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German Shepherd Coyote Mix – Everything You Need To Know

German Shepherd Coyote Mix is a hybrid between German Shepherd and Coyote Dog. Coyote dogs are Prairie wolves, which is different from any Canidae breeds. Mixed breeds of Coyotes are often referred to as Coydogs and Dogote. A Coydog is a cross between a coyote and a domestic dog. Since these two canids are distinct species, the Coydog is regarded as a canid or interspecific hybrid. An interspecific hybrid is created when a Coyote is crossed with a German Shepherd or any other dog breed. Unless there is human involvement, these mixes do not form spontaneously. A Coydog results from a male Coyote crossing with a female dog. A Dogote, contrarily, is the progeny of a male dog and a female Coyote.

German Shepherd Coyote has no accurate history documented. However, there are sayings that they have existed for centuries now. According to one theory, the Teotihuacans were the first breeders of Coydogs. Coydogs are claimed to have been utilized for hunting by the early settlers. This is most likely not the scenario with Coyote and Shepherds mix. These mixes are less than 100 years old. This is because the German Shepherd originated in 1899.

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Pros and Cons

ProsCons
ActiveHard to train
Loyal and lovingIllegal in few places
IntelligentNot for new owners

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Basic Information

  • Name: German Shepherd Coyote Mix
  • Height: 22-27 inches
  • Weight: 60-120 pounds
  • Coat: Medium-length, dense
  • Color: Black, brown, white, sable with markings
  • Energy: High
  • Activities: Hunting dogs, guard dogs, 
  • Group: Mixed breed
  • Barking Level: Low to medium
  • Shedding Level: High
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Litter size: 3 – 12 puppies
  • Life span: 5 – 15 years
  • Other names: German Shepherd Coydog, Coyote Shepherd, and German Shepherd Dogote.

German Shepherd Vs. Coyote: A Comparison

FeaturesGerman ShepherdCoyote
ImageIs Dublin coyote sending a rude message to barking dog?
OriginGermany Alaska
Height24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)24 inches
Weight 65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)20 – 50 pounds
SizeLargeLarge
GroupHerdingWild canine, nocturnal hunters
Family compatibilityHighLow
Children compatibilityMediumLow
Pet compatibilityHighLow
Barking LevelLow to mediumMedium
Shedding LevelLow to mediumHigh
HypoallergenicNoNo
Grooming needsMediumHigh
Overall healthMedium to highMedium
EnergyHighHigh
Exercise needsHighHigh
TrainabilityMedium to highLow to medium
ActivitiesAgility, herding, companion dogs, guard dogs, military dogs Hunting, patrolling, preying, alert,  watchdogs, guard dogs
Complications in breedingNoYes
Litter size6 – 10 puppies4 – 7 puppies
Life span12 – 14 years21 years and more in captivity, 6 to 8 years in wild
Other namesMalinois, Chien De Berger Belge, Mechelaar, Mechelse Herder, Mechelse Scheper, Pastor Belga Malnois Coydogs, Dogote

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Personality

German Shepherd Coyote Mix does not have specific morphological features. The features might change widely. Some may take on the calm demeanor of their domestic dog parent, the German Shepherd, while others will take on the wilder aspect of the Coyote. A facial mask, generally white, is the most distinguishing characteristic of a German Shepherd Coyote Mix. They also have a fuzzy tail that bends down, keen eyes, and large, trapezoidal ears. German Shepherd coyote hybrids have thick coats and can withstand extreme cold. 

The Coyote Shepherd is a medium to large dog, weighing 60 to 120 pounds on average. The height of a fully grown Coydog varies as well, with the majority of these canines being between 22 and 27 inches tall.

Friendliness Overview

AffectionateMedium
Family-friendlyMedium
Pet-friendlyLow
Kid-friendlyMedium
Stranger-friendlyLow

Adaptability Overview

Good for apartment livingLow
Good for new ownersLow
SensitivityLow 
Tolerates being aloneMedium to high
Heat toleranceLow to medium
Cold toleranceHigh

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Temperament

The Coyote German Shepherds are intelligent and athletic, making them excellent walking or running companions. They are independent thinkers due to their high intellect. Like both parent types, the Coyote German Shepherd mix is prone to aggressiveness; thus, thorough training is required. They are devoted to their family and may serve as guard dogs to ensure their region’s safety. However, it is not easy to predict the temperament of this mix due to pole apart characteristics of the parent breeds. 

Coyotes prefer staying aloof and are nocturnal, whereas German Shepherds are family-loving, loyal, and have separation anxiety to an extent. In addition, Coyotes are more into hunting than guarding, whereas German Shepherds are perfect guard dogs. 

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Training

The German Shepherd Coyote mixes are energetic and agile. Both their parent breeds are also active and agile. However, you can witness their energy and agility in different hours. The Coyote is more into nighttime activities, and the German Shepherds are accustomed to morning activities. The Coyotes can be seen patrolling hunting throughout the night, covering 30 miles each night, whereas German Shepherds are strong in herding and guarding. Due to these traits, they benefit from socialization around known people and strangers. Contrarily, Coyotes are nocturnal hunters with an exceptional sense of sight and smell. Therefore, the mix will need consistent obedience and socializing training if the puppy inherits Coyotes characteristics. The German Shepherd Coyote Mix is difficult to train, but a proper schedule taking the upper hand can make them amicable with people around and strangers!

The German Shepherd Coyotes should also be trained to get along with kids and other pets, as the mix is generally not pet and kid-friendly. Housebreaking is another crucial aspect in training the Coyote German Shepherd mix. It is best to start training them when they are 8 weeks old. A professional dog trainer is essential to train this breed due to the highly aggressive characteristics of Coyote.

