Coyotes are among America’s most persistent and cunning of animals. For long, the American government has spent thousands of dollars on coyote extermination programs only for them to bounce back stronger. While coyotes do attack smaller animals and can be deadly, there are some dogs with the strength, size, and protective instincts to keep them at bay. Whether you live in a rural area prone to coyote encounters or just want a vigilant guardian, certain breeds excel at deterring these wild predators. These dogs are not just protective but also loyal, intelligent, and fearless. Here are 15 dog breeds that can easily scare off coyotes and keep your home and family safe.
1. Great Pyrenees – The Ultimate Guardian
The Great Pyrenees is a massive and powerful livestock guardian dog that has been used for centuries to protect sheep from predators, including coyotes. With their thick, weather-resistant coat and imposing stature, they are natural deterrents to wild threats. Beyond their sheer size, these dogs possess an unwavering dedication to their territory and family. They are intelligent, independent thinkers and have a calm yet fierce nature when it comes to defending their home. Their deep bark alone is often enough to send coyotes running.
2. Anatolian Shepherd – The Silent Protector
Anatolian Shepherds are known for their formidable guarding abilities and strong territorial instincts. Originally bred to protect livestock in Turkey, these dogs have the strength and courage to take on large predators, including coyotes. Their independent nature and sharp intuition make them excellent at detecting threats before they even arrive. They may not be overly affectionate, but their devotion to guarding is unmatched, ensuring they take their role as a protector seriously.
3. Kangal – The Fearless Powerhouse
The Kangal is one of the most powerful livestock guardian breeds in the world. With a bite force stronger than a lion’s, they are more than capable of scaring off coyotes. Their speed and agility allow them to quickly respond to any threat on their territory. Highly intelligent and naturally protective, Kangals have been used for generations to guard against wolves, making coyotes a relatively minor challenge for them. Their loyalty and instinct to protect make them a top choice for deterring wild animals.
4. Akbash – The Coyote’s Worst Nightmare
The Akbash is another Turkish livestock guardian known for its courage and effectiveness against predators. They are large, lean, and muscular, with a fearless attitude that makes them natural deterrents for coyotes. Akbash dogs are extremely intelligent and independent, allowing them to assess threats and act accordingly. Their white coats help them blend in with livestock, making it easier to surprise any approaching coyotes.
5. Caucasian Shepherd – The Giant Defender
Caucasian Shepherds, also known as Caucasian Ovcharkas, are among the largest guardian dogs. Their immense size alone can intimidate most predators, including coyotes. Bred to protect livestock and property, they have a natural suspicion of unfamiliar animals and a strong protective instinct. With proper training, they can be fearless yet controlled guardians, ensuring safety for their owners and livestock.
6. German Shepherd – The Versatile Protector
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, trainability, and natural guarding instincts. Their keen sense of awareness makes them excellent at detecting coyotes before they get too close. Although not as large as some of the livestock guardian breeds, their confidence and ability to follow commands make them highly effective deterrents. Their loud, deep bark and assertive nature can easily scare away most coyotes.
7. Belgian Malinois – The Quick and Fearless Guardian
Belgian Malinois are often used in military and police work due to their intelligence, agility, and fearlessness. These traits also make them excellent at scaring off coyotes. Fast and powerful, they will not hesitate to confront a coyote if necessary. Their high-energy nature and strong protective instincts make them reliable guardians for both humans and animals.
8. Rottweiler – The Confident Powerhouse
Rottweilers have a strong, muscular build and a confident presence that few animals would dare challenge. Their deep bark and intimidating posture alone are often enough to scare off coyotes. Highly loyal and protective, Rottweilers bond deeply with their families and will go to great lengths to protect them. Their strength and territorial nature make them natural defenders against threats like coyotes.
9. Doberman Pinscher – The Alert Watchdog
Dobermans are sleek, fast, and intelligent. Their alert nature and quick reflexes allow them to detect and respond to potential threats before they become a problem. Although they may not be as physically imposing as some of the larger guardian breeds, their speed and protective instincts make them effective at deterring coyotes. Their intimidating stance and deep bark alone are enough to send most predators running.
10. Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd) – The Historic Guardian
Alabai dogs have been bred for centuries to guard livestock in Central Asia. Their fearless demeanor and massive size make them formidable against predators like coyotes. Known for their independence and strong territorial instincts, these dogs are incredibly loyal to their families and will not hesitate to chase away intruders, including coyotes.
11. Tibetan Mastiff – The Night Guardian
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their lion-like mane and powerful build. Originally bred to guard livestock against predators in the Himalayas, they are more than capable of scaring off coyotes. They are highly territorial and naturally wary of strangers and unknown animals. Their deep bark can be heard from a long distance, acting as a natural deterrent to any approaching predators.
12. Boerboel – The Fearless South African Guardian
Boerboels are large, muscular dogs with a fearless attitude. Bred in South Africa to protect homesteads from predators, they have the strength and confidence to deter coyotes. Highly protective and intelligent, Boerboels form strong bonds with their families and will not hesitate to defend them. Their sheer presence is often enough to make coyotes think twice.
13. Komondor – The Dreadlocked Defender
The Komondor, with its unique corded coat, was bred to guard livestock in Hungary. Their thick fur protects them from bites, and their fearless attitude ensures they stand their ground against predators.
Despite their calm demeanor, Komondors are highly protective and will chase off any threat that comes too close. Their size and strong bark serve as excellent deterrents for coyotes.
14. Bullmastiff – The Silent But Strong Protector
Bullmastiffs were originally bred to guard estates and deter poachers. Their strong, muscular build and calm confidence make them excellent at scaring off coyotes. Though they are typically gentle with their families, they can quickly switch to protector mode when needed. Their powerful presence alone can keep coyotes at bay.
15. Dogo Argentino – The Lethal Guardian
The Dogo Argentino is a powerful, fearless breed originally developed in Argentina for big-game hunting, making it more than capable of defeating and scaring away coyotes. With its muscular build, immense bite force, and relentless drive, the Dogo was bred to take on wild boars, so a lone coyote—or even a pack—would think twice before challenging this breed. Its protective nature, sharp instincts, and intense territorial drive make it an excellent guardian, quickly intimidating coyotes with its sheer presence and aggressive stance. If a coyote dares to test its luck, the Dogo’s strength, speed, and relentless tenacity would ensure the intruder is swiftly neutralized.
Choosing the right dog to protect against coyotes depends on your needs, space, and lifestyle. These 15 breeds have the courage, strength, and instincts to stand their ground and keep your home safe. Whether you need a dedicated livestock guardian or a loyal family protector, these dogs can provide both companionship and security against wild threats.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
