What Dog Can Kill Coyotes? (12 Dogs Make Our List)
If you have a home that is frequented by coyotes, you know how dangerous they can be. Coyotes are known for killing pets and wildlife to survive.
If you want to keep the coyotes away from your property, there are certain breeds of dogs that will kill them!
In this article, we will list the top 12 dog breeds that can kill coyotes.
What dog can kill coyotes?
The Great Pyrenees is the best dog breed for protection against coyotes but here are the top 12 dog breeds for killing coyotes:
| Dog Breed | Height | Weight | Likelihood of Killing |
| #1 The Great Pyrenees | 25-32 inches | 85-160 lbs | High |
| #2 Anatolian Shepherd | 27-32 inches | 80-150 lbs | High |
| #3 Kangal | 28-32 inches | 90-145 lbs | High |
| #4 Pyrenean Mastiff | 24-31 inches | 130-200 lbs | High |
| #5 Komondor | 25.5-30 inches | 80-120 lbs | High |
| #6 Kuvasz | 26-30 inches | 70-115 lbs | High |
| #7 Dogo Argentino | 24-26.5 inches | 88-100 | Moderate |
| #8 Tosa Inu | 21.5-23.5 inches | 100-200 | High |
| #9 Pitbulls | 17-19 inches | 40-80 lbs | Low to Moderate |
| #10 Cane Corso | 23.5-27.5 inches | 90-120lbs | High |
| #11 Irish Wolfhound | 30-33.5 inches | 100-130 lbs | High |
| #12 The Alabai | 24-28 inches | 88-125 lbs | High |
If you live in a rural area, it would be best to get one of the larger breeds mentioned above. If there are coyotes around your property that come and go often, we recommend getting at least two dogs!
Typically, the dog breeds that are meant for guarding sheep and livestock will be your best best. These breeds are more likely to take on a coyote than smaller and medium sized dog breeds because they are larger, stronger, and more aggressive.
The majority of breeds on our list are used as livestock guardian dogs and hunting dogs.
Top 12 Dog Breeds That Can Kill Coyotes
#1 The Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is known for its large size. It’s appearance alone can be intimidating enough to keep a coyote away.
Great Pyrenees males weigh 100 to 160 lbs.
Males stand 27 to 32 inches tall.
Females weigh 85 to 115 lbs
Females stand 25 to 29 inches
Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years
This breed is typically used as livestock guard dogs and has been know in some cases of chasing off mountain lions.
This will make them an excellent choice if you live out west near Arizona or California. They have had increased sightings of coyotes and other predators roaming the area lately.
Their fur is typically white with markings of black on the face, ears, tips, or paws and some shading around their eyes, giving it a very distinctive look!
This breed can hold its own against coyotes by being aggressive enough that the coyotes will back down at the sight of such a large dog.
They are known to be excellent hunters that can stalk their prey with stealth and efficiency until they pounce.
This is a breed of dog bred specifically as guarding and hunting, so this would make sense in terms of them being good natural predators against coyotes.
#2 Anatolian Shepherd
Anatolian Shepherds are used as livestock guardians. They do a great job of making sure that coyotes stay away from their flock.
Males weigh 110-150 lbs
Males stand 29-32 inches
Females weigh 80 to 120 lbs
Females stand 27-28 inches tall
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
The Anatolian Shepherd is the largest and tallest breed in this category. They are not so much for hunting or herding, but they will go after a predator if it’s close enough to pose a threat!
Their size can also help when facing off predators like wolves.
His large stature helps deter many threats, including humans (like thieves). They are built so large that they have an intimidating look to them.
These dogs can grow up 32 inches tall too. They are great in colder climates thanks to their wool-like fur.
They are a great option if you have some coyotes that need killin’!
#3 Kangal
The Anatolian Shepherd and the Kangal Dog are similar but different.
Kangal males stan 30 to 32 inches
Males weigh 110 to 145 lbs
Kangal females stand 28 to 30 inches
Females weigh 90 to 120 lbs
Life expectancy: 10-13 years
Because Kangals aren’t allowed to be exported from Turkey, they’re hard to find in the United States. Many Americans settle for Anatolian Shepherds, which are a reckoning force in their own right.
If you have a large property and need a dog that will protect it, the Kangal is perfect.
Kangals are tenacious! Their protective instincts are like very few other breeds. They were born to protect humans and other animals. It’s in their nature.
Their size and strength make them optimal for fighting off coyotes, wolves, bears, foxes, and other predators.
Kangals have been bred to be aggressive towards anything threatening their herd of sheep or human family. This makes them a great guard dog against human intruders as well. The breed is considered to be among the most fearless and loyal of all dogs.
Kangals are often used by shepherds in Turkey as a guard or flock-guarding animals. They have a reputation for great intelligence, courage, and an aggressive streak when necessary. They will fight off any intruder!
