What Dog Can Kill A Coyote? (17 Capable Dogs & Probabilities)

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Can a dog kill a coyote? The answer to this question is yes, but it depends on the dog. Some breeds of dogs are more capable of taking down a coyote than others.

For example, it’s improbable that a French Bulldog that weighs 16-28 pounds and stands 12 inches tall will be able to kill a coyote.

So what dog can kill a coyote?

In this article, we’ll take a look at 13 different dog breeds that stand a chance against a coyote. We’ll also discuss the probabilities of them being able to kill a coyote in a fight and answer some frequently asked questions about coyotes and dogs!

Coyote Vs. Dog: Who Wins In A Fight?

Many variables come into play when determining if a dog beats a coyote in a fight. For example, a dog’s size, weight, and strength play a major role in the outcome of a fight between the two animals.

The breed of the dog is also a factor to consider. Some breeds of dogs were bred for fighting and had the instincts to take down prey. Other breeds of dogs are bred for companionship and don’t have the same aggression levels.

The age of the dog is also important to consider. A young, healthy dog will have a better chance against a coyote than an old, sickly dog. However, the same applies to the Coyote that is in the fight.

The last consideration is if the dog has been trained to fight or not. A coyote that has experience fighting other coyotes is going to be a tougher opponent for a dog than one that hasn’t had any prior experience.

The same logic applies to humans. For example, you will likely lose if you walk into a fighting ring against a black belt without prior experience.

Now that we’ve gone over some of the variables let’s look at 13 different dog breeds that have the best chance of killing a Coyote.

So, what dog breeds have the greatest chance of winning a fight against a Coyote?

Let’s find out.

What Dog Can Kill A Coyote? (17 Capable Dogs)

To determine which dogs can kill a coyote, let’s look at just how big a Coyote is.

An adult Coyote stands 24 inches tall, weighs between 20 – 50 pounds, and has a bite force of 300-400 PSI. We also need to consider that a Coyote is a wild animal that lives its life hunting and fighting to survive. This gives the Coyote a slight advantage.

I will also briefly mention that many Coyotes will attack in packs, putting most dogs in a losing situation. So for simplicity, this list of dogs that can kill coyotes is refering to a one-on-one fight.

So which dogs could give a coyote a run for their money?

Dog Breeds	Size (Height & Weight)	Probability Of Winning
The Sarplaninac	23-24 inches & 66-79 lbs	Moderate
The Rottweiler	22-27 inches & 80- 30 Ibs	High
The German Shepherd	26 inches & 55-90 Ibs	Moderate
The Kangal	28-32 inches & 90-145 lbs	Very high
The Dogo Argentino	24-26.5 inches & 88-100 lbs	Moderate
The Tosa Inu	21.5-23.5 inches & 100-200 lbs	High
The Siberian Husky	21-24 inches & 35-60 Ibs	Moderate
The Irish Wolfhound	30-33.5 inches & 100-130 lbs	High
The Alabai	24-28 inches & 88-125 lbs	High
The Mastiff	24-31 inches & 130-200 lbs	Very high
The Pit Bull	17-19 inches & 40-80 lbs	Moderate
The Akbash	28-34 inches & 80 – 140 lbs	High
The Komondor	25.5-30 inches & 80-120 lbs	High
The Doberman Pinscher	26-28 inches & 60-70 lbs	High
The Great Pyrenees	25-32 inches & 85-160 lbs	Very high
The Cane Corso	23.5-27.5 inches & 90-120 lbs	High
The Kuvasz	26-30 inches & 70-115 lbs	High

#1 The Sarplaninac

Size: 23-24 inches
Weight: 66 – 79 lbs
Bite Force: 450-700 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: Moderate

The Sarplaninac is a large dog breed that originates from Albania. They are a working dog breed used to guard livestock and property. The Sarplaninac stands 23-24 inches tall and weighs 66 – 79 pounds.

The Sarplaninac is a brave, loyal, and protective dog breed. They are naturally aggressive towards strangers and other animals. They are not the best dog breed for first-time owners.

