7 Dog Breeds That Look Like Coyotes

Dogs and coyotes share the same family tree, belonging to the genus Canis, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. Coyotes are wild creatures with distinct diets, habits, and looks that set them far apart from our friendly, tail-wagging companions.

It’s easy to do a double-take and confuse a dog with a coyote from afar, but up close, they’re entirely different beasts.

Ever fancied the idea of having a little bit of the wild in your living room? Perhaps the thought of a coyote as a pet crossed your mind, but you’re well aware of the impracticalities (and dangers) that come with it.

Fear not! If your heart is set on a pet that carries the mystique of a coyote but with a domesticated twist, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore the top breeds that could easily be mistaken for your local coyote but are 100% family-friendly. Let’s dive into the world of these remarkable coyote doppelgangers!

Dogs That Look Like Coyotes

Discover the captivating world of dog breeds that mirror the wild allure of coyotes, blending the best of both worlds into your home.

1. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute is a powerhouse of the spitz family, famous for its fluffy, curled tail waving like a flag, perky ears, and robust build. These majestic dogs tip the scales at a solid 75 to 85 pounds and stand tall at 23 to 25 inches. They’re not just about the similar coyote looks; their strength and stamina make them exceptional sled dogs.

The Alaskan Malamute is a bundle of joy and affection, ready to play and show its love, though it might not cling to you all day. This breed shares a moderate level of affection, making it a great companion for families, kids, and even other dogs.

After a day of hard work or play, they’re all in for a cozy cuddle, showcasing their intelligent and loyal side. Yet, they cherish their independence and thrive under a leader who can guide them with firm training and direction.

2. Siberian Husky

While the Siberian Husky may resemble wolves more than coyotes, their striking appearance and demeanor make them a fascinating breed to consider. With their lush double coat, these dogs are built for the chill, thriving in frosty environments where they can flaunt their luxurious fur.

Standing tall at 20 to 23.5 inches and weighing up to 60 pounds, they present an impressive figure. Huskies are known for their expressive howling, reminiscent of a coyote’s call, adding to their wild charm.

They adore children, making them perfect additions to any active family looking for an energetic and loving companion. Despite their occasional stubborn streak and independent nature, with the right mix of training and affection, Huskies transform into exemplary family members, promising years of happiness and companionship.

3. Tamaskan

The Tamaskan dog hails from the frosty landscapes of Finland. Initially bred with the intention of creating a wolf-like appearance, the Tamaskan’s resemblance to the coyote is striking and undeniable. With their almond-shaped eyes, bushy tails, streamlined bodies, and pointed ears, these dogs could easily be mistaken for the wild coyotes roaming the forests.

Standing tall at 24-28 inches at the shoulder and weighing in at a robust 55-88 pounds, Tamaskans have a commanding presence. Yet, beneath their wild exterior lies a heart of gold.

These dogs are celebrated for their amiable and loyal temperament, making them exceptional family pets. They thrive on companionship, whether it’s with an individual or in a family setting.

However, it’s important to note that Tamaskans possess a boundless energy reserve. They require ample daily exercise to keep their spirited minds and bodies healthy and content. Without sufficient physical and mental stimulation, they may resort to less desirable behaviors.

4. Utonagan Dog

The Utonagan is a pretty cool dog breed that was created in England not too long ago. People wanted a dog that looked like a wolf, but guess what? The Utonagan kind of looks like a coyote, too, especially in their face and ears. But they are bigger and fluffier than coyotes.

Utonagans are not small dogs – they can weigh anywhere from 55 to 110 pounds and stand about 23 to 30 inches tall.

Utonagans are super friendly and love to learn new things, making them easy to train. They really love hanging out with their human families, kids included, and they listen well to their owners.

These dogs have lots of energy and need plenty of fun activities to keep them happy. While they’re great for colder weather, they’re not big fans of the heat, so it’s better to keep them cool during hot days.

5. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czech Wolfdog is a special kind of pup that came to be by mixing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves. The idea was to get the smart and friendly nature of the German Shepherd along with the wolf’s robustness.

Originally, these wolf dogs were trained to hunt, but they’ve been put to work in all sorts of roles since then. Even though they’re part wolf, they share a bunch of looks with coyotes, like their size and build. They’re pretty tall, standing at least 26 inches, and they weigh at least 54 pounds.

Czech Wolfdogs are super loyal and love their human families a lot. But they’re not the easiest dogs to take care of. They need an owner who knows what they’re doing and can keep up with their smart brains and need for learning. They love having lots of room to roam around. Also, they need to be taught how to play nice with kids and other animals from a young age.

6. Kugsha Dog

The Kugsha dog is a unique breed from North America, born from a mix of North American wolves and domestic dogs. While they’re not coydogs, their sleek and sturdy bodies do remind you of coyotes. This ancient breed was originally bred for pulling heavy loads across the snow in early America.

These dogs are natural explorers with energy to spare, which can make training a challenge. They’re always on the lookout for something exciting to do.

Because of their strong hunting instincts, they’re not the best fit for families with small children or other pets. However, with the right kind of firm and consistent leadership, a Kugsha can become a loyal and intelligent companion.

Kugshas are known for keeping their wild, independent streak, which makes them quite a handful to fully domesticate. This rarity and their need for a specialized environment mean you don’t often find them in a typical family setting. They’re mostly with breeders who specialize in wolf-dog hybrids and understand how to care for such unique animals.

7. Saarloos Wolfdog

The Saarloos Wolfdog is one breed that really captures the essence of a coyote. With their slender build, long faces and legs, and even fur color that mirrors that of a coyote, they’re almost like twins – except Saarloos Wolfdogs are quite a bit bigger.

Originally bred for work, this working dog breed is super smart and full of zest. They’re not your average pet, though. To bring a Saarloos Wolfdog into your family, you’d need to be pretty experienced in dog ownership. They love to roam and have tons of energy, so a small apartment won’t do; they thrive best with lots of space to explore.

Despite their bold looks, Saarloos Wolfdogs are actually quite shy and need early socialization to ensure they grow up to be confident and well-behaved around others. If you’ve got the space and the know-how, a Saarloos Wolfdog could indeed become a wonderful addition to your home.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the American Kennel Club recognizes a variety of unique and captivating dog breeds, some of which bear a striking resemblance to coyotes. These dogs, including a relatively new dog breed like the Czech Wolfdog and ancient ones like the Siberian Huskies, showcase wild beauty and characteristics akin to those of coyotes.

While Siberian Huskies are known for their vocal nature, often being the barking dog of the neighborhood, each of these dog breeds that look like coyotes brings its own special charm and challenges to the table.

Whether you’re drawn to the allure of a breed with a coyote-like appearance or the distinct qualities of these dogs, there’s no doubt that they make fascinating and loyal companions.