Best Dogs for Coyote Hunting: Hounds, Sighthounds and Crosses

Coyotes are tough, fast and smart, and running them with dogs takes a special kind of hound. When hunters ask about the best dogs for coyote hunting, the answer depends on how you hunt: trailing a coyote through the woods, or spotting one in open country and running it down by sight.

Trail hounds (cold-nosed coyote dogs)

In wooded and mixed country, most coyote hunters run trail hounds that follow scent, often for miles.

• Walker hounds (Treeing Walkers and running Walkers). Fast, athletic and with plenty of mouth, they are one of the most popular choices for coyote and fox.
• July hounds and Trigg hounds. Traditional running foxhound strains known for speed and drive.
• Black and Tan, Bluetick and Redbone hounds. Colder noses and great voices; often used where tracks are older or conditions are tough.
• American and crossbred foxhounds. Many hunters breed their own crosses for speed, nose and grit.

Sighthounds (open-country coyote dogs)

On the open plains, hunters often use sighthounds that spot a coyote and run it down by sight.

• Greyhounds: incredible speed over a short distance.
• Staghounds: greyhound crosses bred for more size and toughness.
• Greyhound and Deerhound crosses: a blend of speed, size and stamina.

What makes a good coyote dog

• Stamina: a coyote race can last hours and cover many miles.
• Grit and toughness: coyotes fight back, and terrain is rough.
• Track sense: the ability to stay with the coyote through checks and crossings.
• Good feet and health: ask breeders about the parents’ soundness.
• Trainability: a dog that comes back to the truck matters, especially near roads.

Essential gear

A GPS tracking collar is a must for coyote dogs that may run several miles. Many hunters also run an e-collar to call dogs back from roads or off-game. Shop GPS tracking collars and remote training collars.

Check your state’s rules

Running coyotes with dogs is legal in many areas but is regulated differently from state to state, including seasons and whether you can hunt from roads or use radios. Always check with your state wildlife agency.

Find a coyote dog

Browse started hounds and finished hounds for sale, or post your own ad to reach other predator hunters.