So, can a Sarplaninac kill a coyote?

The Sarplaninac can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight. The Sarplaninacis a large dog breed with a strong bite force of 450-700 PSI. They are also naturally aggressive dog breeds and very protective of their family and territory.

#2 The Rottweiler

Size: 22 – 27 inches
Weight: 80 – 130 lbs
Bite Force: 328 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Rottweiler is a large dog breed that originates from Germany. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for herding livestock and pulling carts. The Rottweiler stands 22 – 27 inches tall and weighs 80 – 130 pounds.

The Rottweiler is a loyal, obedient, and fearless dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. They require early socialization and training to prevent them from becoming aggressive.

So, can a Rottweiler kill a coyote?

The Rottweiler can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight. The Rottweiler is a larger dog a much more powerful than a coyote. They are also a naturally protective dog breed and very loyal to their family. So you can expect a Rottweiler to defend their home and family from a Coyote.

#3 The German Shepherd

Size: 26 inches
Weight: 55 – 90 lbs
Bite Force: 238-291 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: Moderate

The German Shepherd is a large dog breed that originates from Germany. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for herding livestock, guarding property, and as police and military dogs. The German Shepherd stands 26 inches tall and weighs 55 – 90 pounds.

The German Shepherd is a loyal, obedient, and fearless dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. However, they require early socialization and training to prevent them from becoming aggressive.

So, can a German Shepherd kill a coyote?

The German Shepherd can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight. German Shepherds are large but not as powerful as some other breeds on this list. They are, however, very loyal and protective of their family. So you can expect a German Shepherd to put up a fight and likely come out on top against a coyote.

#4 The Kangal

Size: 28-32 inches
Weight: 90 – 145 lbs
Bite Force: 700 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Kangal is a large dog breed that originates from Turkey. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for guarding livestock. The Kangal stands 28-32 inches tall and weighs 90 – 145 pounds.

The Kangal is a loyal, protective, and gentle dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. However, they require early socialization and training to prevent them from becoming aggressive.

So, can a Kangal kill a coyote?

The Kangal can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight with ease. The Kangal is one of the largest and most powerful dog breeds, with a bite force of 700 PSI. This is the highest bite force among domestic dogs! They are also naturally protective of their family and territory.

#5 The Dogo Argentino

Size: 24-26.5 inches
Weight: 88-100 lbs
Bite Force: 500 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Dogo Argentino is a large dog breed that originates from Argentina. They were originally bred as working dogs and used to hunt big game such as boar, puma, and jaguar. The Dogo Argentino stands 24-26.5 inches tall and weighs 88-100 pounds.

The Dogo Argentino is a loyal, obedient, and fearless dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. They require early socialization and training to prevent them from becoming aggressive.

So, can a Dogo Argentino kill a coyote?

The Dogo Argentino can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight without issue. The Dogo Argentino is a large and powerful breed with a bite force of 500 PSI. They are also naturally protective of their family and territory.

#6 The Tosa Inu

Size: 21.5 – 23.5 inches
Weight: 100 – 200 lbs
Bite Force: 556 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Tosa Inu is a large dog breed that originates from Japan. They were originally bred as fighting dogs and were used in the sport of dog fighting.

The Tosa Inu is a loyal, obedient, and courageous dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory.

So, can a Tosa Inu kill a coyote?

The Tosa Inu can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight without issue. The Tosa Inu is a large and powerful dog breed with a bite force of 556 PSI. They are also naturally protective of their family and territory.

#7 The Siberian Husky

Size: 21 – 24 inches
Weight: 35 – 60 lbs
Bite Force: 320 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: Moderate

The Siberian Husky is a medium dog breed that originates from Russia. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for sledding, herding, and guarding property. The Siberian Husky stands 21-24 inches tall and weighs 35-60 pounds.

The Siberian Husky is a friendly, social, and playful dog breed. However, they are naturally protective and loyal to their family and can sometimes be territorial.

So, can a Siberian Husky kill a coyote?

