Canid Identification: Wolves, Coyotes, and Dogs

WOLF

COYOTE

DOG

Color

Mix of tan, brown, black, gray & especially cinnamon on ears. Some are black.

Mix of tan, brown, gray & some black, but usually lighter than wolf.

Highly varied but usually not the mix of tan, brown, gray & black of wolves. Often more solid colors.

Hair

Furry

Furry

Often flat & short.

Ears

Erect, rounded & furry.

Erect, pointed & furry.

Floppy or erect, lack fur in ears.

Head

Large, long, blocky snout, low forehead.

Long, pointed snout, low forehead.

Short, blocky snout, high forehead.

Tail

Held flaccid or out straight, no curve.

Held flaccid or out straight, no curve.

Usually curved tail and some curl over back.

Precaudal Gland

Black spot on back of tail.

Black spot on back of tail.

Usually no black spot on back of tail.

Chest & Legs

Narrow chest, legs close together.

Narrow chest, legs close together.

Often broad or barrel chest, legs spread apart.

Weight (adults)

50-100 lbs.

25-45 lbs.

5-150 lbs.

Shoulder Height

27-33"

20-22"

10-32" (few are greater than 25").

Total Length

5-6 ft.

3 1/2 - 4 1/2 ft.

Highly variable.

Footprints