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My GF has been bugging me about getting a dog. Being a guy I like bigger dogs: rotts, boxers and her being female she likes fufu dogs. I see coyotes all the time on the inside of my gate. There are a ton of jack rabbits around so there's the reason.
Anyhow, how big does a dog have to be before it can safely defend itself from the coyotes?
Edit: I should add I'm on 1/2 acre and have no desire to keep the dog inside all day.
My GF has been bugging me about getting a dog. Being a guy I like bigger dogs: rotts, boxers and her being female she likes fufu dogs. I see coyotes all the time on the inside of my gate. There are a ton of jack rabbits around so there's the reason.
Anyhow, how big does a dog have to be before it can safely defend itself from the coyotes?
Edit: I should add I'm on 1/2 acre and have no desire to keep the dog inside all day.
I would guess something about the same size or larger than a coyote will keep it from being eaten. Can't say it will make it attack proof as coyotes will travel in packs and attack much larger game when hungry and have it well outnumbered.
Almost any dog could be attacked if your letting it roam in open areas without watching it. I have two small dogs and I don't worry the least bit about coyotes as I keep an eye on them.
1) Any dog can get seriously injured by a coyote. My grandparents have a sweetheart of a rottweiler who was seriously injured by what they think was a pack of coyotes in the foothills of southern california.
2) You shouldn't plan to leave your dog alone outside unattended, no matter how big your property or your dog. It's asking for trouble. Your dog could get heat stroke, attacked by an animal, harassed by people on the street, could escape (my dog climbs fences, no joke). Any dog you bring into your home needs to be prepared for as if it was a fully inside dog. As you get to know it better and it acclimates, you can let it in and out of the house, but it needs a safe place to stay away from the elements.
Your best bet to scare off coyotes and stay safe is going to be a livestock guardian breed--they were bred for that very task. Check out the following:
If you want a pet that can handle itself against a coyote or a pack of coyotes, forget about a dog. Just get a panther. Not only will it be safe outside in your yard, it will also scare away the neighbors and make burglars wet their pants.
Yeah, your problem isn't likely a lone coyote. It's the pack, which any dog will have problems with. Even raccoons can be too much for a large dog when they attack in packs.
A half acre is not very big, so it's not like it will be getting miles away and out sight or hearing distance. Always pay attention to your pet by being within ear shot and check on it regularly. Provide a means for the dog to get shelter when it is outdoors, such as a dog door.
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