They also are very gentle with their family members and can be good with kids. Though their size can knock down small children.
#4 Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is a beast that can weigh up to 220lbs!
Males weigh 140 lb to 200 lbs (a few have reached 220 lbs)
Males stand 27 to 31 inches tall.
Females usually weigh between 130 to 180 lbs
Females stand 24 to 30 inches tall
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
The Pyrenean Mastiff is an even-tempered breed of dog that has retained its use as a guard and livestock guardian throughout the centuries. It doesn’t often turn aggressive but will fiercely defend its “flock” when it feels threatened.
These dogs were bred in France by Basque shepherds hundreds of years ago as a deterrent defending against wolves and bear attacks.
This very large, heavy breed is still used for guarding livestock and property.
Pyrenean Mastiffs are not the best choice if you’re looking to have a dog that will be around small children. They tend towards being wary of strangers. They can knock over kids who make sudden movements when playing with them or trying to wrestle.
They are used for hunting. Some hunters have had success using this dog to hunt coyotes.
When hunting, a trained Pyrenean Mastiff will “point” or crouch down on its front legs then bark once it has located the prey. This helps hunters know where to go next.
They’d be aware of the presence of a coyote fairly quick should one come onto their property.
#5 Komondor
The Komondorok are a formidable breed known for their fearsome appearance. Standing over 27 inches and weighing up to 120 pounds, these large dogs have heavy bones and deep chests with lots of muscle definition on them.
Males weight 100-120 lbs
Males stand 27.5 to 30 inches
Females weigh 80 to 100 lbs
Females stand 25.5 to 27.5 inches
Life Expectancy 10-12 years
The Komondor is a large, heavy-coated Hungarian dog breed. It has been used as a livestock guardian because of its aggressive temperament and the long corded coat that protects against bites from wild animals such as wolves or bears.
The Komondor’s are known for their curly mops of hair on top of their heads. They have an unmistakable look.
#6 Kuvasz
There are many dog breeds, but the Kuvasz is one you might not have heard of before.
The name comes from the Turkish word for “shepherd.” This breed has a loveable disposition and generally takes on more than its fair share of work around an estate or farm, such as watching over the livestock, herding cattle, and guarding the property.
Kuvasz males weigh 100 to 115 lbs
Males stand 28 to 30 inches
Kusav females weigh 70 to 90 lbs
females stand 26 to 28 inches
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Kuvasz is a breed of large, white-coated livestock guardian dogs. They’re known for their courage and loyalty in guarding sheep from wolves, bears, and against cattle raiders.
In Hungary, they were bred to be guard animals on trains carrying wool bales or gold bars, where they earned a reuputation for protecting valuable property.
Kuvasz is widely considered among the most beautiful dog breeds due partly to their unusual coloring and their imposing looks.
#7 Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is one of the more popular dogs in Argentina. The breed was developed to hunt large game animals, such as puma and boar.
The dog has a thick coat which protects it from harsh weather conditions. Due to their heavy prdator drive, they have not been bred for companion purposes. Still, they are very loving animals who enjoy being around people.
Dogo Argentino males weigh 88 to 100 lbs
Males stand 24 to 26.5 inches tall
Females weigh 88-95 lbs
Females stand 24 to 25.5 inches tall
Life expectancy: 9-15 years
The Dogo Argentino is a large, white-and-brown hound that can be traced back to the 1800s.
The Dogo Argentino was created by Argentine hunters who needed an animal to take on all types of prey, especially those large enough to fight off with their teeth – such as wild pigs and mountain lions.
#8 Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is a Japanese breed of dog. They are also known as the “Japanese Fighting Dog.”
Males weigh 100 to 200 lbs
Males stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches
Tosa Inu Females also weigh 100 to 200 lbs
Females can also stand 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
The highly intelligent, courageous, and loyal dogs have been bred to guard boats in ancient Japan due to their protective nature for centuries ago.
The personality traits that they possess make them one of the most well-known breeds from Asia today, but they arent well known in English speaking countries.
A Tosa Inu should be able to hold its own against a coyote.
#9 American Staffordshire Terrier (AKA “Pitbulls”)
Can a pitbull kill a coyote? I’d bank on it, though there is a chance they’d get seriously hurt or killed in the process. Coyotes are tough opponents, and many pit bulls aren’t as big as the other dogs on our list. It’s a tossup.
The correct terminology for the “pitbull” is “American Staffordshire Terrier.” Though, they are commonly mixed with other fighting breeds by criminals who operate dog rings.
I call them Pitbulls. You call them what you want.
Pitbull males weigh 55 to 70 lb
Males stand 18 to 19 inches tall
Pitbull females weigh 40 to 55 lbs
Females stand 17 to 18 inches
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years, or sooner if they go up against the wrong Coyote.
