You’ve probably heard that dogs evolved from ancient wolves, but did you know they’re also distant cousins of coyotes?
Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) branched off from wolves (Canis lupus) between 27,000-40,000 years ago after humans began domesticating them. Coyotes (Canis latrans) split from wolves a bit earlier around 50,800-52,100 years ago1. They may not be as closely related to dogs as gray wolves are, but coyotes still share a fairly recent evolutionary split from that common wolf ancestor that they’ve had.
Of course coyotes don’t make ideal pets (and shouldn’t be kept as such!), but there are several dog breeds that share their rugged wolf-like appearance.
1. Carolina Dog
As the name implies, the Carolina Dog emerged in the Southern United States. (ref) With a striking resemblance to coyotes and dingoes, they have pointed ears, sickle tails, and a sleek tan coat.
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Carolina Dogs were essentially domesticated coyote-like dogs kept by Native American tribes centuries ago. The breed was rediscovered in the 1970s living in a feral state.
2. Shiba Inu
Originating in the mountainous regions of Japan, the Shiba Inu is an ancient breed with an unmistakable coyote-like appearance. Their reddish coats, triangular erect ears, and curved sickle tails immediately summon images of their wild cousins.
Shibas were originally bred for hunting, and their lean, athletic builds reflect that energetic heritage.
3. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Intended as a working dog for border patrol duties, the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog descended from crosses between German Shepherd Dogs and Carpathian wolves. This purposeful breeding combined the traits desired for service and protection roles. (ref)
Experienced owners are a must – these dogs require extensive training and socialization from an early age to temper their intense dispositions.
4. Shar-Pei
Despite their distinctive wrinkles and bluish-black tongues, Shar-Peis do share some exterior traits with wild canids like coyotes.
The Chinese breed’s triangular ears, hippo-like muzzles, and sleek tails are vestiges of their ancient roots as multipurpose hunting, herding, and guarding dogs in rural areas.
5. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhund has a decidedly wolfish aesthetic with their gray double coats, compact bodies, and curly sickle tails. Though they may share coyotes’ coyote-like stature, Vallhunds diverged from a different evolutionary path as energetic herding dogs on Swedish farms and ranches.
Still, that wild resemblance persists in their overall appearance.
6. Basenji
The Basenji’s small, compact frame with a tightly curled tail seems straight out of the sub-Saharan desert and wilderness.
Developed as a hunting dog by tribes in central Africa, the breed has retained their iconic wrinkled brow, short coat, and coyote-like tan coloration and appearance over thousands of years.
7. Canaan Dog
Regarded as one of the world’s oldest domesticated breeds, the Canaan Dog hails from the lands of ancient Israel.
Their coyote-like visages – wedge-shaped heads, erect ears, and bushy tails – are thought to be preserved since the nomadic Israelites first bred them thousands of years ago as herders and guards.
8. Saarloos Wolfdog
The Saarloos Wolfdog exemplifies how selective breeding can produce a domesticated yet strikingly wild-looking canine. A cross between German Shepherds and male gray wolves, these dogs have the thick fur coats, pointed ears and elongated snouts reminiscent of their coyote cousins.
Getting a Coyote-Like Dog as a Pet
If you want a domesticated dog that gives you just a taste of that coyote mystique:
- Consider one of the breeds listed above like Shibas, Carolina Dogs or Wolfdogs
- Look for the classic coyote features – pointed ears, sickle tail, lean build
- Be prepared for higher energy levels and exercise needs compared to some other breeds
- Socialize and train them well from a young age, just like any canine
Provide the proper training and outlets, and these coyote-resembling breeds can become extremely loyal, protective family companions.
Source:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5581171/
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.