Raptors, including hawks, eagles, and owls, are opportunistic hunters that target small, vulnerable animals. While the image of a hawk flying away with a full-grown pet is unrealistic, these birds of prey can injure or prey on very small pets. The potential for predation depends heavily on the raptor’s size and the animal’s weight, making newborn or very small puppies the most susceptible. Understanding the physical capabilities of these birds is key to mitigating the risk to your small dog.
Hawk Size and Lifting Capacity
Common hawks in suburban and rural areas, such as the Red-tailed Hawk and the Cooper’s Hawk, have limits on what they can physically lift and carry. A Red-tailed Hawk, one of the largest and most widespread hawks in North America, typically weighs between 2 and 3.5 pounds. Raptors can only successfully fly away with prey that is a fraction of their own body weight.
The maximum weight a Red-tailed Hawk can realistically carry is approximately 3 to 3.5 pounds, though lifts up to 5 pounds have been observed over short distances. Prey must be at or below this threshold to be successfully removed from the ground. A newborn puppy of a small breed, like a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier, typically weighs only 2.5 to 5.3 ounces at birth, often remaining under a pound after the first week.
This weight range places newborn and very young puppies within the feasible carrying range for a large hawk. The smaller Cooper’s Hawk, weighing only 0.6 to 1.5 pounds, targets prey less than 40 percent of its body weight, but still threatens the smallest pups. The risk significantly decreases as a puppy grows, becoming negligible once the animal exceeds 5 pounds.
Which Raptors Pose a Real Danger
While most common hawks lack the size and strength to carry off a growing puppy, certain larger raptors present a greater danger due to their superior size. The Golden Eagle is a massive and powerful predator, weighing between 6 and 15 pounds with a wingspan exceeding 7 feet. This species hunts terrestrial mammals and has been reported to carry prey as heavy as 8 pounds.
Bald Eagles are similarly large, often weighing 8 to 14 pounds. Although their diet consists mainly of fish, they opportunistically hunt small mammals. Their size and strength mean they could attack and injure a small puppy, even if they cannot lift the animal. The Great Horned Owl, a nocturnal hunter weighing 2.2 to 5.5 pounds, poses another significant threat.
The Great Horned Owl’s silent flight and nocturnal habits allow it to hunt when pet owners are less vigilant. Its lifting capacity is similar to the Red-tailed Hawk, generally limited to 2 to 3 pounds. However, its talons are exceptionally powerful, requiring approximately 28 pounds of force to open once clenched. This grip strength allows the owl to dispatch prey quickly on the ground, posing a severe risk to small animals left outside overnight.
Protecting Small Pets from Aerial Predators
The most effective strategy for preventing raptor attacks involves strict, constant supervision of small pets outdoors. Never leave a puppy or small dog unattended, even briefly, in a fenced backyard. If a small dog must be outside without direct interaction, an overhead covering is the best physical defense against a predatory dive.
Consider building a fully enclosed structure, sometimes called a “pupio” or “catio,” using mesh or wire to create a safe, roofed outdoor space. Removing objects that attract prey animals, such as bird feeders or outdoor pet food, reduces the presence of rodents and small birds that draw raptors to your area. Trimming back tall trees near play areas can also discourage large birds from perching and scouting for prey.
Some owners use visual deterrents, such as hanging reflective Mylar tape or old compact discs, which flash unpredictably and can confuse approaching birds. For direct protection during walks, specialized vests made of tough material like Kevlar, sometimes featuring protective spikes, are available. These make the pet a difficult target for a raptor’s talons. For the greatest safety, keep outdoor excursions brief and maintain close proximity to your small pet.