Coyote hunting demands a unique combination of speed, strength, and tenacity in a dog, making the selection of the right breed critical for success. While the pursuit challenges both hunter and hound, certain breeds excel in this demanding arena, showcasing remarkable agility and endurance. From swift-footed sighthounds to robust scent hounds, these canine athletes are bred to track, chase, and corner the elusive coyote. This guide highlights the top 10 coyote hunting dog breeds, known for their unparalleled prowess in the field, helping hunters identify the perfect four-legged companion to enhance their pursuit of this cunning predator.
When it comes to the thrill of the hunt, few things rival the excitement of a skilled dog taking on the elusive and cunning coyote. With their razor-sharp instincts, unrelenting drive, and unmatched endurance, these incredible canines are more than just hunters—they’re legends in motion.
A great coyote hunting dog combines raw power, speed, and tenacity to outsmart a predator that refuses to back down. These dogs are bred to chase, corner, and defend, ensuring the coyote would stand no chance against their determination.
Whether you’re training eager puppies or working alongside seasoned veterans, these canines turn the hunt into a true adventure. They’re built for every terrain, every season, and every challenge. For outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and adventurers alike, these species represent the ultimate partnership in the wild.
Ready to uncover the top dogs that redefine the chase? Let’s dive in!
10 Coyote Hunting Dog Breeds
1. Russian Borzoi
|
Speed |
Lightning fast; built for open terrain. |
|
Prey Drive |
Extremely high; strong chase instinct. |
|
Bite Force |
Moderate; quick strikes on prey. |
The Russian Borzoi, known for its elegance and speed, is a regal breed bred to chase down wolves and coyotes in vast, open terrains. Originating from Russia, these sighthounds are tall and slender, typically standing around 28-33 inches tall. Their lean frame and muscular build make them experts at covering long distances at breathtaking speeds.
AKC claims that training Borzois from an early age is essential to harness their sharp instincts. These dogs require patience and consistent, reward-based training to focus their incredible prey drive. They’re independent thinkers, making them perfect for seasoned coyote hunters.
While hunting, keep your Borzoi well-fed with a high-protein diet and ensure it stays hydrated. Winter hunts can challenge their short fur, so invest in protective gear for cold conditions. Their unique ability to outrun a single coyote makes them invaluable in the field.
To maximize their strengths, keep them on flat terrains with a moving decoy to channel their natural chase instinct. These sleek canines are loyal hunting partners who balance grace with grit.
2. Plott Hound
|
Speed |
Fast; adaptable to rugged terrains. |
|
Prey Drive |
Very high; expert trackers. |
|
Bite Force |
Strong; relentless when cornering prey. |
The Plott Hound is a tenacious tracker bred for tough terrain and relentless hunts. Originating in North Carolina, these medium-sized coyote dogs are muscular, standing about 20-25 inches tall, and excel at trailing their prey across rugged landscapes. Their unique family tree includes German hunting stock, giving them unparalleled endurance.
Training a Plott Hound should start early, focusing on scent tracking and obedience. Their loud baying is a signature asset, making them effective when calling coyotes or trailing denning areas. They thrive in pack situations, where their cooperative instincts shine.
During hunts, give them breaks to rest their vocal cords and paws, as they can become overzealous in pursuit. In the field, Plott Hounds excel at working in tandem with other good dogs, creating a harmonious, efficient hunting partner.
Strengthen their hunting instincts by introducing them to den sites and coyote vocalizations during training sessions. These rugged canines are fierce, determined, and unstoppable on the chase.
3. Black Mouth Cur
|
Speed |
Quick and agile; suitable for varied terrain. |
|
Prey Drive |
High; bold and determined. |
|
Bite Force |
Strong; built for protection and capture. |
The Black Mouth Cur is the epitome of versatility, thriving as both a hunting partner and a family dog. Originating in the southern United States, this medium-sized breed is known for its agility, strength, and protective nature notes CKC. Its sturdy build and striking black muzzle make it instantly recognizable.
Train your Cur with herding dogs or hunting groups to sharpen its instincts. They’re quick learners, but their energy needs to be focused early to prevent becoming gun-shy. Their sharp noses make them excellent for shed antler hunting or tracking wounded animals.
On hunts, Black Mouth Curs are fearless, often chasing and engaging predators like coyotes. They’re highly protective and will defend property and livestock with unwavering loyalty. Ensure they have enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them sharp.
By pairing their instincts with regular exposure to coyote stopped or calling coyote scenarios, you’ll have a fearless and loyal dog ready to take on any challenge.