Although the Siberian Husky is a powerful dog breed, they are not as large or strong as some other breeds on this list. However, they are still bigger and more powerful than a Coyote, so they can kill one.

#8 The Irish Wolfhound

Size: 30 – 33.5 inches
Weight: 100 – 130 lbs
Bite Force: 224 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: Moderate

The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog breed that originates from Ireland. They were originally bred as hunting dogs and used for hunting wolves and other large games. The Irish Wolfhound stands 30-33.5 inches tall and weighs 100-130 pounds.

The Irish Wolfhound is a loyal, gentle, and courageous dog breed. However, they are not naturally protective or aggressive by nature. This might disadvantage them in going up against a Coyote in a fight.

So, can an Irish Wolfhound kill a coyote?

Yes, the Irish Wolfhound can kill a Coyote in a one-on-one fight. They were actually bred to hunt down wolves and predators like Coyotes. So although they do not have the same level of protection and aggression as some dogs, taking a Coyote down is no problem.

#9 The Alabai

Size: 24 – 28 inches
Weight: 88- 125 lbs
Bite Force: 500 -650 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Alabai is a large dog breed that originates from Central Asia. They were originally bred as working dogs and used to hunt and guard property. The Alabai stands 24-28 inches tall and weighs 88-125 pounds.

The Alabai is an obedient, courageous, and loyal dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. They require early socialization to prevent them from becoming aggressive with strangers or other animals.

So, can an Alabai kill a coyote?

Yes, the Alabai can kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight without a problem. The Alabai is a large dog breed with a bite force of 500-650 PSI. They are also naturally protective of their family and territory, so they have the natural instinct to fight and defend.

#10 The Mastiff

Size: 24 – 31 inches
Weight: 130 – 200 lbs
Bite Force: 550 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Mastiff is a large dog breed that originated in England. They were originally bred as working dogs and used for hunting, guarding property, and war dogs. The Mastiff stands 24-31 inches tall and weighs 130-200 pounds.

The Mastiff is a courageous, loyal, and gentle dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. However, they can distrust strangers, so early socialization is important to prevent aggression.

So, can a Mastiff kill a coyote?

Yes, the Mastiff can easily kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. They are one of the biggest dog breeds with a bite force of 550 PSI. They are also naturally protective of their family and territory, so they have the natural fight and defend instincts.

#11 The Pit Bull

Size: 17 – 19 inches
Weight: 40 – 80 lbs
Bite Force: 240 – 330 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Pit Bull is a medium-sized dog breed that originated in England. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for hunting, guarding property, and as war dogs. The Pit Bull stands 17-19 inches tall and weighs 40-80 pounds.

The Pit Bull is a courageous, loyal, and loving dog breed. They have a reputation for being aggressive, but this is mostly due to bad press and media coverage. With proper socialization and training, Pit Bulls can be gentle and loving family pets.

So, can a Pit Bull kill a coyote?

Yes, the Pit Bull can kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. They are slightly bigger and have a bite force of 240-330 PSI. They also have a reputation for being aggressive and protective which gives them an advantage in a fight.

Pit Bulls are also very athletic and have a lot of stamina, so they can continue fighting for a long time if necessary.

#12 The Akbash

Size: 28 – 34 inches
Weight: 80 – 140 lbs
Bite Force: 350 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Akbash is a large dog breed that originated in Turkey. They were originally bred as working dogs and used for hunting, guarding property, and war dogs. The Akbash stands 28-34 inches tall and weighs 80-140 pounds.

The Akbash are loyal, suspicious of others, and protective. They are naturally protective of their family and territory. However, they can distrust strangers, so early socialization is important to prevent aggression.

So, can an Akbash kill a coyote?

Yes, the Akbash can easily kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. They are a large dog breed with a bite force of 350 PSI. They are also naturally protective of their family and territory, so they have the natural fight and defend instincts they need to kill a Coyote.

