Coyote VS Dog Tracks: Easy Ways to Tell the Difference

Learn how to tell the difference between coyote and domestic dog tracks. ID tips mentioned won't hold true for every single track, but it should give you a few characteristics to key in on next time you are out and about.
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[@ForestFound]

So what animal made the track in the thumbnail for the video? Feel free to leave your own tracking tips as others have done, and let me know what track videos you'd like to see in the future.

[@sjb3460]

Domestic dogs should have long nails as they don't do much digging or running around the neighborhood.

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

I know that track, that's from my Labrador, Mauser.

[@kfelix2934]

@@jolkraeremeark6949 That's funny back like 30 years ago one of my neighbor had labs and their names where Mauser, Enfield, & Remington . They all were water duck dogs. We killed plenty of ducks and these dog did a great job retrieved them and when bored would bring back other things out of the flood rice marsh.

[@zekethefishgeek8690]

That is a little fox track...

[@modelenginerding6996]

Hard to say with those smaller tracks it could be a fox or similar animal. I've never been sharp enough to tell differences on those. I saw 12 sets of fresh tracks last winter when ice fishing. They were as wide as my shoe, so I knew they weren't yotes but a wolf pack. If you see no claws that size it's likely a cougar in our neck of the woods.

[@northerniltree]

Usually coyote tracks are directly behind roadrunner tracks.

[@sdnlawrence5640]

If you spot an anvil ahead, you don't need to track coyote😢

[@artmosley3337]

If we track the Coyote’s purchases, they have many from the ACME Corporation… and the Coyote is involved in multiple Class Action lawsuits against Acme .. News Flash!!! Documents reveal the Road Runner is a major stock holder of ACME corporation

[@charleshairston4853]

Wonder how many people got that? 😅

[@BrokenBarBox]

Ok. If you want to be childish about this, fine, but you’re not helping other people. Did it ever occur to you that more often than not the coyote is usually wearing rocket powered roller skates? Totally different tracks. Or how about when he’s wearing his ACME flying bat suit? No tracks! Someone is going to end up falling into a dynamite trap because they didn’t know to look for roller skate tracks, and do you know whose fault it’s gonna be? That’s right bucko…..you!

[@이이-n4z8y]

And you find lots of empty Acme boxes laying around.

[@jodiebristow3210]

Your 3:21 video taught me more about how domesticated dogs and coyote tracks than I have learned in 61 years of life. I'm not sure why your video showed up on my feed, but I'm so happy it did. Thank you for the awesome information.

[@7hilladelphia]

Same here. Australia.

[@robgrey6183]

I've been tracking, trapping, and hunting in the US and Canada for decades. Very good explanation of the difference between wild and domestic dogs. One other salient feature you should mention is the track pattern. Wild canids (wolves, foxes, coyotes) move with purpose. Domestic dogs mostly follow their noses.

[@ForestFound]

yes thank you. great addition. The track pattern and trail can reveal so much.

[@tmacmi9095]

Definitely. In my dog’s case, you will track it back and forth across our dirt road stopping at anything on the road including horse dung😅

[@holleyman1970]

Laughed pretty hard at the "couch potato" and looked over to see my four retrievers laid out on the love seat, chair and dog bed. Haha Good tips, I will be looking for this now.

[@timcoolican459]

I remember the way I was taught to tell the difference, when I was a kid. Domesticated dogs have 'lazy' feet, while wild dogs (coyotes, wolves, foxes) have 'taught' or tighter feet. Depending on the surface they are walking, whether muddy or sandy surfaces, also changes the characteristics of the tracks. Good description. Thanks for sharing this.

[@auroraborealis6009]

I remember that from a book my uncle gave me 50 years ago!

[@LiamRappaport]

Probably “taut” was the word the person was using, fyi.

[@jimreadey4837]

@@LiamRappaport Thanks... you saved me offering this correction and risking being called a "grammar nazi" yet again.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

From an old hunter and tracker - Respect sent.

[@veemaxx]

Thank you for educating me

[@ForestFound]

you're welcome!

[@johno7149]

Tracking is a great skill, anything that keeps us in tune with our woodlands is a worthy effort. Thanks for the video!