4. Walker Hound
|
Speed |
Extremely fast; thrives in open spaces. |
|
Prey Drive |
High; relentless in the chase. |
|
Bite Force |
Moderate; precise and effective. |
The Walker Hound, or Treeing Walker Coonhound, is built for speed and endurance, making it one of the best coyote hunters in open or forested areas. Bred in the United States, these medium-sized dogs excel in scent trailing and quick chases, often working tirelessly to corner prey.
Walker Hounds requires structured, scent-focused training. Expose them to denning areas and small game early to refine their instincts. They’re cooperative in packs, making them effective for calling coyotes in challenging terrain.
On the hunt, these dogs are unstoppable, pursuing coyotes for hours without losing focus. Ensure they have regular breaks and plenty of water to avoid exhaustion. Their keen nose and sharp reflexes make them excellent for tracking moving decoys or following long trails.
Pair them with other coyote dogs to amplify their tracking skills. Walker Hounds are relentless and efficient, delivering results that keep hunters returning to their reliable abilities.
Which Coyote Hunting Breed Do You Think Has the Best Endurance for Long Hunts?
5. Irish Wolfhound
|
Speed |
Moderate; excels in short bursts. |
|
Prey Drive |
Moderate; effective at cornering prey. |
|
Bite Force |
Very strong; powerful and overwhelming. |
The Irish Wolfhound is a towering, gentle giant with a rich history of hunting wolves and large predators. These domestic dogs stand over 30 inches tall, combining size with surprising agility to take down predators like coyotes. Their noble demeanor belies their powerful hunting instincts.
Training an Irish Wolfhound involves socialization and building confidence early. While they aren’t naturally aggressive, their size and instinct make them effective coyote hunters. They’re not suited for long chases but excel at short bursts of speed and overwhelming strength.
During the hunt, ensure they stay hydrated and avoid overheating, as their large size can make prolonged activity challenging. These dogs are best in open spaces where their sighting ability can shine. With proper care, they’re dependable and majestic partners.
Increase their strengths by pairing them with faster, smaller dogs that can flush out prey. The Irish Wolfhound’s sheer presence is often enough to intimidate predators and ensure a successful hunt.
6. Bluetick Coonhound
|
Speed |
Moderate; relentless over long distances. |
|
Prey Drive |
High; a natural-born tracker. |
|
Bite Force |
Strong; efficient at finishing prey. |
The Bluetick Coonhound is a master of the night, bred for high-octane pursuits and relentless determination. With their striking blue-speckled coat and signature baying voice, these hounds aren’t just good dogs—they’re legends in the world of tracking.
Purina reports that compact but powerful, they stand 21-27 inches tall and are built to chase predators through dense woods and open ground alike.
These dogs live for the chase, so training should start early with scent trails and den sites. They’re naturally independent but thrive under strong leadership. Get them used to coyote vocalizations to hone their hunting edge.
On the hunt, the Bluetick’s deep howl acts as a guide for its hunting partner, especially during dusk or night encounters. Keep their energy up with high-protein snacks to maintain stamina. Their persistence can wear down any predator, including the slyest single coyote.
Want to push their skills to the max? Use a moving decoy to channel their relentless focus and drive. With a Bluetick by your side, the hunt isn’t just a mission—it’s a spectacle.
7. Mountain Cur
|
Speed |
Fast; great for rough terrain. |
|
Prey Drive |
High; fearless and tenacious. |
|
Bite Force |
Strong; built for protection and combat. |
The Mountain Cur is the rugged underdog of the coyote hunting world, bred for grit, speed, and sheer determination. These hardy medium-sized canines, with their muscular build and unrelenting spirit, are the ultimate utility dogs for both hunters and livestock protectors. They’re as comfortable taking on a pack of predators as they are guarding your property.
Mountain Curs are fiercely loyal and naturally protective, but they need early training to control their aggressive streak. Pair them with herding dogs or other experienced canines to teach teamwork. They’re not here to play—they’re here to dominate the ground game.
In the field, they thrive in denning areas, flushing out coyotes, and standing their ground. These dogs don’t back down, even when a coyote stops and turns to fight. Keep them hydrated and ensure their paws are toughened up for rocky terrain.
Want to sharpen their edge? Expose them to den sites and simulate real hunting conditions. Their strength, boldness, and intelligence make them a hunter’s secret weapon.
