Who Is Going To Win?

Did you know that dogs, coyotes, wolves, and jackals are all part of the same big family known as Canidae? Yep, that’s why they share a bunch of cool traits! German Shepherd Dogs, or GSDs for short, were specifically made to look a bit like wolves. This helped them in their job of protecting and leading sheep around.

You see, sheep and other farm animals naturally want to stay away from anything that reminds them of a wolf or coyote. That’s why GSDs have those sharp, pointy ears and long noses.

But even though they might look a bit similar, German Shepherds and coyotes are actually quite different. They vary in size, color, the shape of their legs, the paw prints they leave behind, and even the way they carry their tails.

In this article, we’re going to dive into all the ways these two creatures are alike and all the ways they’re not. So, let’s get started and explore the interesting world of German Shepherds and coyotes together!

German Shepherd vs Coyote

Lots of folks feel curious about who’d come out on top in a showdown between a German Shepherd and a Coyote.

When you pit a coyote against a German Shepherd, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll win. German Shepherds are natural guardians, always ready to defend their home turf. On the flip side, coyotes are pretty territorial too and might step into German Shepherd territory, but they usually prefer to avoid a fight unless they really have to.

The dog world is full of fascinating matchups, and the battle between a coyote and a German Shepherd is no exception. Could a German Shepherd beat a coyote in a head-to-head match? Does size really matter when it comes to these wild confrontations?

Let’s dive in and see how they stack up against each other!

Size 

Size plays a big role in the comparison between German Shepherds and coyotes. Generally speaking, German Shepherds are the bigger and beefier of the two, although this isn’t always the case with female dogs.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) tells us that a German Shepherd can stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 to 90 pounds. They’re pretty impressive looking, with a strong and powerful build.

On the other side, male coyotes tend to be larger and heavier than their female counterparts. A typical coyote might measure about 37 inches in length and stand around 18 inches tall. Their weight can range from a light 20 pounds all the way up to 50 pounds. Compared to German Shepherds, coyotes tend to have a more slender and sleeker appearance.

Color Differences

The most popular color for German Shepherds is black and tan, a mix that you won’t find on coyotes, luckily. This distinction helps tell them apart at first glance.

But when we look at the less common colors of German Shepherds, that’s when things can get a bit tricky, and they might be mistaken for coyotes. Coyotes have a wide color range, stretching from almost black to a pale off-white. You might also spot coyotes with a rusty hue, sporting a white or gray area around their throat and belly.

While black can be found in both German Shepherds and coyotes, coyotes often feature a dark grey across their neck, chin, and belly, setting them apart.

There’s one special shade that’s pretty rare in German Shepherds but completely absent in coyotes – pure white. A pure white coyote would struggle to survive in the wild since its bright color would make it too visible to its prey, making it easier for them to spot and avoid.

Tail Shape and Position

Another key difference to spot between German Shepherds and Coyotes lies in the shape of their tails. While both might have tails that look similar in thickness and even color at times, the details in the tail tips set them apart.

Coyotes often sport tails with black tips, though it’s not a rule set in stone. German Shepherds, on the other hand, usually have tails that curve or hook more noticeably at the end compared to a coyote’s more straight-set tail.

When it comes to the position of the tail, that’s another giveaway. German Shepherds have a habit of holding their tails higher, almost proudly, as they walk. Coyotes, contrastingly, tend to keep their tails lower, closer to the ground.

When scared, dogs, including German Shepherds, might tuck their tails between their legs as they scamper away, a behavior common in the canine world for showing fear or submission.

Leg Structure Variances

When it comes to their legs, coyotes seem to have the upper hand with what looks like longer limbs compared to German Shepherds, but in reality, their leg lengths are pretty similar.

However, German Shepherds, especially those seen in North America, tend to have a unique feature with their hind legs. Their back legs are shaped in such a way that they look like they’re always in a bit of a squat. This gives them a sloping spine that angles down towards their tail.

Coyotes, on the flip side, have a more even keel from head to tail. Their spines stay more level, giving them a straighter appearance from their neck down to their tail end.

Vocalization 

Dogs, including German Shepherds, are pretty vocal animals, often barking, growling, whining, or even giving a woof here and there. They might yip if they’re in pain, but you’ll rarely hear them howl, at least not as much as coyotes or wolves do.

Coyotes, in contrast, tend to keep things on the down-low. They’re the stealthy types, staying quiet to make sure their prey doesn’t catch onto them. Being silent also helps them stay off the radar of bigger threats like wolves or humans.

But when coyotes do decide to break their silence, they have a few sounds in their repertoire: a high-pitched yipping, a bark-like growl that’s on the shorter side, and a howl.

This difference in vocal habits is all about survival and communication. While German Shepherds use their voices to alert, protect, or show emotion, coyotes use theirs strategically to communicate without giving their position away or to bond with their pack.

Running Style

When you watch these animals dash, there’s a clear distinction in their running styles. It’s not just about where their tails are pointed but also the unique way their backbones move as they speed off.

Coyotes have this smooth-running technique where their backbone remains pretty steady and unmoved. It’s like they’re gliding across the ground, sleek and efficient.

On the other side of the fence, German Shepherds have a more noticeable bounce in their step. Their back ends, especially, have this distinctive up-and-down motion when they run. This bouncing doesn’t just stop there; it often makes their heads bob up and down too.

Behavior Towards Other Canines or Animals

Coyotes have a bit of a reputation when it comes to dealing with other animals, especially other canines. They’re not exactly the type to play nice. In fact, coyotes are known for not even getting along with their own kind, let alone dogs.

Whether it’s a small pup or a larger breed, coyotes see other dogs as rivals for their meals and won’t hesitate to attack. They also don’t shy away from going after foxes. The only canine they tend to steer clear of is wolves, simply because wolves are strong enough to overpower them easily.

German Shepherds, on the other hand, are much more laid-back in their approach to other canines. They’re not the ones to pick a fight. Actually, they’re quite the opposite and are often open to making friends with other animals.

Sure, there might be a bit of grumbling or a warning snap here and there, but at the heart of it, a German Shepherd isn’t looking to battle it out.

Track Differences

If you can’t catch a good look at the animal itself, their footprints can give you some pretty good clues. Thankfully, coyotes and German Shepherds have quite distinct paw prints, thanks to the differences in their body structure.

Coyotes, with their long, slender legs, tend to leave a unique pattern behind. You might not find as many prints because their long strides mean fewer touches to the ground. Often, the prints from their back paws either partially overlay or land directly on top of the front paw prints, making the hind prints less distinct.

But a dog footprints tell a different story. When a GSD or really any domestic dog walks, it leaves a clear trail of all four paws. It’s like they’re taking a broader stroll through life compared to the coyote’s more overlapping steps.

Conclusion 

The comparison between the German Shepherd Dog, a beloved pet dog, and the wild coyote, a fascinating wild animal, highlights the distinct worlds of domesticated large-breed dogs and untamed wild animals.

While the German Shepherd stands out as a loyal and protective companion, the wild coyote embodies the raw survival instincts inherent to wild animal behavior. The concept of dog fighting is alien to the nature of a German Shepherd, a breed that prioritizes the safety and companionship of its human family over aggression.

On the other hand, a coyote’s territory acts as a testament to its untutored, instinct-driven life, often leading to conflicts when domestic and wild worlds collide. Ultimately, both the German Shepherd and the wild coyote command respect and understanding, each representing different facets of the canine family’s incredible diversity.