Guide To Finding The Best Coyote Hunting Dogs For Effective Tracking

Hunting coyotes is as much about strategy and preparation as it is about skill. Among the most critical components of a successful hunt is the dog at your side. A well-chosen and properly trained coyote hunting dog can dramatically increase your success rate by locating, chasing, and holding coyotes in check until you arrive. However, not every dog is suited for this demanding role. The right breed, temperament, physical capability, and trainability are essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to identify and acquire the best coyote hunting dogs for reliable and effective tracking.

Understanding the Role of a Coyote Hunting Dog

Coyote hunting dogs serve multiple functions: trailing scent over long distances, initiating pursuit, vocalizing to alert hunters, and maintaining pressure on the animal without engaging in direct confrontation. Unlike retrievers or herding dogs, these animals must be independent thinkers capable of operating in rugged terrain and extreme weather. They also need high endurance, sharp senses, and a strong prey drive.

The ideal coyote dog isn’t just fast—it’s intelligent, focused, and responsive enough to follow commands when needed but bold enough to act decisively when out of sight. Hunters often rely on their dogs to cover ground that would take hours on foot, making them indispensable partners in open country, dense brush, or mountainous regions.

“Coyote dogs aren’t pets—they’re working athletes. You’re not just buying a dog; you’re investing in a tool that will make or break your season.” — Dale Mercer, Professional Predator Hunter & Trainer

Top Breeds for Coyote Hunting and Tracking

While many dogs can track scents, only certain breeds consistently excel in real-world coyote hunting scenarios. Below is a comparison of the most effective breeds based on key performance traits.

Breed	Scenting Ability	Speed & Stamina	Vocalization	Trainability	Best For
Plott Hound	Excellent	High	Loud, consistent baying	Moderate to High	Mountainous terrain, solo tracking
Treeing Walker Coonhound	Exceptional	Very High	Piercing, far-carrying bay	High	Long-range tracking, open fields
Bluetick Coonhound	Outstanding	High	Deep, rhythmic baying	Moderate	Dense woods, cold weather
Black and Tan Coonhound	Excellent	Good	Loud, steady voice	High	All-terrain versatility
German Shorthaired Pointer	Good (air-scenting)	Very High	Occasional bark	Very High	Flushing in open areas, multi-game use

The Plott Hound stands out as the only breed originally developed specifically for big game tracking in North America, including bear and wild boar—making it naturally fearless and persistent with coyotes. Meanwhile, Treeing Walkers offer unmatched speed and range, ideal for covering large tracts quickly. Blueticks thrive in colder climates and heavy cover, where their cold nose and endurance shine.

Tip: Avoid overly aggressive dogs. While drive is essential, uncontrolled aggression toward wildlife or other dogs reduces field effectiveness and safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Selecting Your Coyote Hunting Dog

Finding the right dog involves more than choosing a breed. Follow this timeline to ensure you get a capable, reliable partner.

1. Assess Your Hunting Style (Week 1): Determine whether you hunt open plains, thick timber, or varied terrain. This influences breed choice.
2. Research Reputable Breeders (Weeks 2–3): Look for breeders specializing in working lines, not show or pet bloodlines. Ask for hunting pedigrees and health clearances.
3. Visit Kennels or Attend Field Trials (Week 4): Observe puppies or adult dogs in action. Watch for focus, energy, and response to stimuli.
4. Evaluate Temperament (Week 5): Choose a dog with curiosity, confidence, and moderate independence. Avoid overly shy or hyperactive individuals.
5. Begin Basic Training (Month 2+): Start obedience, recall, and scent introduction. Consistency builds reliability.
6. Field Test Early (Months 3–6): Introduce controlled tracking exercises. Monitor stamina, focus, and vocal response.

This process ensures you don’t rush into ownership without understanding the dog’s potential and compatibility with your methods.

Training Essentials for Effective Tracking

A natural instinct for tracking doesn’t replace structured training. Even the most gifted hounds require guidance to become efficient hunters. Key training phases include:

• Socialization: Expose the dog early to gunfire, vehicles, and different environments to prevent fear-based distractions.
• Recall Development: Use long-line leashes and positive reinforcement to build reliable return behavior, even mid-chase.
• Scent Imprinting: Drag coyote-scented rags across fields to teach identification and following trails.
• Voice Recognition: Learn to distinguish between a “hot trail” bark and casual noise. Record and review audio from hunts.
• Distance Control: Train hand signals or radio cues if using electronic collars for off-leash management.

Consistent daily sessions of 15–30 minutes during the first year yield better results than sporadic intensive drills. Patience is critical—some dogs mature into top performers around 18 months of age.

Real-World Example: How a Plott Hound Changed One Hunter’s Season

In western Nebraska, hunter Mark R. struggled for years with low coyote contact despite calling frequently. After acquiring a female Plott Hound from a working-line breeder, he began integrating her into evening hunts. Within three weeks, she trailed a coyote over two miles through corn stubble and initiated a sustained bay, allowing Mark to close in and make a clean shot. Over the next season, his success rate tripled—not because he changed tactics, but because his dog covered ground he never could. “She finds what I can’t hear or see,” Mark said. “Now I plan hunts around her strengths.”

Checklist: What to Look for Before Buying a Coyote Hunting Dog

• ✔ Proven hunting lineage (ask for performance records)
• ✔ Health-tested parents (hips, eyes, cardiac screening)
• ✔ Confident, curious temperament during interaction
• ✔ Strong prey drive (chases moving objects enthusiastically)
• ✔ Vocal tendency (barks or howls when excited)
• ✔ Energy level suitable for prolonged activity
• ✔ Compatibility with your existing gear (e.g., GPS collar fit)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any dog be trained to hunt coyotes?

While many dogs have some scenting ability, only certain breeds possess the combination of endurance, drive, and instinct required for consistent coyote tracking. Breeds like Beagles or Labradors may show interest but lack the stamina and persistence of dedicated hounds.

How old should a coyote hunting dog be before starting field work?

Begin basic obedience and scent games at 8–12 weeks. Controlled field exposure starts at 6 months. Full hunting participation is best delayed until 12–18 months, once joints and mental maturity support rigorous activity.

Do I need a GPS tracker for my coyote dog?

Yes. In open or wooded terrain, dogs can travel miles out of sight. A GPS collar allows you to monitor location, direction, and movement patterns—critical for intercepting a running coyote. Invest in a rugged, long-battery-life model designed for hunting dogs.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward a More Effective Hunt

Finding the best coyote hunting dog isn’t about picking the fastest pup at the kennel—it’s about matching the right genetics, temperament, and trainability to your specific hunting environment and goals. Whether you choose a deep-voiced Bluetick or a lightning-fast Treeing Walker, your investment in selection, training, and partnership will define your success under the open sky. Don’t settle for guesswork when tracking coyotes. Equip yourself with a skilled canine ally, and transform your approach from reactive calling to proactive pursuit.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your predator hunting game? Start researching working-line breeders today, and begin building the foundation for a loyal, high-performance hunting partner.