I've killed lots of coyotes in north Mississippi, most of them with .22 LR using both rifle and pistol. Never had a problem putting them down.

Unfortunately, I've had to kill a few dogs too and only when absolutely necessary. A couple of big aggressive curs I put down with a .40 and it stopped them quickly. Another I shot with a .357 and it was DRT. Just me, but a .380 wouldn't be my go to aggressive dog round.

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Live long and prosper

All of this feedback has been extremely helpful, and upon hearing it all I've decided to err on the side of caution by carrying my M&P40 Shield.

It's a little inconvenient and possibly a bit uncomfortable to go for walks in the Summer wearing cargo shorts rather than a pair of drawstring jogging shorts, but I'd much rather sweat from the heat than be sweating out of anxiety over the thought that my LCP might not be enough if I get attacked by a pack of wild dogs or something.

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

Way too many dog owners think their dog's are angels. I don't trust them; the people or the dogs.

Lightest 38 I have is a 642, 20.6 ounces loaded.
Lightest 9mm is a Kahr, 20 ounces, 6+1 rounds.
Ruger LCP Max, 14.3, 10+1 rounds.
That 380 is a lightweight!
I need to get some JHP ammo for mine.
Only thing I ever shot is Ball!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

The first round should be rat shot. Hard to miss with that. It won’t kill and if they are determined,it will slow them down for the second shot. I remember when I was a kid, my uncle let me shoot a stray with rat shot. He said the dog, for years, would call to see if I was there before he would come around.

If it is such a menace that it needs shooting, it deserves to be put down, not wounded. Many years ago, I shot a stray dog with the Speer plastic bullets to keep it from trying to get to my dog in a fenced back yard. It did deter the stray, but the plastic bullet didn't penetrate the haunch, where it was hit. Shooting a dog with penetrating shot could cause legal problems.