Canine pyoderma is a common and frustrating disease to treat in veterinary practice. Antibiotic resistance continues to be problematic forcing a search for effective alternative therapies. The objective of this controlled in-vitro experimental study was to document the antibacterial activity of two Chinese herbal medicines [Golden Yellow Powder (modified Ru Yi Jin Huang) and Coptis (Huang Lian)] and compare them to two conventional antibiotic topical medications (Zymox and Animax) against bacteria cultured from 31 clinical cases of canine pyoderma. Test material efficacy was determined by measured zones of inhibition (ZOI) against bacteria on sheep blood agar plates. ZOI results demonstrated that both herbal medicines at concentrations of 5g/20ml and 10g/20ml had statistically significant values for antibacterial activity when compared to placebo control (p< 0.001) and when compared to the antibacterial topical Zymox (p < 0.001). The single herb Coptis (Huang Lian) had greater ZOI activity when compared to both antibiotic topicals, Zymox and Animax, with a 95% confidence level. Finally, Coptis had statistical significance when compared to Golden Yellow Powder (p<0.001). The results from this study suggest that both Chinese herbal medicines tested have effective antibacterial activity against bacteria cultured from canine patients with pyoderma and show promise either as an adjunct to conventional antibacterial therapy or as primary treatment.