The answer is shrouded in mystery. Every Dog Has His Day . The canyons are coyote country. Yes, they will. The relationship between ranch dogs and coyotes is interesting.
Coyotes look very much like dogs, and even make a sound that resembles the bark of a dog.
Dogs are fascinated by coyotes, and sometimes try to play with them. They usually find out that while coyotes look like dogs, they aren't dogs. They are wild animals. And yes, many a ranch dog has come home beaten, humbled, and wiser, after being jumped by a group of coyotes. Coyotes have been known to eat small dogs, and they have a real appetite for cats.