Coydog
Dogs
Coydog
A coydog, or dogote as they are sometimes called, is the hybrid
offspring of a
coyote
(Canis latrans) and a
dog (Canis
lupus familiaris). Together they are genetically capable of
producing fertile young.
The result of a male dog and a female coyote is a dogote, while the
result of a male coyote and a female dog is a coydog. There IS a
difference where the cross-breeding of animals is concerned. The male of the
species tends to give the first part of the offspring's name.
Coydogs are fairly rare in the wild, in part because female coyotes are
fertile for only about 60 days out of the year. Nevertheless, they are born
sometimes. Wild coydogs can cause major problems for
humans, as they
typically have all the infamous cunning of coyotes but lack coyotes' natural
fear of humans. A German Shepherd/female coyote dogote litter was found
after a female coyote was shot. The adult Dogotes resembled German Shepherds in
colour.
Coydogs were once believed to be present in large numbers in Pennsylvania due
to Coyotes being in decline and domestic dogs being available as mates. Most
were probably naturally occurring red or blonde Coyotes or were feral dogs. If
interbreeding between the species really were common, the Coyote population
would acquire more dog-like traits with each successive generation. Coyotes have
also been crossed with Australian
dingos.
Coyotes also breed with wolves, resulting in Coy-Wolves. Coyote/Red Wolf
hybrids have also been found. Some zoologists do not consider the American Red
Wolf to be a true species since it can hybridize with both the Grey Wolf and the
Coyote. The argument that it is a Grey Wolf/Coyote hybrid prevents conservation
efforts.
See also
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