The coyote chihuahua mix is an increasingly popular designer dog that combines the wildness of a coyote with the petite size of a chihuahua. If you’re considering getting one of these unique hybrids, you probably have a lot of questions.

In a nutshell, expect a complex personality, high exercise needs, and some challenging behaviors from this crossbreed.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the coyote chihuahua mix, including their temperament, appearance, health issues, exercise and training needs, and whether they make good pets.

Origins of the Coyote Chihuahua Mix

Background of the Coyote

The coyote is a medium-sized canine native to North America. Weighing around 15 to 45 pounds as adults, these resilient wild dogs have adapted well to a variety of habitats across the continent from forests to deserts.

Known for their distinguishable bushy tails and pointed ears, coyotes live either solitary lives or in small family packs of up to 10 members. They are omnivorous and opportunistic predators, feeding on small mammals, carrion, fruits, insects and even garbage.

While once limited to the middle and western regions of North America, coyote populations have expanded considerably over the last century as they learned to thrive in human-altered environments.

Background of the Chihuahua

In contrast to the coyote, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Weighing no more than 6 pounds and standing only 5 to 8 inches tall, these tiny dogs have become hugely popular across the globe thanks to their size and lively, affectionate personalities.

While their exact origins are disputed, most sources agree that Chihuahuas descended from the Techichi dogs kept by the Toltec civilization in Mexico prior to the Aztecs. Selective breeding over hundreds of years resulted in tiny dogs that retained their ancestor’s alert, lively temperament.

Today, Chihuahuas are prized as pets and show dogs thanks to their portability, low exercise needs and intense bonds with their owners.

Intentional Crossbreeding

There are a few recorded instances of people intentionally breeding coyotes and Chihuahuas together. Sometimes called “coyhuahuas,” these crosses likely stem from coyotes held in captivity being mated with Chihuahuas by breeders or private owners.

The rationale behind creating such an unusual hybrid is not well documented, but it may have roots in popular exotic pet ownership trends. There are also likely accidental crosses happening between escaped domestic Chihuahuas and wild coyotes during breeding seasons.

While coyhuahuas are rare, some sources report on their basic characteristics. They tend to retain more traits from coyotes in terms of size, weight, appearance and temperament. Resulting hybrids often weigh 15 to 30 pounds as adults.

In terms of behavior, they tend to be timid around humans but quite bold around other animals. Their vocalizations are described as more “yip” than “bark.” Training them is reportedly difficult owing to their shy, flighty and wild nature from their coyote ancestry.

Temperament and Behavior

Intelligence and Trainability

The coyote chihuahua mix is a highly intelligent and trainable dog when properly motivated. These hybrids inherit cleverness from both the coyote and chihuahua sides, making them quick studies for tricks, agility, and obedience cues.

However, their independence means training must be consistent and reward-based. With patience and persistence, these vivacious pets can learn even complicated behaviors.

Prey Drive

Coydogs often exhibit strong prey drives toward small fleeing creatures due to their coyote ancestry. It’s not uncommon for them to enthusiastically chase birds, rabbits, cats, rodents, and sometimes even small dogs that run past them.

Proper socialization can help curb chasing behaviors, but their hunting instincts tend to stay strong throughout life.

Vocalizations

These crossbreeds are quite vocal dogs capable of an extensive repertoire of sounds ranging from typical barks to distinctive coyote-like howls, yips, and high-pitched screams. Their piercing voices reflect emotions like loneliness, anxiety, excitement, happiness, and defense of territory.

Though endearing to some owners, these talkative tendencies frustrated by neighbors.

Activity Level

With boundless energy stemming from their wild coyote background paired with feisty chihuahua zest, coydog crosses need ample daily activity and exercise. A bored coyote chihuahua mix left alone may wreak havoc by destructively chewing or digging inside the home.

Most thrive with at least 60-90 minutes of vigorous playtime, walks, runs, or interactive dog sports every day.

Interaction with Other Pets

Positive early socialization can help a coydog accept other pets, but their instincts make them generally unreliable around small animals like birds, hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. They typically appreciate canine housemates, especially other similar-sized or larger dogs up for regular spirited play sessions.

However, significant supervision is still required.

Proper introductions on neutral territory facilitate positive interactions with resident pets. However, inherited prey drives mean coyote chihuahua mixes may never fully tolerate tiny critters darting past them.

Appearance and Physical Traits

Size

The coyote chihuahua mix is a small to medium-sized dog, usually measuring 12 to 18 inches tall and weighing 10 to 30 pounds. As a mixed breed, their size can vary greatly depending on whether they take after the coyote or chihuahua parent more.

