dogote litter was found after a female coyote was shot. The adult Dogotes resembled German Shepherds in colour.

Coydogs were once believed to be present in large numbers in Pennsylvania due to Coyotes being in decline and domestic dogs being available as mates. Most were probably naturally occurring red or blonde Coyotes or were feral dogs. If interbreeding between the species really were common, the Coyote population would acquire more dog-like traits with each successive generation. Coyotes have also been crossed with Australian dingos.

Coyotes also breed with wolves, resulting in Coy-Wolves. Coyote/Red Wolf hybrids have also been found. Some zoologists do not consider the American Red Wolf to be a true species since it can hybridize with both the Grey Wolf and the Coyote. The argument that it is a Grey Wolf/Coyote hybrid prevents conservation efforts.

See also

• Canid hybrid

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