Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Alpha 200i TT15 Collar | Best Overall | ~$800-900 | 4.7/5 |
| Dogtra 1900S | Best Budget | ~$220-280 | 4.6/5 |
| SportDOG TEK 2.0 | Best Premium | ~$650-750 | 4.7/5 |
| Mendota Predator Call Lanyard | Best for Tracking | ~$25-40 | 4.5/5 |
| Ruff Land Kennel Intermediate | Best Compact | ~$300-380 | 4.6/5 |
Hunting coyotes with dogs is one of the oldest and most effective methods in the field. A well-bred, properly trained hunting dog does three things a hunter alone cannot: it uses its nose to locate coyotes in thick cover, its speed or drive to push them into the open, and its presence to hold a coyote’s attention while the shooter repositions. The result is a more dynamic, higher-success hunt.
The key is matching the dog to the terrain. Sight hounds built on Greyhound blood dominate open plains and sage flats where speed matters most. Scent hounds and cur breeds work broken timber, creek bottoms, and thick brush where nose and persistence produce results. No single breed excels everywhere, which is why some serious hunters run a brace of dogs with complementary traits.
Training, socialization, and conditioning matter as much as breed. A young dog with exceptional genetics and poor training will underperform a moderately bred dog that has been worked consistently. Invest in the dog’s development before counting on it in the field.
Top 5 Picks
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Mountain Cur. The most versatile all-around coyote hunting breed. Mountain Curs have natural prey drive toward predators, strong noses, and the grit to press a coyote in close quarters. They are fast learners and hold up across all terrain types. Purpose-bred for American predator and game hunting.
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Plott Hound. Originally developed for bear, the Plott transitions to coyote hunting with minimal adjustment. Cold-nose ability, trail stamina, and an aggressive voice make it excellent for tracking and pushing coyotes through thick brush and timber where scent holds.
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Greyhound Cross (Lurcher). The fastest option available. Greyhound-Saluki or Greyhound-Deerhound crosses built specifically for coyote coursing can overtake a coyote in a straight sprint on open ground. Best suited to open plains, crop fields, and sage country. Not suitable for heavy timber.
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Black Mouth Cur. Closely related to the Mountain Cur with slightly heavier build and equally strong predator drive. The Black Mouth Cur is widely used in the Southeast and mid-South for hog and coyote work. It handles heat better than many northern breeds and has exceptional recovery between hunts.
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Redbone Coonhound. A proven cold-nose trailer that can work a coyote track hours after the animal passed. The Redbone’s endurance and tenacity make it a standout in areas where you need to push coyotes out of rugged terrain toward open shooting lanes. Its voice carries well, keeping the hunter oriented to the chase.
What to Look For
Prey drive toward predators is the foundational trait. Some breeds bred primarily for deer or upland birds show little natural interest in coyotes. Look for working bloodlines with documented predator work in the pedigree, not just show-ring or field-trial credentials.
Terrain compatibility determines whether the breed will work in your specific hunting ground. Sight hounds need open country to use their speed advantage. Scent hounds and cur breeds are more adaptable but reach peak performance in cover where their nose matters.
Physical durability matters for a dog that will chase, corner, and sometimes fight a coyote. Coyotes are tough, fast, and will injure a dog that presses close. A well-muscled, tight-coated dog with good feet handles rough terrain and physical confrontations better than fine-boned breeds.
Trainability and handler bond affect whether the dog works with you or independently. Dogs that range far without recall become a liability. A dog that checks back, responds to whistle commands, and stays within communication range is far safer and more effective.
Final Thoughts
The Mountain Cur is the top recommendation for hunters who want one dog capable of handling coyotes across varied terrain without specialization. If you hunt open country primarily, a well-bred lurcher offers unmatched speed and the excitement of coursing. For timber and brush hunting, the Plott Hound or Redbone gives you the cold-nose persistence to work tracks that sight hounds will never find.
Whatever breed you choose, invest in training, conditioning, and protective gear. A great hunting dog is a multi-year investment, and protecting that asset pays dividends across every season you hunt together.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best dog breed for hunting coyotes?+
Mountain Curs and Greyhound crosses (lurchers) are the most purpose-built coyote hunting dogs. Mountain Curs combine nose, tree instinct, and aggression toward predators. Greyhound crosses deliver the raw speed to run coyotes down in open country. The right choice depends on terrain -- sight hounds for open plains, scent hounds and cur breeds for brush, timber, and broken country.
Is it safe to use dogs for coyote hunting?+
Hunting with dogs carries real risk. Coyotes will fight back when cornered and can seriously injure a dog. Puncture wounds, lacerations, and broken bones are documented in working dogs. Protective vests rated for bite and puncture resistance reduce injury risk significantly. Always hunt with a partner when running dogs, carry a basic first aid kit, and know where the nearest veterinary emergency clinic is located.
Do you need a special license to hunt coyotes with dogs?+
Licensing requirements vary by state. Most states that allow coyote hunting do not require a special license beyond a basic hunting or predator permit, but running dogs for hunting is regulated separately in several states. Some states require registered hound dogs or have specific seasons for dog-assisted hunting. Always check your state wildlife agency regulations before hunting coyotes with dogs.