"New genetic tests show that all eastern coyotes are actually a mix of three species: coyote, wolf and dog," said zoologist Roland Kays. Also, it is not even legal to own such a canid hybrid in certain states.Beyond Facebook, there is also speculation that coywolves are real, but a North Carolina state zoologist says it's not a new species, but a hybrid. For this reason, it is not recommended to cross these two species for the sole purpose of having a coydog as a pet. However, predicting the temperament of coydogs is rather tricky because they can inherit “wild” traits from the coyote parent. The offspring of coyotes and dogs can exhibit a range of distinct traits and physical characteristics due to the genetic mixing of the two parents. Unfortunately, the interbreeding “method” was rather cruel, as it entailed taking a female dog in heat and leaving her chained up in the mountains for a few days until she was impregnated by a male coyote. For example, in Mexico, there was a tradition of breeding female dogs and male coyotes, as the hybrids were considered tough, loyal, and good guardians. Moreover, certain evidence seems to show that coydogs existed even before the colonization of North America by Europeans. Therefore, according to researchers, hybridization between dogs and coyotes could date back to the time of colonization! Image Credit: Amelia Martin, Shutterstock That said, the study of the coyote genome reveals that from 2% to 11% of the genes of the coyote can be attributable to the dog. When Did Coydogs First Occur?Īccording to some studies, there is little evidence of recent hybridizations between the coyote and the domestic dog. Sometimes, a female dog may run away for a few days to find a partner-dog or coyote.Ĭonversely, male domestic dogs can also mate with female coyotes, though this is rarer in the wild. 3 If a female dog comes into heat near the territory of a male coyote, the latter may approach and attempt to mate with her. However, some dog breeds may come into heat more frequently, at any time of the year. Coyotes’ normal mating periods are between January and March. Under What Circumstances Do Coyotes Breed With Dogs?įemale dogs come into heat about twice a year, usually in the spring and fall. Therefore, interbreeding between these canids tends to occur only when there is a shortage of healthy, viable mates of the same species. These animals typically evolve in suitable habitats-that is, when adequate resources and fertile partners are available. That said, although crosses between dogs and coyotes, coyotes and wolves, or dogs and wolves are biologically possible, they are rather rare. 2 Due to the development of urban areas, the ranges of these wild animals also overlap with human settlements, meaning it is theoretically possible for a coyote or wolf to interbreed with a domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris). In North America, the ranges of the wolf ( Canis Lupis) overlap with those of the coyote. How Is Interbreeding Between Different Canine Species Possible? Read on for a roundup of interbreeding between coyotes and dogs and their offspring, which are known as “coydogs.” 1 That said, the offspring of these unusual pairs are usually fertile and fully viable. Since coyotes and dogs are genetically similar, they can breed with each other, though this is quite uncommon in the wild. The coyote ( Canis latrans) belongs to the Canidae family, which also includes dogs, wolves, jackals, and foxes.
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