Dogs vs. Coyotes — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 13, 2024
Dogs are domesticated animals known for their companionship and loyalty, while coyotes are wild canids that adapt well to diverse habitats and are more elusive.
Difference Between Dogs and Coyotes
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, serving as companions, workers, and protectors in human societies. On the other hand, coyotes remain wild animals, often avoiding close interactions with humans and thriving in a variety of environments from rural to urban areas.
Dogs are known for their wide variety of breeds, each with specific traits and appearances, whereas coyotes have a more uniform appearance, characterized by their medium size and grayish-brown coats. While dogs often depend on humans for food and care, coyotes are proficient hunters and scavenge
While dogs often depend on humans for food and care, coyotes are proficient hunters and scavengers, capable of surviving in harsh conditions independently.
Dogs are commonly trained to obey specific commands and perform tasks, coyotes rely on instinct and experience to navigate their environment and find food.
Comparison Chart
Domestication
Domesticated
Wild
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Dependency
Depend on humans for care
Independent, fend for themselves
Social Behavior
Varies from solitary to highly social
Typically exhibit strong pack behaviors
Habitat
Adapt to living with humans
Thrive in a variety of environments including urban areas
Hunting
Often fed by humans; some breeds retain hunting instincts
Natural hunters and scavengers
Compare with Definitions
Dogs
Companion animals known for loyalty.
The family's dog waited patiently each day for the kids to return from school.
Coyotes
Wild members of the dog family primarily found in North America.
Coyotes are often spotted at the edges of urban areas, searching for food.
Dogs
Animals commonly kept as pets in households worldwide.
Dogs are often considered part of the family in many cultures.
Coyotes
Often misunderstood and depicted as cunning in folklore and stories.
In myths, the coyote often plays the trickster, using cleverness to overcome obstacles.
Dogs
Domesticated canines used for various tasks like herding, hunting, or service.
Guide dogs are trained to assist visually impaired individuals.
Coyotes
Known for their adaptability to diverse environments.
Coyotes have expanded their range into urban settings as cities grow.
Dogs
Subjects of various breeding practices to enhance specific traits.
The breeder's new litter of dogs was aimed at enhancing their agility for competitions.
Coyotes
Typically nocturnal, elusive animals that avoid human contact.
The coyote vanished into the woods as soon as it heard the hikers' footsteps.
Dogs
Often featured in media and popular culture as symbols of fidelity.
The movie about a loyal dog captured the hearts of millions.
Coyotes
Predators that play a role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.
Farmers sometimes appreciate coyotes for keeping the rodent population under control on their lands.
Dogs
A domesticated carnivorous mammal (Canis familiaris syn. Canis lupus subsp. familiaris) occurring as a wide variety of breeds, many of which are traditionally used for hunting, herding, drawing sleds, and other tasks, and are kept as pets.
Coyotes
A wolflike carnivorous mammal (Canis latrans) of North and Central America, having grayish-brown or yellowish fur, large erect ears, and a drooping bushy tail. Also called prairie wolf.
Dogs
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae, such as the dingo.
Coyotes
A firefighter who is sent to battle remote, usually very severe forest fires, often for days at a time.
Dogs
A male animal of the family Canidae, especially of a fox or a domesticated breed.
Coyotes
(Slang) A person who smuggles undocumented immigrants into the United States, especially across the Mexican border.
Dogs
Any of various other animals, such as the prairie dog.
Coyotes
Plural of coyote
Dogs
A person
You won, you lucky dog.
Dogs
A person regarded as contemptible
You stole my watch, you dog.
Dogs
A person regarded as unattractive or uninteresting.
Dogs
Something of inferior or low quality
"The President had read the speech to some of his friends and they told him it was a dog" (John P. Roche).
Dogs
An investment that produces a low return or a loss.
Dogs
Dogs(Slang) The feet.
Dogs
See andiron.
Dogs
(Slang) A hot dog; a wiener.
Dogs
Any of various hooked or U-shaped metallic devices used for gripping or holding heavy objects.
Dogs
(Astronomy) A sundog.
Dogs
Totally; completely. Often used in combination
Dog-tired.
Dogs
To track or trail persistently
"A stranger then is still dogging us" (Arthur Conan Doyle).
Dogs
To hold or fasten with a mechanical device
"Watertight doors and hatches were dropped into place and dogged down to give the ship full watertight integrity" (Tom Clancy).
Dogs
To be persistently or inescapably associated with
Questions about his youthful indiscretions dogged him throughout his career.
Dogs
To be recurrently or persistently in the mind; haunt
Despair dogged him in his final years.
Dogs
Plural of dog
Dogs
Feet, from rhyming slang dog's meat.
My dogs are tired. Let's get a taxi.
Dogs
A greyhound racing event; the sport of greyhound racing.
I lost money at the dogs last night.
Dogs
(nautical) Fasteners securing a watertight hatch.
Common Curiosities
Can dogs and coyotes interbreed?
Yes, dogs and coyotes can interbreed, producing hybrids known as coydogs.
What are the main differences between dogs and coyotes?
Dogs are domesticated and closely associated with humans, whereas coyotes are wild and maintain a distance from human settlements.
What roles do dogs and coyotes play in human societies?
Dogs often serve as companions, workers, and service animals, while coyotes are usually seen as wild animals that are sometimes considered pests.
How do the hunting skills of dogs and coyotes compare?
While some dog breeds retain strong hunting skills, coyotes are naturally skilled hunters and scavengers.
How do the physical characteristics of dogs and coyotes differ?
Dogs come in a wide variety of breeds with diverse appearances, while coyotes generally have a consistent look with less variation.
What are the common misconceptions about coyotes?
A common misconception is that coyotes are aggressive towards humans; typically, they are quite elusive and avoid human contact.
What is the typical diet of a coyote?
Coyotes are omnivores, eating a diet that includes rodents, fruit, and occasionally urban waste.
How do the social behaviors of dogs and coyotes differ?
Dogs can vary widely in their social behavior based on breed and upbringing, while coyotes consistently display strong pack-oriented behaviors.
What are the typical habitats of dogs and coyotes?
Dogs are versatile and live in various habitats as pets, while coyotes are adaptable and can thrive in both rural and increasingly urban areas.
How do dogs and coyotes differ in their dependence on humans?
Dogs generally rely on humans for food and shelter, whereas coyotes are independent and fend for themselves.
How do the reproductive behaviors of dogs and coyotes differ?
Dogs have controlled breeding managed by humans, whereas coyotes breed in the wild with natural selection influencing their offspring.
Are coyotes dangerous to humans?
Coyotes generally avoid humans but can be dangerous if threatened or if they become accustomed to human food sources.
Why are dogs considered good pets?
Dogs are known for their loyalty, trainability, and ability to form strong bonds with humans.
What survival skills do coyotes have?
Coyotes excel in stealth, hunting, and adaptability to different environments for survival.
Can coyotes live in urban areas?
Yes, coyotes have shown remarkable adaptability to urban environments around the world.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