#13 The Komondor

Size: 25.5 – 30 inches
Weight: 80 – 120 lbs
Bite Force: Unknown
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Komondor is a large dog breed that originated in Hungary. They were originally bred as working dogs and used for hunting and guarding property. The Komondor stands 25.5-30 inches tall and weighs 80-120 pounds.

The Komondor is a loyal, watchful, and protective dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and tend to be aggressive towards other animals. However, they can distrust strangers, so early socialization is essential to prevent aggression.

So, can a Komondor kill a coyote?

Yes, the Komondor can kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. They are bigger and have a level of aggression that would help them kill a Coyote. In addition, the Komondor has a lot of stamina and can fight for a long time if necessary.

Komondors are also among the few dog breeds with double dewclaws on their back legs. These extra claws give them added grip and traction when fighting, which gives them an advantage over other dog breeds.

#14 The Doberman Pinscher

Size: 26 – 28 inches
Weight: 60 – 70 lbs
Bite Force: 305 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Doberman Pinscher is a large dog breed that originated in Germany. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for hunting, guarding property, and as war dogs. The Doberman Pinscher stands 26-28 inches tall and weighs 60-70 pounds.

The Doberman Pinscher is a loyal, fearless, and obedient dog breed. They have a reputation for being aggressive, mostly due to their loyalty and courage.

So, can a Doberman kill a coyote?

Yes, the Doberman Pinscher can easily kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. They are a large dog breed with a bite force of 305 PSI. They also have a reputation for being aggressive and protective which gives them an advantage in a fight.

Dobermans are also very athletic and have a lot of stamina, so they can continue fighting for a long time if necessary.

#15 The Great Pyrenees

Size: 25 – 32 inches
Weight: 85 – 160 lbs
Bite Force: 500 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Great Pyrenees is a large dog breed that originated in France. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for hunting, guarding property, and as war dogs. The Great Pyrenees stands 25-32 inches tall and weighs 85-160 pounds.

The Great Pyrenees is a loyal, gentle, and calm dog breed. They are naturally protective of their family and are patient with children. However, they can be distrustful of strangers, so early socialization is important to prevent aggression.

So, can a Great Pyrenees kill a coyote?

Yes, the Great Pyrenees can easily kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. In fact, they are one of the best dogs to protect livestock from Coyotes. They are a large dog breed with a bite force of 500 PSI. They also have natural protective instincts and were specifically bred to handle predators like Coyotes.

#16 Cane Corso

Size: 23.5 – 27.5 inches
Weight: 90 – 120 lbs
Bite Force: 650 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Cane Corso is a large dog breed that originated in Italy. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for hunting, guarding property, and as war dogs. The Cane Corso stands 23.5-27.5 inches tall and weighs 90-120 pounds.

The Cane Corso is fearless, loyal, intelligent, and obedient. They have a reputation for being aggressive, but this is mostly due to their loyalty and courage.

So, can a Cane Corso kill a coyote?

Yes, the Cane Corso can kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight without much effort. This is because they are much larger and stronger than a Coyote, with a bite force of 650 PSI. They also have the natural instincts to fight off predators like Coyotes.

#17 Kuvasz

Size: 26 – 30 inches
Weight: 70 – 115 lbs
Bite Force: 400 PSI
Probability of Winning Fight: High

The Kuvasz is a large dog breed that originated in Hungary. They were originally bred as working dogs and were used for hunting, guarding property, and as war dogs. The Kuvasz stands 26-30 inches tall and weighs 70-115 pounds.

The Kuvasz is an intelligent, protective, gentle, and patient dog breed. They are very protective of their family and have been known to be aggressive toward strangers.

So, can a Kuvasz kill a coyote?

Yes, the Kuvasz can kill a coyote in a one-on-one fight. This is because they are larger and stronger with a bite force of 400 PSI, outmatching a Coyote. They also have an aggressive nature that will help them fight against a Coyote.

The Kuvasz is also very athletic and has a lot of stamina, so they can continue fighting for a long time if necessary.

Can A Coyote Kill A Dog

The answer is yes, coyotes can and do kill dogs. In fact, there have been countless reports of coyote attacks on small and large dogs in the US. In these reports, both small and large dogs were seen in fatal attacks.

