Coyotes and dogs, both members of the canine family, often share a similar appearance to the untrained eye. This resemblance is understandable given their close relation, yet coyotes (Canis latrans) are wild animals native to North America, distinct from their domesticated dog cousins. While related to the larger gray wolf, coyotes are known for being smaller.
This leads to a common question: How Big Are Coyotes Compared To Dogs? The straightforward answer is: it varies significantly. The size difference isn’t a simple matter of coyotes being universally smaller or larger than dogs. It heavily depends on the specific dog breed you’re comparing and even the particular subspecies of coyote in question. Size is a spectrum, and both dogs and coyotes exhibit considerable variance within their own populations. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to understand these size dynamics.
Coyote vs. Dog Size: A Breed and Subspecies Comparison
When considering whether a coyote is bigger than a dog, it’s crucial to recognize the vast diversity in dog breeds. A tiny Chihuahua will obviously be dwarfed by a coyote, but what about a larger breed like a German Shepherd or a Great Dane?
To make a meaningful comparison, we need to account for the size range within both dogs and coyotes. Interestingly, coyote size itself isn’t uniform. Different coyote subspecies exhibit notable variations in average weight. The largest coyotes are generally found in eastern and northeastern North America – specifically subspecies like Canis latrans thamnos and Canis latrans frustor. These larger coyotes can reach weights up to 40 pounds (approximately 18 kilograms). In contrast, smaller coyote subspecies average around 25 pounds (about 11.5 kilograms).
To illustrate the size relationship between larger coyote subspecies and various dog breeds, consider the following comparison chart:
| Animal | Average Weight | Average Height |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote (all subspecies average) | 25–40 pounds | 18–23 inches |
| Dachshund (Standard) | 16–32 pounds | 8–9 inches |
| Greyhound | 60–70 pounds | 27–30 inches |
| Newfoundland | 100- 150 pounds | 25–28 inches |
| Standard Poodle | 40–70 pounds | 18–24 inches |
| Rottweiler | 80–135 pounds | 22–27 inches |
| English Setter | 45–80 pounds | 26–27 inches |
| American Water Spaniel | 25–45 pounds | 15–18 inches |
| Whippet | 25–40 pounds | 18 -22 inches |
| Finnish Spitz | 20–33 pounds | 15–20 inches |
This chart clearly demonstrates that the “bigger” animal depends entirely on the specific dog breed being compared to a coyote. Smaller dog breeds like Dachshunds and Finnish Spitz are generally lighter than even average-sized coyotes. However, medium to large breeds such as Greyhounds, Standard Poodles, Rottweilers, and especially Newfoundlands are significantly larger and heavier than coyotes. Breeds like American Water Spaniels and Whippets overlap in the size range with coyotes, making the size comparison less clear-cut and dependent on the individual animal.
Coyotes in the Animal Kingdom: Size Relative to Other Canids and Animals
To further contextualize coyote size, it’s helpful to compare them not just to dogs, but to other animals, including related canids and some dramatically different species. The chart below provides a broader perspective:
| Animal | Average Weight | Average Height |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote (all subspecies) | 25–40 pounds | 18–23 inches |
| Wolf | 50–180 pounds | 26–32 inches |
| Fox | 5–30 pounds | 9–12 inches |
| Lion | 250–420 pounds | 36–48 inches |
| Tiger | 140–700 pounds | 30–42 inches |
| Human | 100–180 pounds | 62–67 inches |
Image Credit: mathey, Pixabay
This comparison highlights that coyotes are mid-sized canids. They are notably smaller than wolves, which are apex predators, but generally larger than foxes, which are smaller, more delicate canids. When compared to much larger animals like lions and tigers, the size difference is dramatic, emphasizing coyotes’ position as medium-sized predators in their ecosystems. Even compared to humans, coyotes are considerably lighter and shorter.
Beyond Size: Key Differences Between Coyotes and Dogs
While size is a primary point of comparison, it’s important to remember that coyotes and dogs are distinct species with other notable differences. Beyond their physical dimensions, several key traits set them apart:
- Physical Features: Coyotes typically have a more pointed snout than most dog breeds. Their paws are also more elongated and less rounded compared to dogs, a feature that can be used to differentiate coyote tracks from dog tracks in the wild.
- Dental Structure: A specific anatomical difference lies in their teeth. Unlike dogs, coyotes’ upper canine teeth (the prominent “fangs”) extend beyond a part of their jawbone called the mental foramina.
- Domestication: This is a fundamental difference. Dogs are domesticated animals, bred over millennia to live alongside humans. Coyotes are wild animals, undomesticated, and retain their natural instincts. This wild nature means coyotes are generally more wary of humans and less likely to approach, even when they inhabit areas near human settlements.
Image Credit: rauschenberger, Pixabay
In Conclusion: Understanding Coyote and Dog Size
Coyotes are indeed fascinating animals, possessing their own unique characteristics in terms of size, build, and behavior. When considering “how big are coyotes compared to dogs,” the answer isn’t a simple one. Coyotes are larger than some dog breeds, particularly toy and small breeds, but smaller than many medium to large dog breeds. Their size is within a middle range, placing them between smaller canids like foxes and larger ones like wolves.
Ultimately, the size comparison depends on the specific animals being considered. However, it’s clear that coyotes are well-equipped to thrive in their wild environments. While a confrontation between a coyote and a dog is possible, understanding their size relationship and inherent differences helps us appreciate both these canines for their unique places in the animal kingdom.
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Featured Image Credit: MoniCh647, Pixabay
