Originally coming from up in the northern part of New York, we used to see them quite often back when coyotes were unheard of, or unseen.
I'm sure if they were a cross breed, they'd have to have coyotes somewhere with which to breed them. They could've been more a feral dog, than anything, but although they appeared more dog, than coyote, they resembled them somewhat, and their actions, or traits gave them away.
Since I moved to the southwestern side of the state, I was able to identify, and shot one with a bow about 10yrs. ago or so. While up in my treestand bowhunting deer, I heard a domestic dog barking back in the tag alders about 300yds. off. I could tell that he was chasing deer, and although a Deputy Sheriff at the time, I could've killed the dog for doing such.
As he was still a distance off, I all of a sudden, heard the deer crashing towards me through the swamp grass. The deer ran directly under my stand and was heading for the next county as fast a possible.
The barking dog was still a ways off, when again I heard the crashing sound coming to me......what, another deer ?
Nope, a coydog, or feral, popped out of the brush running silent. It ran following the deer's scent, right up until it hit my scent trail coming in. It froze solid right on my trail, and then immediately cut around cross wind and turned back in to pick up the deer's trail.
Right then & there, based on it's actions, and appearance, I knew that it wasn't domestic. Although it had domestic colors, face & paws, if you were to bag those points, you'd say coyote....period. The tail was definitely coyote.
As the dog entered an opening around 22yds, I sent a broadhead through it's chest.
I took some ribbing from my hunting buddies when I called them over it, saying that I "killed some kids doggie", that was until I showed up at their location with it in my truck.
Yeah, jokingly, they came out with a bowl of dog food in their hand laughing all the way......until the tailgate dropped on my truck. Their mouths all dropped open and they said "what the hell is that ?"
I even went so far as having the dog examined by a wildlife biologist from our State Wildlife Agency (NYSDEC). His exact words were, "yep, it's more dog than coyote, but it's definitely a mix".
I got photo's of it, if I can dig them out, I'll post them here.....kind of reddish brown fur & a dark muzzle like a shepard.
Take care,
Bob