[@IdahoSewing]

The thing I noticed instantly about those tracks, is the one animal was very light and the other one was fat. Thanks for sharing your observations. And the coyote is very much concerned with food and security, whereas the domestic dog could care less, in most cases. This different mindset creates a totally different aura that shows in the tracks.

[@ElJeffe40]

This was helpful. I hike with my "domestic" dog every day in the foothills of a high desert Arizona mountain, so I'm constantly seeing tracks from all sorts of local animals. This info helps make sense of some of the tracks I see.

[@ForestFound]

glad to help! Studying dog tracks is helpful as well. It helps you notice a wild canine when you do come across one because it looks different

[@MA_808]

You even have lion, bobcat, bear, ocelot, and even jaguar tracks to be on the look out for, too, El Jeffe!

[@jimreadey4837]

@@MA_808 Your sentence has two _evens_ -- but I'm not sure if that makes it *odd.*

[@oldretireddude]

Thanks for the education. A few years ago I had a bloodhound for the previous 10yrs. Something I found unique about him, his toe nails were retractable much like a cat. Unlike other dogs that I've had, the toe nails hinged upward out of the way until he wanted to hold on to something, then they would deploy.

[@billhamilton5949]

Thanks, simple and concise.

[@ejp9921]

Thks! Great photos and great explanation without any superfluous babble…

[@jacquelinemarie1078]

Thank you, I'm a hiker and sometimes I can't determine what the tracts actually are, and we have a lot of coyotes where we are. I often get the tracks mixed, but now I don't think I will. You have been so helpful.

[@ForestFound]

glad to help! Even with lots of practice coyote and dog tracks can still be confused

[@1982rrose]

This was great. I'm in a suburban neighborhood, lots of different dogs & coyotes & foxes. I'm always looking at tracks in snow or on ball diamonds or school yards. This was very helpful, thank you.

[@stevest1300]

There is no discernible difference between a coyote and a 30 pound farm dog. Both have similar claw wear from ground scratching and digging. Well fed farm dogs though tend to have a wandering path following their curiousity whereas a coyote doesn't waste steps while targetting food or a mate. Couch dogs out for their daily walk (if lucky) have paths that are completely chaotic driven by fun.

[@bowdeer5074]

Good video, just to add coyotes tracks will be in more of a straight or tight line where dogs tend to flop to the sides. Also coyotes typically direct register. Meaning hind foot steps into front track, or very close to it.

[@mtngrammy6953]

Many dog breeds are "single trackers", as you describe of the coyote's "direct register". There are many varieties in the structures of different breeds of dogs. for example, the bulldog will never show a single track where the back foot tracks in the front foot. They will always have parallel tracks.

[@ForestFound]

great addition thank you

[@katheyjberry]

Thanks for a great video

[@krazmokramer]

My border collies are "straight trackers" and "direct register."

[@jackriley5974]

NOT a good video! Don't encourage another example of GenZ intelligence?

[@jamesivie5717]

Excellent! Too few people get out into nature and become familiar with these types of things.

[@IngridBrydolf]

So helpful! Showing me yet again that I made a bad ID this a.m. Your nail explanation will help me improve!

[@ForestFound]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MA_808]

good video, especially about the speed of the coyote....if your dog is off lead and looks like prey to a coyote and he sees a chance he can get to it faster than you can react....keep that in mind when in coyote country....

[@sarenab7856]

I’m a beginner taxidermist and this is really helpful with how to properly pose the feet

[@lindahamilton800]

Wow, thank you! I've only been trying to track for a few years, and never saw or heard such a succinct comparison. Very much appreciated! ❤

[@gregawallace]

Nice! That was concise, informative and accurate. My favorite type of video.

[@mtngrammy6953]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks. Look forward to more tracking hints.

[@ForestFound]

You're welcome!

[@maybee...]

Wow, I once had a cat that lived to 23, she had arthritis and poor circulation, I adored her all her precious years.

[@thehunter3386]

Great difitive video...Thanks!! This will also be helpful to those that casually explore the outdoors. Knowledge enhances enjoyment!

[@greyscout01]

Great detailed info. I appreciate it. Hope to see more tracking information.