Generally speaking, smaller dogs were more often attacked and killed compared to larger dogs. In addition, large dogs were often attacked by two or more coyotes at a time.

It’s important to remember that coyotes are wild animals and should be treated as such. They are not pets and should not be approached by humans or dogs. Coyotes can be aggressive and dangerous, especially during the winter months when they are starving.

If you see a coyote in your area, the best thing to do is to keep your distance and avoid letting your dog interact. There have been reports of coyotes attacking dogs while in the presence of their owner, so be careful when seeing one.

What Do You Do If A Coyote Attacks Your Dog?

If your dog is attacked by a Coyote, the best thing you can do is to try and scare the Coyote away. Try making loud noises, throwing things at it, or spraying it with a hose.

The goal is to make the Coyote feel scared and threatened so that it will want to leave.

If you can get the Coyote to leave, take your dog to the vet immediately. Coyote bites can be very dangerous and even fatal to dogs.

Coyotes are a part of nature and play an important role in the ecosystem. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t pose a threat to humans and animals. They can carry many viruses and diseases such as rabies. So even a small Coyote bite to your dog can be problematic.

It’s important to be aware of their dangers and take precautions to avoid potential conflicts. If you do see a coyote, the best thing to do is to keep your distance and call animal control.

Are Coyotes Scared Of Big Dogs?

Coyotes are generally not scared of dogs. In fact, coyotes will often attack and kill dogs regardless of their size if they feel threatened.

In addition, Coyotes don’t really see dogs as prey unless they have no access to food and are starving. Instead, they view them as competition. So if a big dog wanders onto Coyote territory, this is likely to cause conflict regardless of how big the dog is.

However, I will mention that there have been reports of coyotes being scared off by large dogs. In these cases, it’s likely the Coyote was trying to avoid a fight it knew it couldn’t win.

Big dogs are far riskier for Coyotes to attack than small dogs. So if a Coyote is going to attack a big dog, it knows it cannot beat alone. So it’ll wait to attack with backup. This is why reports often show larger dogs being attacked by multiple Coyotes. Though some Coyotes will attack alone regardless of the dog’s size.

What Is The Best Dog To Keep Coyotes Away?

The best dog to keep Coyotes away is a large guardian dog. Guardian dogs like the Great Pyrenees were bred to protect livestock from predators such as Coyotes.

These dogs are big, brave, and will do whatever it takes to protect their territory. So if you live in an area with a lot of Coyote activity, a Great Pyrenees is one of the best dogs to protect against coyotes.

Other good choices include the Kuvasz, the Kangal, the Mastiff, and the Akbash. These dogs are large guardian breeds that protect your property from Coyotes.

Can A Dog Outrun A Coyote?

Even the fastest dogs in the world would have a tough time out running a Coyote. The Greyhound, Saluki, Afghan Hound, and Vizsla can clock over 40 mph, but a Coyote’s top speed would still catch most of them.

A Coyote has an average speed of 35 – 43 mph, which at top speed is faster than every other domestic dog besides the Greyhound.

So technically, a Greyhound could outrun a Coyote as it’s the only dog with a faster top speed than the Coyote.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Getting Attacked By Coyotes

The best way to prevent your dog from getting attacked by Coyotes is to keep them away from areas where Coyotes are known to live.

If you live in an area with a lot of Coyote activity, ensure your dog is always on a leash and under close supervision. Never let your dog off the leash in areas where there are Coyotes.

You should also consider getting a large guardian dog breed to protect your property from Coyotes like the Great Pyrenees. These dogs will scare away any Coyote that comes onto your property and protect your other animals from being attacked.

In addition, you can also create a safe space in your backyard that prevents Coyotes from getting within. The best fences to keep coyotes out are six feet tall and have a roll bar on the top. This can prevent coyotes from being able to jump or climb over the fence.

You can also install motion-activated lights and sprinklers in your yard, as these will deter Coyotes from coming onto your property.