Trainability Overview

Easy to trainLow
IntelligenceHigh
Prey drivesMedium to high
Mouthiness tendenciesMedium
Barking or howling tendenciesMedium
Wanderlust tendenciesMedium to high

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Exercise Needs

German Shepherd Coyote Mix will require a 3 hour exercise time to sweat off their energy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They need physical and mental exercises to keep them away from aggressive and unwanted behavior.

Exercise Needs Overview

Energy levelHigh
IntensityHigh
Exercise needsHigh
PlayfulnessMedium

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Grooming

The German shepherd coyote hybrid sheds a lot. They shed twice a year. Therefore, you need to keep a vacuum cleaner handy. Daily brushing, on the other hand, will be enough to reduce shedding and keep the coat looking neat. The ears of Coyote German Shepherd hybrids will be longer than those of regular German Shepherds. You’ll need to use a light ear cleaner to assist your pet in keeping their ears clean. You may also keep their nails trimmed once a month to prevent them from scratching you or other pets. Brush their teeth regularly to avoid periodontal diseases, tartar buildup, and gum diseases. Give them a quick wash once a month to keep allergies and skin disorders at bay. You may also reduce shedding by gently scrubbing their coats once a week.

Grooming Overview

Easy to groomMedium to high
Drooling tendenciesLow to medium
Amount of sheddingHigh

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Health

Coyote mixed with German Shepherd is susceptible to fewer health issues as mixed breeds are more likely to eliminate the significant health issues their parent breeds suffer from. However, as Coyote mixed with other domestic dogs can be complicated, there might be health issues discussed below. 

Coyotes are susceptible to health issues that can be zoonotic (transmissible to humans). The health issues are:

  • Heartworm
  • Mange
  • Rabies

German Shepherds are susceptible to a wide range of health issues like:

  • Cardiac dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye issues
  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis
  • Degenerative Myelopathy

Thus, a Coyote Shepherd Mix suffers from the following health issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Arthritis
  • Bloat
  • Heartworms
  • Mange
  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis
  • Degenerative Myelopathy

Health Overview

General healthMedium
Weight gaining tendenciesLow to medium
SizeLarge

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the ball and socket joint of the hip are misaligned. Coyote Shepherds, like German Shepherds, are susceptible to this health problem. Hip dysplasia in Coydogs will progress if left untreated, leading to inactivity.

Elbow Dysplasia: This genetic condition affects several giant dog breeds’ front legs. Obese, over-exercised, and wounded dogs are more likely to have this condition than the rest of their litter.

Arthritis: Arthritis is the outcome of hip or elbow dysplasia. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that results in cartilage loss. Mobility becomes uncomfortable and stiff when the joint is utilized, and the cartilage wears away. Coydogs with dysplasia will ultimately develop arthritis. However, arthritis may appear independently.

Bloat is another health issue that coydogs inherit from their dog parents. Bloat is a common problem in big dogs. It frequently happens when a dog isn’t very active and feeds its meal quickly. Fasting can cause an overabundance of air to enter the stomach, causing it to twist on itself and impede blood supply to the organs.

Heartworms: The infectious worm Dirofilaria causes heartworm disease, a significant health problem. A mosquito bite is the most prevalent mode of transmission for this parasite. Unfortunately, there is no authorized heartworm preventative medication for Coydogs. 

Mange: Sarcoptic mange is an infectious skin disease that affects dogs. It is passed from dogs to people and vice versa. Dips and topical lotions are used in the treatment of mange in Coydogs. When a Coydog is identified with mange, it will have severe itching on many portions of its body.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis:  When a dog’s immune system damages the thyroid gland, it is called autoimmune thyroiditis. This disease affects so many German Shepherds and their mixed breeds. Losing weight, vomiting, diarrhea, increased hunger, and heart murmurs are signs of this illness.

Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), commonly known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is a spinal cord illness that causes weakening and paralysis in the hind limbs. Degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord causes the symptoms. 

Obesity: Coydogs are prone to obesity, exacerbating hip and elbow dysplasia. This disorder negatively hits a dog’s health and durability. Obese canines exhibit an increased risk of heart disease, digestive disorders, diabetes, joint problems, and hypertension. 

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Diet and Nutrition

A high diet might benefit a German Shepherd-coyote mix. Coyotes aren’t fussy eaters, but they require a considerable amount of meat, as would your coydog. Choose a dog meal with meat as one of the first five components, or feed your dog a raw meat diet. Adding fish oil to your pet’s supper can help maintain their joints in good shape and their coat smooth.

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Living Condition

Apartment living is not recommended for the coyote German Shepherd. To play and exercise, these dogs need a privacy fence with a big yard to play and exercise. These dogs are territorial and violent by nature. Their irrational inclinations might lead them astray. As a result, they are harmful in crowded locations or residences. These dogs thrive in rural settings.

Adding a German Shepherd Coyote Mix to Your Family

Things to Remember Before Adding a German Shepherd Coyote Mix to Your Family

Getting a German Shepherd Coyote Mix puppy is not an easy task. You will need to do exhaustive research before you get one. You will need to be a capable pet owner as training a Coyote German Shepherd Mix will be challenging. Also, you must get one from a trustable and reputable breeder who will provide you with all the minute information about the puppy. As the breed is rare, there might be breeders who may scam you with other puppy breeds. Therefore, ask for vaccination certificates, gene testing certificates, health issues, diet and nutrition, puppy-specific temperament, and training. Remember to meet the parent before getting the puppy from the breeder. 

Cost of German Shepherd Coyote Mix Puppies

Since the breed is rare, the breeders might put a Coyote German Shepherd Mix on sale within the range of $300 – $1500, depending on the breeder.

German Shepherd Coyote
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Other Coyote Mixes

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  • Coyote Bernadoodle Mix
  • Chocolate Lab Coyote Mix
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