[@ForestFound]

I'll go out scouting for more tracks soon and make another!

[@HistoryOnTheLoose]

Very often dog tracks will also have supplemental cross trainer tracks next to them. One side will always be deeper due to the weight of the fit bit and watter bottle.

[@WhiteCavendish]

Thanks! I've often wondered about this, as we have tons of coyotes and lots of domestic dogs around where I live.

[@akawireguy1197]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@adventurecreations3214]

Fascinating. Who knew? Now I do. Thanks!

[@jefffrayer8238]

Same here from the farm in mid Michigan with Coyotes around. Thought for sure the big print was Coyote, Lol. Great Video.

[@adventurecreations3214]

We have coyotes now in suburban Lexington Kentucky

[@itzcaseykc]

Never considered the differences before. Thanks for providing an easy way to discern between the two. Also the pads on the Coyote are more distinctive.

[@randominternetguy5538]

Not sure how I ended up here, but I work outdoors in remote locations and will definetly use this info! This concise video was massively educational. Thanks!

[@hazcat640]

This was excellent! Clear, concise and I learned a lot. Thank you

[@andreasissons7766]

Great video. I live in a city which has lots of coyotes roaming around but hang out in the local cemetery and ravine. I also do a lot of hiking on trails nearby so it's good to know what to look for.

[@zenpig6605]

I take my puppies off trail here in northern Colorado. While they do display a lot of claw markings that domestic dogs do, my rottweiler seems to be a mix of having claws pointed forward and also having his toenails break which he chews off to allow him to chase rabbits to his hearts content. Thanks for the tracking education.

[@TinaJenkins-i2o]

Interesting! I live in central rural area of Georgia and I didn’t know this. Plenty of coyotes around. Now I know what to look for! Thanks.

[@stevehernandez20]

Another way to tell, is to look are a series of prints. Walking coyotes tracks are very much in line. Many times you can see the back foot almost lands where the front foot was as it picks up. A double tap if you will. Domestic dogs are more side by side. You can mostly account for all four paws in a walking track.

[@ForestFound]

great addition!

[@robgrey6183]

Overstep gait. As they walk faster wild dogs will cover the front track (larger in dogs) with the rear (smaller). Walk gets faster still the back foot prints before the front. Then they trot, four prints in a diagonal line.

[@robgrey6183]

Bears' natural gait is an overstep.

[@justindeming3553]

I would like a comparison of dog and wolf. My guess is similar characteristics as coyote.

[@bhatkat]

Likely not so much as they are the same lineage while coyotes diverged millions of years ago.

[@kfelix2934]

@t Not really , a dog is more closer to a wolf IMHO. The tracks on a wolve are mucher bigger , more oval shape and the fronts are always bigger than the backs. For the wolve the center space is much more prounce also, same with the pad.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. Fascinating information!

[@gbrown9273]

the coyote track is much older than the dog track, therefor the nails are not as visible as the dog track.. If you see NO nails it is not a canine, but feline , ..that said I have a stray cat that makes the rounds almost every night, and his one toenail has been injured and he cannot retract that one nail...and he leaves a very distinctive track in the snow..

[@Goobie77]

Very interesting. I’m near a reservoir lake in Georgia and have seen coyotes and fox nearby. On my daily walks with our dogs I’ve often wondered if I’m seeing any coyote or fox tracks vs domestic dog tracks. This helps.

[@Navigator2166]

The coyote tracks resembled a little flower. .😂

[@suehamblin9652]

Thank you! I often wonder what tracks I’m looking at. I also wonder what animal has left the scat that I see.

[@PixelSchnitzel]

That is truly interesting and practical! I'm saving this for reference and sharing it.

[@kevinkrochak2546]

Hey, thank you! Liked and subbed....sorry it took me so long to find your channel. All the best!

[@jfu5222]

Thanks from a first time viewer and new subscriber.

[@AnnaBrown-h4e]

Interesting, thank you. We live in the country and have been told theres coyote in our area, but I've never seen any, now I'll watch for tracks😊.

[@Aridzonan13]

Excellent explanation. In Aridzona identifying coyote tracks can be very useful..

