9 Dog Breeds That Chase Coyotes Fearlessly

Coyotes are becoming an increasingly common sight, even in suburban areas, and while they’re usually shy, they can pose a real risk to pets, livestock, and sometimes even humans. According to the Earth Island Institute, an estimated 500,000 coyotes are killed every year in the US, yet their population remains stable, proving just how adaptable these predators are.

Most of the time, a coyote will scurry away if it spots you and your dogs, but during pupping season—when they guard dens and young pups—they become far more territorial. This makes coyote protection especially important for anyone who owns pets, livestock, or lives near open land.

While proper training and awareness are essential, some dog breeds are naturally better equipped to deter coyotes thanks to their size, loud bark, protective instincts, and ability to guard livestock. These formidable protectors have a calm demeanor when around their families, yet can display fierce protective instincts when confronting coyotes or other large predators.

In this guide, we’ll explore 9 dog breeds that chase coyotes fearlessly—dogs that remain loyal companions while serving as effective coyote protection for families, farms, and pets.

Dog Breeds That Chase Coyotes Fearlessly

1. American Staghound

The American Staghound is a lesser-known but highly capable hunter, purpose-bred in the United States by crossing the Greyhound and Scottish Deerhound. This combination produced a dog with the Greyhound’s speed and the Deerhound’s stamina, making it ideal for pursuing swift predators like coyotes and even wolves.

Historically, Staghounds were valued for being livestock guardian dogs by keeping predators at bay across large areas of farmland and open plains.

These dogs have keen eyesight and a sharp sense of smell, allowing them to track and chase coyotes over rugged terrain without tiring. Their muscular build and incredible endurance make them reliable for hunters and those needing natural coyote protection.

Despite their athleticism, Staghounds have a surprisingly calm demeanor and affectionate nature at home. They’re loyal to their families, good with humans and pets when properly socialized, and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Their smooth, low-maintenance coat also makes grooming simple.

2. Mountain Cur

The Mountain Cur is a rugged, versatile hunting dog with deep roots in American history. PetMD mentions that these pups were originally bred to navigate, and were a trusted companion for pioneers and homesteaders, helping to hunt game, protect livestock, and guard homes.

Known for their courage and intelligence, Mountain Curs are fearless hunters with a strong treeing instinct, making them excellent at tracking and pinning down predators like coyotes.

They’re fast, determined, and capable of navigating rough, wooded terrain or rocky hillsides with ease. These dogs have a distinct, deep bark that can carry over long distances, making it easy for hunters to locate them.

Mountain Curs are highly trainable and eager to please, responding best to plenty of human contact. They’re intelligent enough to ignore unwanted prey and focus on what they’re trained for. Beyond hunting, their protective instincts make them reliable watchdogs and loyal family companions.

3. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a calm and dignified hunter with ancient roots as a big-game hound in Ireland. Originally bred to hunt wolves and other large predators, this breed combines speed, strength, and a natural ability to track and pursue prey across wide, open terrains.

Their sheer presence is often enough to deter coyotes and other predators, making them reliable for both hunting and coyote protection.

Despite their imposing appearance, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle nature and calm demeanor, making them loving companions as well as capable working dogs. Their protective instincts are subtle but effective—while they aren’t fierce guard dogs by temperament, they remain alert and will stand their ground if needed.

These hounds are graceful yet powerful, with a rugged coat and a history of serving as loyal partners to hunters and families alike. They adapt well to family life when given proper space and attention, offering a rare combination of formidable protectors in the field and serene, affectionate pets at home.

4. Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a well-muscled, powerful working dog with agility and endurance. AKC says that this breed originated in Louisiana, its name coming from a Choctaw word meaning “sacred lake.” Also called the Catahoula Hog Dog, it was bred to track and drive hogs and sheep through the Southern swamps.

Catahoulas are known for their independence, territorial instincts, and strong protective nature. They require firm guidance and early socialization, but become affectionate, loyal, and gentle once they know their place in the family.

Their intelligence and determination make them one of the best dog breeds for tracking and containing predators. Quick and versatile, they excel in diverse terrains and adapt their strategies to corner and hold coyotes effectively, helping prevent a coyote attack.

Although they don’t have a thick coat, their short, durable fur suits their active working lifestyle. With the right training, the Catahoula Leopard Dog can be both a loyal companion and a capable hunter.

5. Greyhound

The Greyhound is hands down the fastest dog on the planet, combining speed, grace, and an independent spirit. For thousands of years, these sleek hounds have been admired by artists, poets, and kings for their beauty and agility.

