Best breed for - yep you guessed it

[navasima]

My grandfather farmed his whole life and always had Collies. Animals NEVER came in the house. The dogs lived outside, had access to the barn at all times. Old school much? YA!

He loved 'em to death (we caught him talking to one dog - ol' softie!)...but hey - he never had a bit of trouble........Rural Md., Ga. and WVa.

 

[mstrrlm]

Look into German Sheppards not to big but are herders and have seen video of 1 herding fowl

 

[galanie]

Quote:
Oh I don't mind having them as friends, I just want them more interested in staying with their charges than sucking up to me all day. Or maybe a better way to put it: I'd rather they didn't mind being ignored a lot by me. Which could really be an individual thing with a breed that isn't a "true" LGD, I'm sure. But I still welcome suggestions. Having something keep the squirrels away and yet not bother the chickens plus not mind being ignored might just be too tall an order, though.

 

[Cattitude]

Well, I have a dog from a truly individual breed, loves cold weather, stubborn as hell, and once I got him through the puppy stage, has been a total delight.

He's a Lhasa Apso.

Before you say "lap dog!" look at their history. They were bred to guard monasteries and to hinder intruders, barking loudly (and I mean loudly) until help arrived. Mine is a little larger than standard, weighing in at around 25-30 pounds. They are known to be fearless and I can attest to that: Buddy routinely leaps up to bite the back of the neck of our Anatolian (130 pounds) who looks bored and walks around till Buddy turns loose. They have super keen hearing. They were used in the development of the Shih Tsu. They have some herding tendencies but it isn't a priority with them. Buddy learned how to use a standard doggy door in about two minutes. He's not expensive to feed, but the grooming bills could become costly unless you have your own set of clippers. I'll try to find a picture of him.

Anyway, hope you find a dog that suits you!

 

[Cattitude]

 

[Ole rooster]

I think what we're looking for here is a dog that will take care of intruders and not just let you know they're around. With a short nose like that there ain't a lot of biting force. To me that a strike there.