8. Greyhound
|
Speed |
Blazing fast; the ultimate sprinter. |
|
Prey Drive |
High; thrives on visual stimulation. |
|
Bite Force |
Moderate; precise and efficient. |
The Greyhound is the speed demon of the hunting world, built for open terrain and high-speed pursuits. With a sleek frame and long legs, these coyote dogs are unmatched in raw acceleration, capable of outrunning a single coyote in seconds. Their legacy as sighthounds makes them ideal for chasing prey at lightning speeds.
VCA reveals that training a Greyhound requires patience and finesse. These sensitive dogs need confidence-building exercises to avoid becoming gun-shy. Start them early with sight-based training, such as chasing moving decoys, to unleash their full potential.
During the hunt, Greyhounds shine in wide-open spaces where their speed is an undeniable advantage. However, their lean bodies require extra care in colder conditions—layer them up during winter hunts to avoid fatigue.
Want to amplify their natural talents? Pair them with slower breeds that can track scents, while the Greyhound delivers the knockout chase. Fast, elegant, and unstoppable, they’re the ultimate predator’s nightmare.
9. Catahoula Leopard Dog
|
Speed |
Moderate; adaptable to various terrains. |
|
Prey Drive |
Very high; aggressive and determined. |
|
Bite Force |
Strong; capable of overpowering prey. |
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a wild card in the coyote hunting game, with its striking coat and unmatched adaptability. Born in the bayous of Louisiana, this breed is a natural tracker and herder, blending intelligence with ferocity. Its medium size and muscular frame make it a formidable opponent for predators like coyotes or even wolves.
Start training them young with real-life scenarios, such as herding or trailing in denning areas. Their keen instincts and sharp minds thrive under challenging conditions, making them ideal for calling coyotes or protecting livestock.
Catahoulas are tough, independent thinkers who can flush out prey in dense brush or open plains. Keep them active with plenty of exercise to channel their energy—idle pups can become destructive. Their loyalty makes them excellent at protecting horses, families, or even property.
Want to bring out their best? Practice hunting drills in dusk conditions to refine their tracking skills. These colorful canines are bold, brilliant, and ready for any challenge the wild throws at them.
10. American Staghound
|
Speed |
Very fast; excels in open terrain. |
|
Prey Drive |
Extremely high; relentless in pursuit. |
|
Bite Force |
Strong; precise and efficient takedowns. |
The American Staghound is the hybrid powerhouse every hunter dreams of—a blend of sighthound speed and rugged tenacity. With roots in greyhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, and other working breeds, this medium-sized canine is a versatile hunter with an unrelenting chase instinct. Their long legs and lean build make them the perfect match for chasing coyotes across vast terrains.
Training should focus on agility and stamina. They’re naturally fast, but they need conditioning to maintain endurance over long hunts. Introduce them to calling coyotes and lure exercises to refine their instincts.
During the hunt, the Staghound excels at taking down prey with precision and power. Their large stride covers ground efficiently, and their sharp reflexes make them effective against even the craftiest predator. Keep them hydrated and ensure they have plenty of rest after intense chases.
Want to push their abilities further? Pair them with a scent-tracking breed for the ultimate hunting duo. The American Staghound is a fierce, loyal, and unstoppable hunting partner.
Conclusion
Hunting coyotes isn’t just a challenge—it’s an adventure, and the right canine makes all the difference. From the lightning-fast Greyhound to the fearless Mountain Cur, these breeds don’t just chase—they dominate. Whether you’re trekking the rugged terrain of Wyoming or setting up at a shooting range, these dogs are built for the thrill.
But the story doesn’t end here. Don’t forget about other incredible breeds like the hardworking Blue Heeler, the versatile Border Collie, or even the unexpected power of a Lap Dog turned hunter (yes, really!). No matter the breed, every great hunter knows a good dog makes every shot count.
Owning one of these hunting legends isn’t just about the kill—it’s about the bond between owner and partner. From protecting your house to chasing down deer, these dogs are a constant source of fun and adventure.
So, ready to hear the call of the wild? These canine companions are waiting to bring your next hunt to life. Grab a pup, pack some food, and let the chase begin!
In conclusion, selecting the right coyote hunting dog breed requires balancing speed, strength, and adept hunting instincts. Breeds such as the Greyhound, with their rapid pace, and the robust Dogo Argentino, with its impressive strength, exemplify the ideal attributes needed for this challenging pursuit. Other breeds like the American Staghound and the Plott Hound blend endurance and tracking capabilities, making them invaluable companions in the field. These ten exemplary breeds showcase unique traits that enhance hunting efficiency, ensuring success and versatility in various terrains and conditions. Ultimately, understanding each breed’s characteristics helps hunters make informed decisions for optimal results.