Chihuahuas are quite small, only 6 to 10 inches tall and 3 to 6 pounds, while coyotes are much larger at around 30 to 45 pounds. Coydogs tend to fall right in the middle of their parent breeds.

Coat and Markings

Coydogs can have a variety of coat colors and markings. Common coat colors include black, brown, tan, cream, red, or white. Many have bi-colored coats with a mixture of white with black, brown, red, or tan. Their fur is usually short to medium in length and can be straight or wavy.

Thicker double coats are also common in coydog mixes. Coydogs often have similar facial markings to a coyote, like a dark mask over the eyes or dark ears.

Facial Features

The coyote chihuahua mix has a face that resembles a coyote more than a chihuahua. They have a long, narrow snout with a black nose and tall, pointed ears. Their almond-shaped eyes are usually amber, yellow, hazel, or brown.

They have a tail shaped like a coyote’s, thicker at the base and pointed at the tip, unlike a chihuahua’s tail which curls over their back. Overall, their facial features make them look very fox-like and they are often mistaken for foxes.

Grooming Needs

A coyote chihuahua mix inherits traits from both parent breeds, resulting in some unique grooming requirements. Proper grooming keeps their coat healthy and skin irritation-free.

Coat Type

The coydog coat type varies. Some have a dense, thick double-layer coat like a coyote, while others inherit the smooth, short coat of a chihuahua. Most exhibit moderate shedding year-round and heavier shedding during seasonal coat blows.

Frequent brushing with a slicker brush removes dead hairs before they shed onto furniture and carpets.

Shedding

As moderate year-round shedders, coyote chihuahua mixes require weekly brushing to control loose hair and prevent matting. More frequent brushing, even daily, may be necessary during spring and fall heavy shedding periods when they blow their undercoats.

Bathing and brushing ahead of coat blows can minimize shedding mess.

Bathing

Bathe a coydog every 2-3 months or as needed to control body odor and remove dirt. Use a mild dog shampoo to protect the natural oils in their skin and coat. Rinse thoroughly after washing. Wipe out ears carefully after bathing to prevent moisture buildup and infections.

Nails

A coyote chihuahua mix needs monthly nail trims to keep their paws healthy and prevent painful cracking or breakage. If their nails make loud clicking noises on floors, it’s time for a trim. Introduce nail care slowly with positive rewards to make it a stress-free routine.

Teeth

Dental care prevents painful tartar buildup and tooth decay. Brush their teeth daily or several times per week using dog toothpaste and toothbrush. Annual vet cleanings may be recommended for optimal dental health. Chew toys also scrape plaque off teeth.

Ears

Floppy ears like the chihuahua’s are prone to infections. Check ears weekly for redness, odor, and discharge. Gently wipe outer ears with a dog ear cleaner and cotton ball to remove dirt and moisture. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Seek veterinary help for any signs of infection.

Health Issues

As a mixed breed, the Coyhuahua typically enjoys good health and may demonstrate “hybrid vigor” – increased health and hardiness compared to purebred parents. However, the breed can inherit some conditions common to Chihuahuas and coyotes.

Hybrid Vigor

Crossbreeding dogs of different breeds can result in hybrid vigor, meaning the offspring may have increased health and longevity over purebred parents. This happens because greater genetic diversity from both parents provides the pup with a larger gene pool.

So problems associated with inbreeding are reduced.

For the Coyhuahua, hybrid vigor means potentially better cardiac and skeletal health compared to some Chihuahuas. The mix may also have improved immune function and lower cancer rates than seen in pure coyotes. Overall, a well-bred Coyhuahua should live between 13 to 16 years.

Common Health Problems

Some common issues seen in Chihuahuas that Coyhuahuas can face include patellar luxation, collapsed trachea, hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, and heart disease like mitral valve disease. Eye issues like cataracts, corneal dryness, and progressive retinal atrophy also occur.

Orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia have been reported in coyotes and may happen in Coyhuahuas. In coyotes, sarcoptic mange is another problem that can occasionally happen in Coyhuahua mixes.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a coyote in the wild is about 6 to 8 years. For a Chihuahua, the average lifespan ranges from 12 to 20 years. As a mixed breed, the Coyhuahua can be expected to live approximately 13 to 16 years with proper care and limited health issues.

A study in 2013 by the University of Georgia found that mixed breed dogs live on average 1 to 2 years longer than pure breeds. The increased longevity is likely due to hybrid vigor from greater genetic diversity.

So if cared for properly, a Coyhuahua should have a lifespan of over 10 years, despite some potential health problems.

