Will a coyote eat a standard poodle?

Answer 1

Standard Poodles are WONDERFUL dogs! Contrary to what many think, they are also sturdy, strong, and natural hunters... contrary to the normal show ring hair cut they sometimes wear. (A standard poodle is NOT a yappy toy or miniature poodle!) A standard poodle male is (most likely) larger than a coyote and likely as smart or smarter than a wild coyote. (The Standard Poodle is one of the most intelligent of all Dog Breeds!) However, poodles are are also naturally friendly, curious, and a tamed family pet without the developed instincts of a pack animal. If larger than the coyote, I doubt if a single coyote would attack a standard poodle... and if they did attack, I imagine the poodle would defend himself in a fair fight fairly well. The bigger risk is that they would get to know each other as dogs do... and become somewhat friendly. But once the rest of the coyote pack comes out of the nearby field/woods and sees your dog and decide to attack, your friendly poodle will not realize that the pack is not playing... and he/she will be summarily killed and ripped apart as food for their young. Even if that does not happen, a wild coyote willing to play with a family pet during the day could also be rabid... and just normal "play" could infect your poodle should you dog get scratched or nipped by the coyote. It is best to avoid the potential risk of a family pet "playing" with even a single wild coyote!