Coyote of Wolf?

[Mr. Prop-B-Gone]

We were driving on a back road in Moultonborough yesterday and spotted what was most likely a Coyote crossing the road and heading off into the woods. We slowed down to take a look at it and it paused for a moment and did the same.

What made me wonder about it was the size. This was a big dog. According to what I've seen on the web, Coyotes run 30-50 pounds, and this looked more in the 70-80 pound range. I've had German Shepherds all my life, so I have a pretty good idea of the size/weight thing. My current Shepherd is 80 pounds, and this Coyote was about the same size, even allowing for the bushy fur.

According to what I've read on the web, there is research to show that the Eastern Coyote is related to the Wolf. So it's probably a big Coyote, rather than a Wolf, but it has me wondering. Anyone else seen anything like this this year?