Exercise and Activity Requirements

High Energy Levels

The Coyote Chihuahua is a high energy dog that requires plenty of exercise and activity. As a cross between two energetic breeds, the Coyochi typically inherits a strong drive to run, play, and explore their surroundings.

Without adequate outlets for their energy, these dogs can become anxious or destructive.

Plan on providing a minimum of 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity per day. This could include activities like jogging, hiking, playing fetch, or participating in dog sports like agility. Mental stimulation through obedience training, puzzle toys, and nose work games will also help tire out their busy brains.

Outdoor Space

Having access to a securely fenced yard is ideal for Coyote Chihuahuas. This gives them room to zoom around and burn off some zoomies. Take care that fencing is high enough since these athletic dogs are excellent jumpers and climbers.

Supervision is still required as they may try to dig or leap their way to freedom.

If lacking a yard, be prepared to take your Coyochi on several long walks per day. Visits to the dog park or play sessions with other dogs they get along with can also provide an energy outlet. Just be sure your Coyote Chihuahua has proper socialization to prevent problems with dog aggression, which is a tendency in Chihuahuas.

Mental Stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, Coyote Chihuahuas need mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. Boredom leads to bad habits like excessive barking, furniture chewing, hyperactivity, and aggression. Engage their intelligent minds through varied activities and toys.

Try puzzle toys where your dog has to move pieces to earn treats. Take them on scent work adventures allowing them to use their keen sense of smell. Practice new commands and tricks daily to strengthen the bond with your smart pup. Rotate through different types of toys to keep things interesting.

Leash Walking

Teaching solid leash manners is essential for enjoying nice walks with your Coyochi. Early socialization and training will help curb any inclination to bark, lunge, or be fearful around strangers and other dogs while out and about.

Use tasty treats and consistent positive reinforcement techniques when leash training. Patience is required as these feisty dogs can be stubborn. Investing the time to master loose leash walking, ignoring distractions, and commands like “heel” will pay off with a polite walking companion.

Daily leash walks around the neighborhood or park will provide your Coyote Chihuahua with both physical and mental exercise. Vary the routes to expose them to new sights and sounds to aid in socialization.

Training Tips

Socialization

Socialization is crucial for Coyote Chihuahua mixes from an early age. Expose them to different people, places, sounds, and animals in a positive and controlled way. Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers and new experiences, so starting young helps build their confidence.

Take them on walks in busy areas, invite friends over, arrange puppy play dates, and enroll in obedience classes. Proper socialization helps prevent behavior issues like aggression, fearfulness, and anxiety down the road.

Obedience

Coyote Chihuahua mixes are intelligent but can be stubborn when it comes to training. Use positive reinforcement techniques with treats, praise, and play to motivate them. Be patient and consistent. Obedience training is essential for basic commands like sit, stay, come, down, heel, and leave it.

It also helps strengthen the human-canine bond. Practice short, engaging sessions every day. Consider professional training if you need extra help.

House Training

House training a Coyote Chihuahua mix requires vigilance, consistency, and patience. Take them outside frequently, at least every 2 hours for puppies. Always praise and reward with treats when they potty outside. Limit access inside the home and use crates and leashes until potty training is reliable.

Never punish accidents – gently interrupt and escort them outside. Thoroughly clean any indoor accidents with enzymatic cleaner to remove odors. Be consistent with feeding schedules and learn their signals for needing to go out.

Crate Training

Crate training utilizes a dog’s natural instinct to not soil their sleeping area. It encourages house training and provides a secure spot for them to relax. Introduce the crate slowly with positive associations like treats and toys. Start with brief sessions and praise calm behavior inside.

Slowly increase duration. Avoid using the crate solely for punishment. Provide water and potty breaks before and after crating. Make it comfortable with a bed and cover. Proper crate training prevents destructive behaviors when left unsupervised.

Diet and Nutrition

High-Protein Food

As a breed that is a mix of two energetic working dogs, the Coyote Chihuahua requires a high-protein diet to support its active lifestyle. Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, and lean red meats like beef are excellent sources of protein for this hybrid dog.

High-protein kibble formulated specifically for small, active breeds is ideal as the staple diet. Supplementing dry food with cooked or raw meat, fish, eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese provides extra protein in a highly digestible form.

Since protein supports growth, development, and lean muscle mass, it should comprise at least 18-22% of the Coyote Chihuahua diet as a puppy and adult. Excessive amounts of protein, however, can lead to obesity in a breed prone to weight gain.

Consult with a veterinarian to determine the ideal amount of protein based on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level.

