The coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable canine species native to North America, often mistaken for a domestic dog. Both animals belong to the same biological family, Canidae, and share a similar general body plan. However, the coyote is a wild animal that has evolved to be a lean, efficient predator, while the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) has been selectively bred for a vast range of shapes and sizes.
Quantitative Size Metrics
The adult coyote is consistently a medium-sized canine, exhibiting a lean, athletic build. An average adult coyote weighs between 20 and 45 pounds (9 to 20 kilograms), with a shoulder height ranging from 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 centimeters). Total body length, including the tail, usually falls between 3 and 4.3 feet (1.0 to 1.3 meters).
When comparing coyotes to dogs frequently mistaken for them, such as the Border Collie, the size overlap is clear. A male Border Collie typically weighs 30 to 45 pounds and stands 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder, placing it within the coyote’s range. However, the coyote is noticeably more slender and less robust than a dog of comparable height. A German Shepherd, which stands 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder, is often much heavier, weighing 49 to 71 pounds, demonstrating the coyote’s lower body mass relative to its height.
Key Physical Differences for Visual Identification
Coyotes possess a long, narrow, and pointed snout that tapers to a fine point, unlike the wider variety of snout shapes found in domestic dogs. The ears of a coyote are conspicuously large, erect, and triangular, appearing disproportionately big relative to the size of its head. Their overall build is characterized by a lean, almost lanky frame with longer legs and a shallower chest compared to the generally more stocky appearance of domestic dogs. The tail is another reliable visual cue, as it is long, bushy, and typically carried low, pointing downward, even when the animal is running. Many dog breeds, conversely, hold their tails curled, straight up, or flagged over their backs.
Regional Size Variation in Coyotes
Coyote size is not uniform across North America, which complicates a simple size comparison with dogs. This variation is partly explained by Bergmann’s Rule, suggesting that individuals in colder climates tend to be larger. Coyotes in the Southwestern United States, near their historic range, are generally smaller and lighter, often weighing only 20 to 25 pounds. Populations in the Northeast, however, are often significantly larger, with some individuals weighing up to 50 pounds or more. This increased size is primarily attributed to historical hybridization with gray wolves as the coyote expanded its range eastward.
The Coyote vs. Domestic Dog Spectrum
Comparing coyote size to that of a domestic dog is meaningful only when considering specific, medium-sized dog breeds. The domestic dog spectrum ranges from under five-pound toy breeds to Great Danes and Mastiffs weighing over 150 pounds, making a generalized comparison impossible. Further complicating identification is the occasional occurrence of hybrids, sometimes called “coydogs.” These animals, resulting from a cross between a coyote and a domestic dog, can exhibit intermediate sizes and features. A coydog may be larger than a pure coyote, with weights sometimes reaching 60 to 120 pounds and a shoulder height of up to 30 inches, making size-based identification unreliable in these rare cases.