[@SamhainBe]

Well done and very helpful info - Thank you!

[@sillililli01]

A look out my window, during the winter months with snow on the ground, will let me know the coyotes are doing their rounds in the area. Their tracks are purposeful, straight lines, typically, using my property as a shortcut to where they're heading; farmer's field across the road. I make sure that my cats are in for the night while the coyotes are in the area (marking their visits on my calendar). It's important to be aware of your surroundings even if you live in the city (coyotes are moving in), I live on an acreage an hour away from the city and was surprised, but not surprised to see cougar tracks early one spring, we live within a few miles of a sizeable river. As an acreage owner, I paid attention to tracks in winter, so I could best know what to expect in summer when tracks are not always visible. You learn not to walk in the dark without a strong flashlight. P.S. It always concerns me that people living in the city, near a river system, don't realize that coyotes, foxes, wolves, cougars, bears, etc. can appear on the trail that follows the river when walking your dog because these animals will walk (follow) that river system too, even near a city.

[@Childlesscatladyof12]

Very helpful explanation. Thank you.

[@Corrie-fd9ww]

I’ve been an Ecotraining tracking student (based in South Africa) and it’s so interesting how coyote tracks are similar to jackal tracks.

[@avatar997]

I think coyotes are sort of a New World jackal--they fill the niche that jackals gill in the Old World.

[@solson6845]

Thank you for the great explanation.

[@philipmastroeni6789]

Thank you that was something I always wanted to learn

[@Randy-v9x]

Thank's for good info.

[@blainehebert1376]

I once read that in coyote tracks the outer two toes tend to be larger while in dogs the toes are more the same size.

[@RobnPhx1]

I live in Arizona and hike a lot. I've often mistaken the two sets of tracks. Thank you.

[@GodlyAtheist]

Not sure why I was recommended this video, but I'm going to subscribe because I love the straight matter of fact methodology you represent your info with.

[@pamelaforrest1622]

good to know many thanks

[@deltabloo]

Thanks. I always wonder if I’m looking at dog or coyote tracks. I have a sandy stream bed behind my house I’m going to start looking more closely.

[@lazib008el5]

Have you done a video comparing domestic dog tracks vs wolf tracks?

[@akeleven]

Question: my most mysterious tracks are like somebody stuck a stick in the ground. Always see them spread far apart without any obvious trail.

[@dwj6503]

interesting. I didn't know that. Now I do!

[@yoyoodc]

GREAT TIP!

[@HuplesCat]

Excellent video. Its counter intuitive

[@maddhatter3564]

thank you. This can be helpfull in my area.

[@lightningdriver81]

Very interesting. Thanks.👍

[@WILDJaeger]

Thanks for sharing

[@learnphoto]

Well done! Concise and informative.

[@Stranglewood]

Subbed. I always look at the track width; coyotes tend to have a much narrower chest than dogs (so do wolves for that matter) and their prints tend to be laterally closer. I look forward to your other videos!

[@TheCharleseye]

Depends on the dog, really. Labs, GSDs, etc? True. Border Collies, Dobermans (traditional lines), Weimaraners, etc? Not so much. We've bred dogs for every purpose a dog could possibly fulfill. A good many of them were bred to be quick, fast, and/or nimble. They typically have a narrower build. Combine that with the sheer number of mutts in the world and you've got an insane variety of chest to paw ratios.

[@Stranglewood]

@@TheCharleseye Good point!

[@Andy_Thomas]

Another thing I heard is that domestic dog tracks generally meander, while coyote tracks are more directly in a straight line. As a rule of thumb, dog tracks tend to be near paths frequented by humans.

[@manuelgonzales6483]

Bobcat and mountain lions. I have both in my area.

[@Mesenteric]

I’m all in on a tracking series. I’d love to see a video on determining the age of the track. Great video.

[@ForestFound]

good idea!

[@ob1coyote]

Would a farm dog that lives it's life outdoors be any closer to a wild dog like the coyote, or are the splayed toes permanently bred into them?

[@ForestFound]

good question. I think many farm dogs can show features that are similar to a coyote, but it's hard to overcome their genetics completely.

