German Shepherd Coyote Mix: Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

The German Shepherd coyote mix is a unique blend of a domestic animal with a wild one that has succeeded many people. However, there are several things you will need to think about before you make one of these animals your pet. If you are thinking about getting one of these mixed breeds for your home, keep reading while we discuss diet, exercise, grooming, training, and more to help you make an informed purchase.

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Puppy

It can be difficult to find a breeder that keeps coyotes and can create the breed, so you may need to get on a waiting list or pay quite a lot of money. Besides finding the breeder and purchasing the puppy, there are also other expenses you will need to consider.

Your new puppy will likely need to be spayed or neutered, and they will require a series of vaccinations to protect it from serious diseases like rabies. Many owners also choose to purchase a professional trainer because the German Shepherd Coyote mix can be challenging for someone without experience. You will also need to purchase food, treats, toys, and other items to keep your dog healthy and happy.

3 Little-Known Facts About the German Shepherd Coyote Mix

1. The German Shepherd coyote mix does not occur in nature; it only occurs through intervention.

2. The coyote parent is native to the United States, and you can find them throughout the mainland and much of Canada.

3. The German Shepherd parent is one of the smartest dog breeds and often works with the military to find bombs, missing people, drugs, and more.

Temperament & Intelligence of the German Shepherd Coyote Mix 🧠

The temperament of your German Shepherd coyote mix is highly dependent on which parent they take after more. However, you can expect your pet to be highly intelligent and extremely protective. They will also likely be calm, alert, and observant. Most dogs look like large coyotes, and many people that see them for the first-time comment on their wolf-like appearance. However, the coyote parent’s wild nature will show through, and it can be challenging to control for all but the most experienced owners.

Your German Shepherd coyote mix will have the intelligence to learn complex tasks, but their wild side will often have them pursuing their own interests. They can get quite crafty when they want something, setting traps and hatching elaborate plans, usually to get out of the house. They can also learn how to open doors and navigate barriers.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

All dogs are different, and there are plenty of exceptions to every rule, but since the coyote parent is a wild animal, most owners recommend keeping them away from small children unless you have plenty of experience dealing with this type of dog. They usually form a strong bond with one family member and can become extremely protective. However, they make good watchdogs, are affectionate and loving toward family members they accept, and can make a great companion for an active owner.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

With plenty of early socialization, your German Shepherd coyote mix can get along with other dog breeds, especially those of the same size or larger, but they can chase after smaller animals like kittens and may be aggressive. They will also likely chase and kill any rabbits they find sneaking through your yard.

Things to Know When Owning a German Shepherd Coyote Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

One of the biggest advantages of the German Shepherd coyote mix is that the coyote blood in them will eat just about anything and enjoy it. However, they eat a lot of meat, and it’s important to provide the high-quality protein you will find in good dog food. We recommend choosing brands that have real meat like chicken or turkey listed as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with artificial colors and preservatives, which can lead to significant health problems later in life. Omega fats will help reduce swelling that accompanies arthritis and also help create a shiny coat and help nourish the skin.

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Exercise 🐕

Your German Shepherd coyote mix has a high energy level and can misbehave if they don’t have anything to do. These dogs can bark, chew furniture, and may even become aggressive. We recommend setting at least 1 hour per day aside to engage your pet in a high-energy activity, like jogging, fetch, or running after a ball. Tug of war can also be effective, but we recommend games that require high jumping, as they can lead to problems with the joints.

German Shepherd Coyote Mix Training 🦮

The German Shepherd coyote mix is notoriously difficult to train and will require plenty of patience and experience. Without proper training, your dog will be difficult to control and may have several behavioral problems, including aggression and a refusal to be housebroken. As we mentioned earlier, many owners will hire a professional trainer to help get their dog under control. Hiring a professional can make the process faster and easier, but it can also be quite costly.

Grooming ✂️

Both the coyote and German Shepherd have thick coats that can withstand extremely cold temperatures. However, they are also heavy shedders that will dump a nearly unbelievable amount of hair into your home every spring and fall. During this time, we recommend frequent brushing once or twice every day to keep it under control, and this is another task that professionals can make much easier.

We also recommend manually brushing your pet’s teeth as often as possible to help slow the progression of dental disease. You will also need to trim the nails on your dog if you hear them clicking on the floor while they walk.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Arthritis in German Shepherd Coyote Mixes

Arthritis is a condition that will cause inflammation of the joints that’s common in old age and often accompanies hip dysplasia. It’s painful and can affect the movement of your pet. Unfortunately, there’s not much your vet can do outside prescribing pain medication, but weight management and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can help slow the progression.

Hip Dysplasia in German Shepherd Coyote Mixes

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that results in a malformed hip joint, and it frequently occurs in the German Shepherd parent. As the dog ages, the bones wear down prematurely because they do not move smoothly. The premature wear will affect the dog’s ability to support their weight on the back legs, and they may avoid stairs and find it difficult to get up from a resting position. Weight management and medication are ways your vet might try to manage hip dysplasia, which may also require surgery.

Male vs. Female

The biggest factor contributing to any difference in appearance or temperament of your puppy will be which parent they take after, and it would be impossible to attribute some feature to the male or female sex.

Final Thoughts

The German Shepherd coyote mix can be a good choice for the right person with plenty of spare time and experience with difficult-to-train breeds. Many owners describe them as affectionate and playful, able to run or wrestle for hours at a time. It’s important to keep your eye on them because they will quickly kill a rabbit and bring it to you or nibble on some roadkill, even with a bowl full of food. These dogs can also be aggressive. You should choose another breed if you have small children or pets. They are frustratingly challenging to train and often forget or refuse to do tasks you’ve been working on for weeks or will abruptly run off to chase after a leaf or small animal, disregarding your orders and command.

We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide and that it has answered your questions. If we have convinced you to get one of these rare mixed breeds for your home, please share this guide to the German Shepherd coyote mix on Facebook and Twitter.

See also:

• Boxer Chow (Boxer & Chow Chow Mix)
• Airedale Shepherd (Airedale Terrier & German Shepherd Mix)

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Featured Image Credit: Left – Natalia—S, Pixabay; Right – Spykerf1, Pixabay