Form follows function perfectly in the Greyhound, with its aerodynamic build—from the narrow skull to the deep chest and tightly tucked waist—crafted for high-speed pursuit.

Originally bred as a sighthound, the Greyhound relies on keen vision and unmatched speed to hunt prey, making it well-suited for spotting and chasing down elusive animals like coyotes. Its strong prey drive, honed through generations of selective breeding, allows it to quickly close the distance on fast-moving predators in open terrain.

Though incredibly fast and focused when working, Greyhounds are gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companions at home. Their calm nature makes them easy to live with, while their natural hunting ability makes them valuable partners in coyote protection over wide, open landscapes.

6. Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is a fearless hunter with a unique history, originally honed in the North Carolina mountains. This large breed is known for its loyalty, determination, and exceptional scenting ability. Bred for rugged terrain, it combines speed, stamina, and sharp instincts to handle even the most challenging hunts.

With remarkable physical strength and a focused hunting drive, the Plott can track and tree predators with precision. Whether it’s working alone to handle one coyote or cooperating with other dogs, this breed often outwits its quarry through persistence and strategy. Their hunting style makes them an effective method for keeping predators at bay.

Despite their relentless nature in the field, Plott Hounds are mellow, devoted companions at home. Their imposing size and natural alertness make them excellent watchdogs, while their intelligence and loyalty ensure they’re as dependable with family as they are in the hunt.

7. Black Mouth Cur

The Black Mouth Cur is a versatile working dog still widely used for hunting and ranch work today. Bred to be exceptional hunters and catch dogs, they have a strong drive to perform these tasks.

When placed in non-working homes without proper outlets for their instincts and energy, they can become restless or difficult to manage. However, when matched with the right family or job, they are loyal, even-tempered, and bond deeply—especially with children.

Named for their distinctive black muzzle, though not all display this trait, Black Mouth Curs are short-haired, intelligent, and eager to please. They tend to be aloof with strangers and may become territorial, making early socialization important. Their protective nature and dedication to their families make them reliable watchdogs as well as hardworking companions.

Highly energetic and brave, these dogs excel in a variety of hunting roles, including tracking and defending against predators. Coyotes are among the prey they can handle thanks to their strength, stamina, and determination.

8. Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is a sleek and determined hunter with a sweet and friendly nature. Known for their glossy, mottled coat that gives them their name, these dogs are devoted companions who love attention from their families. Despite their gentle and charming demeanor at home, Blueticks have an intense prey drive that must be channeled through work, training, or hunting.

WebMD mentions that these pups have deep roots tracing back to French staghounds gifted to George Washington, and were bred for endurance and precision in the field.

Historically used to track raccoons, they have also proven their courage on more formidable quarry like wild boars, cougars, and bears. Their sharp nose, stamina, and unwavering determination make them skilled hunters over long distances and rugged terrain.

When it comes to coyotes, Blueticks excel in systematic tracking, following scent trails persistently no matter the conditions. Their powerful olfactory ability and relentless pursuit make them valuable in hunts where finding elusive predators is key.

9. Russian Borzoi

The Russian Borzoi, once known as the Russian Wolfhound, is among the most elegant and aristocratic of all dogs. Calm and agreeable by nature, they make affectionate family companions but retain the quiet independence typical of sighthounds. Beneath their luxurious, silky coat lies a body built for speed and endurance, modeled after the ancient Greyhound design.

Originally bred to pursue and pin down wolves, Borzois are swift and tough hunters with a powerful prey drive. Their slim, tall bodies allow them to see over grasses and shrubs, making them especially well-suited for open landscapes. Despite their dignified demeanor at home, the sight of a moving target like a coyote can instantly awaken their hunting instincts.

When working, Borzois display precision, speed, and efficient hunting techniques, capable of chasing down fast-moving prey such as coyotes. At home, however, they remain gentle and reserved, preferring calm interaction over rough play. With patience and consistency in training, they can balance their elegant grace as companions with their natural ability as skilled hunters.

Conclusion

Coyotes can be unpredictable predators, and having the right canine companion can make all the difference when it comes to safety and protection. With the proper balance of training, care, and understanding of their natural instincts, dogs can become invaluable partners in keeping both families and property secure. While small dogs may not be ideal for confronting a predator, breeds with the strength, endurance, and strong bite force can effectively keep coyotes at bay.

Apart from the dogs mentioned above, there are other breeds as well that can chase coyotes fearlessly. These include the Anatolian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Maremma Sheepdog, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Belgian Malinois.

Beyond their working abilities, these loyal companions also bring unwavering devotion and companionship to their homes. By respecting their needs and providing purposeful outlets for their energy, they can thrive as both protectors and beloved members of the family.