Meal Frequency

The Coyote Chihuahua is a breed with a speedy metabolism. Like its Chihuahua parent, it does best with smaller, frequent meals throughout the day. Feed puppies four meals daily up to 6 months of age, then switch to three meals daily for adulthood.

Feeding from puzzle toys or through training sessions helps provide mental stimulation between meals.

Divide the breed’s total daily caloric intake across the appropriate number of meals. Avoid leaving food out all day, as this hybrid is prone to overeating. Scheduled mealtimes prevent snacking and obesity in this food-motivated cross.

Avoid Overfeeding

With its small size and big appetite, the Coyote Chihuahua tends to become overweight easily. Keep this in mind when portioning out meals. Follow label guidelines when feeding commercial dog food. As a starting point, this breed typically requires 30 to 60 calories per pound of body weight daily when fully grown, depending on activity level.

Since the Coyote Chihuahua parent breeds are prone to obesity and related health issues, avoiding overfeeding is crucial. Weigh out portions rather than free feeding. Adjust amounts as needed to maintain an ideal body condition. Limit treats and avoid feeding table scraps or sugary people food.

Regular weigh-ins and exams by a veterinarian can catch weight gain early before it becomes a bigger problem. An overweight Coyote Chihuahua will have less energy, stamina, and quality of life long-term.

Finding a Coydog Puppy

Adopting vs. Buying

When looking to add a coydog to your family, you have two options – adopting or buying from a breeder. Adoption can be a rewarding way to provide a home for a coydog in need. Many shelters and rescue organizations have coydog mixes available.

The adoption fee typically covers initial vet care like vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping and more. Adoption counselors can help match you with a coydog that fits your lifestyle.

Buying a coydog from a breeder allows you to select from specific parent breeds like a coyote father and German shepherd mother. Reputable coydog breeders screen for genetic diseases and have a wealth of knowledge about the crossbreed.

However, buying a puppy can be quite expensive with costs ranging from $500 to over $1500.

Breeder Screening

If you decide to get a coydog from a breeder, do your research to find a responsible, ethical breeder. Here are some things to look for:

  • Clean, spacious facilities for the puppies and parents
  • AKC or UKC registration of the parents
  • Health testing on the parents for issues like hip dysplasia
  • A good temperament – neither timid nor aggressive
  • Socialization of the puppies
  • A health guarantee for the puppy
  • Support from the breeder after you take the puppy home

Avoid breeders who seem focused solely on profit or have multiple litters available. Responsible coydog breeders care about placing their puppies in good homes.

Price

The price of a coydog puppy often depends on the breeder’s reputation and the parents’ pedigree. On average, you can expect to pay $800 to $2000 for a coydog from a quality breeder. Show champion lineage or rare breed crosses like a coyote-Samoyed can cost $2500 to $3500.

Beware of very cheap puppies under $500 as this may indicate irresponsible breeding practices. Consider the higher upfront cost of a well-bred coydog an investment in your pet’s future health and temperament.

Adoption fees for coydogs average $50 to $300 which includes medical care and spay/neuter. While the initial cost is lower, adopted dogs may have higher care expenses if any pre-existing medical or behavior issues emerge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are coyote chihuahua mixes legal pets?

The legality of owning a coyote chihuahua mix can vary by location. In general, hybrids of domestic dogs and wild canids like coyotes are often banned or require special permits. For example, many U.S. states prohibit owning coyote hybrids or regulate them as exotic pets.

So be sure to check your local and state laws before getting one of these unusual mixes.

How long do coyote chihuahua mixes live?

There is limited data on the typical lifespan of a coyote chihuahua mix. However, some sources suggest they often live 10 to 15 years. Given chihuahuas can live 15 to 20 years and coyotes around 10 years on average, the mix may fall somewhere in the middle.

Do coyote chihuahua mixes make good family pets?

Coyote chihuahua mixes generally do not make good pets for families with children. As hybrids of wild coyotes and tiny chihuahuas, they tend to be highly energetic, skittish, and wary of strangers. They require experienced owners used to assertive, strong-willed dogs.

Additionally, their dominance behaviors combined with their small size makes them prone to aggressive snapping when frightened. This can pose risks especially around small kids who may scare or hurt them accidentally. For these reasons, coyote chihuahua mixes are better suited to adult-only homes.

Conclusion

The coyote chihuahua mix is an exotic cross between wild coyote and tiny chihuahua. They have unique personalities and care needs. With proper socialization, training, and an active lifestyle, these hybrids can make interesting pets for the right owner.

However, they are not ideal for novice dog owners or families with small children.

If you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, a coydog can be a rewarding companion. Make sure you thoroughly research the breed and consult an experienced breeder or rescue group before bringing one of these special puppies home.

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