The pitbull has been bred as a fighting dog for over 100 years. They are tenacious and can rip other animals to shreds! That said, they’re not as good at hunting as the Mastiff and larger livestock guardian dogs.
They still have a-rockin’ chance to win in a coyote fight, though. If I had one, I’d be careful with that.
I can’t say I recommend it, but if you have a pit bull and a coyote problem, I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind.
They can easily rip other animals apart, but their agility when chasing down prey isn’t so good. They are also much smaller than livestock guardian dogs, like the Great Pyrenees.
#10 Cane Corso
Cane Corso, the Italian Mastiff, is one of the biggest breeds in North America. I think they look pretty cool. Their personalities are much more reserved than the other breeds on our list.
Cane Corso males weigh 95 to 120 lbs
Males stand 25 to 27.5 inches
Cane Corso females weigh 90 to 105 lbs
Females stand 23.5 to 26 inches
Life Expectancy: 9-12 years
The Cane Corso is a breed that has been bred for centuries in Italy. The dogs are known to be “workaholics” and will not stop until they find something new or interesting to do, which makes them perfect guard dogs.
If they came up against a coyote, I think the Cane Corso would win, as long it was trained and prepared for it.
#11 Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a large, grey-furred canine found in Ireland. It was originally bred to hunt wolves for their fur but now makes an excellent family pet and guard dog. They can be very gentle with humans.
Irish Wolfhound males weigh 110 to 130 lbs
Males stand 32 to 33.5 inches
Irish Wolfhound females weigh 100 to 120 lbs
Females stand 30-32.5 inches tall
Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
The average lifespan for an Irish Wolfhound is six to eight years. This shorter than many breeds that live 12-15+years because of their size, weight, and age at maturity.
If they came up against a coyote, then they would have a good chance of killing it.
One of a wolfhound’s more important hunting skills is its ability, strength, and power over larger prey animals such as deer or boar.
#12 Central Asian Shepherd (AKA The Alabai)
In Central Asia and the Middle East, Alabai dogs have been used for centuries to guard livestock against wolves.
The breed is also known as “Central Asian Sheep Dog” or simply “Alabai” to those who know it in its native lands.
Alabai males weigh 90 to 125 lbs
Males stand 25.5 to 28 inches in height
Alabama females weigh 88 to 105 lbs
Females stand 24 to 26.5 inches in height
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
The Central Asian Shepherd is a very hardy breed of dogs that can be found throughout Asia’s entire continent.
The Central Asian Shepherd is an incredible canine with many talents. They’re primarily used for herding livestock, but they also serve as good watchdogs and protectors against wild animals.
They have a wide variety of personalities and are great additions to any family.
Buy a Pair of Dogs
A pair of dogs, especially from the list above, will increase the chances that they’d survive an encounter with a coyote. Either by winning and killing the coyote or by scaring it away from your property, family, and other animals.
Coyotes live in packs but they often hunt alone or in pairs. Having two guard dogs would give me much more peace of mind then just having one. Two dogs would deter any lone coyotes and cause a pair to think twice before coming onto your property.
If you had a pair of domestic dogs non our our list, depending on the breed, there is a good chance they’d be able to ward off a coyote attack too.
Two dogs are better than one when it comes to killing coyotes.
Can a domestic dog kill a coyote?
Yes, certain domestic dogs can kill coyotes, but most cannot and would die or get seriously injured. If the breed of dog is large, like a Mastiff, and bred for hunting or guarding, he would have a greater chance.
You should keep most domestic dogs away from Coyotes, especially small and medium-sized breeds. Most large breeds will not be able to kill a coyote, but some can pull it off.
Put it this way, if the dog is not on our list of dogs that can kill coyotes, then don’t let try!
Do Coyotes Kill Dogs?
Yes, frequently. The Coyote is a cunning, wily creature that can easily lure our beloved dogs away. When they get close to the vulnerable pooch, their instincts kick in, and it’s game over for your four-legged friend!
The Coyote has been known as one of America’s most efficient predators due to its ability to blend into its environment and lurk.
Animal experts have been saying that coyotes have become more of a smart, urban predator in many ways. They aren’t isolated to remote regions anymore. Coyotes are becoming a problem for people who live in cities too. I think the best way to protect your property, especially if you have other animals, is to get a pair of dogs mentioned on our list above.
Final Thoughts
Well, I hope you got some insight from our list of dogs that can kill a coyote. It certainly is a fascinating subject and one that I don’t think we will ever stop discussing–especially those of us that have coyote problems.
We always love receiving feedback from our readers to improve their experience with these articles on YoloPooch.
If you have any thoughts about this topic, please let us know in the comments below!
Do you have any experience with dogs and coyote hunting? If so, let us know in the comments!