[@Jason-fg4jr]

Nicely explained

[@OscarSanchez-s7x]

Thank you!

[@mastercylinder1939]

Thanks, very informative, I walk my dog everyday, seeing coyotes occasionally. Now I may see evidence of their passing.

[@akeleven]

Helpful. So my most recent tracks are from dogs rather than the coyotes that are surround me.

[@13c11a]

I just happened upon your channel and have subscribed. I enjoyed the detail of your observations and your thoroughness. Thank you and best of luck.

[@ForestFound]

thank you!

[@kerricorser4562]

Very cool ❤ thanks!

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Thanks for the insight. 👍

[@WRMRanch]

Coyotes look like flowers eh LOL ... thank you for your vid ... peeps drop dogs out here all the time and of course we have a ton of coyotes so Im always wondering if I need to go looking for a dog or not.

[@wrthrash]

Odd rec'd post but very good stuff, great vid.

[@joanncall1525]

Had some tracks in my back yard and didn't know if it was a coyote or a dog. The only other thing was some cactus pear seeds left in a poop pile. That lead my husband to believe that it was a coyote. I have been interested in tracking and so thanks for the video.

[@ForestFound]

Nice! Seeds are definitely a good indicator of canine, whether wild or domestic

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Good video. Great explimations. I just found you and I subscribed. Very cool. ❤. Regards frim South Central Indiana.. USA.

[@fishgolfguy]

Good video!. I noticed because of the depth and difference in size the dog was probably twice the size of the coyote

[@ForestFound]

ya i think so!

[@christopherroan]

Good video man. Thanks.

[@freeshrugs63]

Interesting. Good video.

[@jensenchavez265]

Super cool, do you have a video about locating abimal trails? Like where to look in the landscape?

[@ForestFound]

Not yet! That's a goo idea though

[@Forevertrue]

Hey thanks for this. I have always been curious if there even was a difference.

[@mikeizzano172]

Good job , I had to smile on size. (Of track) upstate ny or most of the northeast US. the dogs are much bigger but all your points still apply , it’s not hard to find 45 or even 50 lb coyote here they say it’s got to do with lineage to the red wolf way back in the day

[@ForestFound]

I have heard that east coast coyotes are much bigger! Good to keep in mind

[@mikeizzano172]

@@ForestFound glad I cought you …thanks for the reply , we’re just ending our season here ,farther north we have a couple weeks yet .I don’t push as hard as I used to (I’ll be 74 in July) but I still get out. Our trouble here is they really get after the fawns in the summer so most deer hunters will try to take a few when we can .We had a good fur market before , but that hasn’t been good so there’s less pressure on the dogs .nobody around here likes to waste our resources or animals , so there’s no hunts just to reduce the population . Sorry for the rant , but it’s always good to chat with another sportsman ! I’m located a few miles south of the Adirondack park and a few miles above Mohawk River . 20 minutes west of Saratoga,You may know it’s a horse racing spot in the summer.good luck to you , enjoy the outdoors every chance you get !

[@TucoDog-ho6fw]

Interesting. Thanks👍🏻

[@TrailHiker52]

I can't believe this popped up, I was just thinking about it on my walk this morning. Fresh snow and lots of rabbit and possible coyote tracks. The only thing I had to go on was the fact the tracks were alone (no human tracks with them), and were both in the street and leading into the bushes near the rabbit tracks. I will keep an eye out for the nails and the direction in the future.

[@ForestFound]

keep looking! Even without human tracks around, dog is still a possibility. I'm always amazed at the random and remote places I find domestic dog tracks

[@TrailHiker52]

Thanks, and will do@@ForestFound. I recently moved to Bend, Oregon, and I do lots of hiking. I also see lots of tracks, so I'll be back for more education.

[@lyndaniel3369]

Thanks! Useful information.

[@bjtaylor4360]

Wow this was great

[@markgoostree6334]

I really enjoyed your video. Good, clear info. Now I'm going to the farm to find some tracks!

[@ForestFound]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@dreadogastusf3548]

Thanks for the lesson. subscribed

[@jasonshink6589]

Wonderful teacher..thx

[@ForestFound]

You’re welcome!