Chicken flock guardians

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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Interesting...I've just never seen one with the head like that.

 

[cackleberrycoop]

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Oh Vicki, do you have any photos of your Maremmas? Aren't those the dogs with the "dredlocks." I was very, very interested in that breed at the time we were looking for our LGDs but, boy, finding a breeder was next to impossible and I couldn't find as much info on their personalities and their interaction with people. How do your dogs do around strangers or children?

 

[startingover]

He has a HUGE head. He's a big dog period. I actually just measured him tonight and he's at 33 inches at the shoulder while Naciye is at 28. These guys won't be 2 until the end of January and they don't mature until ages 4-5. OH MY! lol

 

[cackleberrycoop]

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Ah ha! That explains why they look nothing like my Anatolians

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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Oh Vicki, do you have any photos of your Maremmas? Aren't those the dogs with the "dredlocks." I was very, very interested in that breed at the time we were looking for our LGDs but, boy, finding a breeder was next to impossible and I couldn't find as much info on their personalities and their interaction with people. How do your dogs do around strangers or children?

No, you're thinking of Komondors.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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LOL So does my "Cash."

He's only 1/2 Anatolian but has what we lovingly refer to as a "grizzly bear head!" LOL Cash is 29 inches at the withers, Brodee my Borzoi that passed last week was 35" at the withers. Hank...I'm not sure about but probably 24"

He's a blue heeler.

 

[Rare Feathers Farm]

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I always think of this:

http://static.gotpetsonline.com/pic...s-rescue/pictures/anatolian-shepherd-0025.jpg

Or this:

http://www.ozdoggy.com.au/ozthumbs/300x300/3850/kimba_highlight_webpage_LIGHT.JPG

 

[cackleberrycoop]

Quote:
Oh Vicki, do you have any photos of your Maremmas? Aren't those the dogs with the "dredlocks." I was very, very interested in that breed at the time we were looking for our LGDs but, boy, finding a breeder was next to impossible and I couldn't find as much info on their personalities and their interaction with people. How do your dogs do around strangers or children?

No, you're thinking of Komondors.

Oh crud. Yup, Komondors. Sorry. Still, would love to see photos!

 

[Goldenseal]

Lots of great info.

We have 240 acres here, lots of predators, no goats or sheep, but I do
have horses. The birds coop is a horse stall in the barn with a hole
in the wall, they are NOT interested in going outside now. I will have
to force them out in the spring LOL

If I got a dog, I think I would make the hole big enough so the dog
could go in and out with the birds, put a bed and food inside etc.
I just want one friendly enough that I dont have to worry about
the Grandkids running around etc.

and in the winter.....like now, we got dumped with a ton of snow,
so we feed the pheasants, they come up to the house and eat the
dog food and I put scratch feed out for them.
fatty and mrs fatty

the dog would have to learn they are part of our flock. ha

 

[JustOneMore]

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What is your climate? I have had German Shorthaired Pointers for over 30 years and can tell you that if you experience any sort of winter weather, they are NOT suitable for outside guarding 24/7. They are not bred to have a coat that will withstand cold unless they are actively working (as in running/hunting).

We have had 3 predator losses from our flock of 24 this year. All were in the late morning when the GSPs were out playing in the yard. If they SEE a predator enter the yard they are great protectors but this is not a herding breed designed for flock protection.

I have friends that for years have had Italian Maremma (maremmano) dogs that were raised with their poultry from 8 weeks of age and lived with them 24/7. Those friends had no predator losses. I have no doubt that Pyrs are also fantastic protectors.