best dog with chickens

[CoyoteMagic]

I don't think there is any "Best Dog with Chickens" answer. Each dog out there is an individual and has to be looked at like that. My last dog Spook could have been left in the coop with the chickens and not a feather would be out of place. My current dog, Katie, is a totally different story even though they are the same breed.

Many folks will tell you, " I never thought my dog would hurt my chickens" after the flock has been done in. Best thing is to keep the dog away from them unless they are on leash or chickens are behind a fence.

 

[secuono]

I'll say it depends on the dog and if you can get a calm puppy or have time to train a hyper pup, then you can have it grow up with the birds.

 

[Morgan7782]

When I lived in Grass Valley I fostered a lot of dogs, and usually had 7-14 puppies at any given time, every breed you can think of just about. The chickens were grown by this time and they had no problem putting the younger dogs in their place. They would peck the puppies if they got too close or curious.

I also had 2 pit bull terriers at the time, both of which were totally chicken proof. They were also wonderful chicken gaurd dogs, because no racoon or possum would make it out of the yard alive. In my own experience, pit bulls have been my best breed to have around chickens. Both of mine had incredible prey drives, and even when the chickens flew and played, neither dog would bother them.

Whatever breed people have, any dog can kill a chicken, and it can be an accident like bowling them over when running around the yard ect. I reccomend a new dog/puppy is taught the command "Don't Touch" or "Leave It". Or something along those lines. That simple command knowladge worked wonders with all my dogs, it is very helpful when dealing with chickens, rabbits and other small prey animals.

That's my experience anyhow.

 

[Bill D]

I have 3 labs - 1 is 12 yrs old and she ignores the chickens - looks at them more as a nusiance more than anything! I have 2 7-month old puppies as well - they are curious but listen when I tell them no! They are good at herding the chickens back to the coop - but don't think I would leave them alone together just yet!

 

[Lbrad7]

Quote:
One with no teeth!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I like the dog with no teeth that is funny. I have 3 dachshunds 9 mos. to 3 years and 1 mix, they are always around the chickens and ducks but I am always there with them. But when we go away the chickens can get into the yard with the dogs so hopefully they'll never kill one, now the goose is another story they hate him. I will say that we've had the chickens for over a year and so far no problems.

 

[ruth]

We actually have six dogs that roam the property with all of our freeranging livestock and chicks and none of them hurt the chickens. Also three cats. And they all seem to be one big happy family.

Two German Shepherds, two Great Pyrenees, one catahoula mix, one min pin. The Min Pin is the only one that doesn't really guard them or live with them. She's out there with them all day but not contributing to their protection. She does love to do a "run by" and watch them jump/fly out of her way. She seems to take great joy in it. But since one of the peacocks gave her a good pop recently she doesn't bother them anymore.

 

[swimmer]

I think good training is number one. Lots of people don't spend enough time training their dogs and then wonder why a chicken has gone missing here or there. I agree breed has a lot to do with it, but some people will just let their dogs out with their birds and think they'll all get along.
We have a goldendoodle. Golden retriever, standard poodle mix. He's great with the girls. But it took a lot of time and training to make sure he doesn't go postal on the girls. I still woudn't leave him out in the yard with the girls all day. He's fine when we are out, or even if we are in the house, but leaving him out there with the hens all day would be a mistake.

 

[Catstar68]

Quote:
Depends how you're cooking the chickens. I hear poodle goes well with Coq au vin.

 

[Chick Charm]

I don't recommend the following breeds. Coyote, fox, or wolf.

All others need to be taught and even then you have to keep your watch that they don't accidentally harm your birds.