Dog breeds OK with hens?

[Rhandi74]

Both my Great Pyrenees are great with my chickens

You can see the white fluff in the background

 

[foothillsco]

We had an Australian Shepherd. She was wonderful with the chickens. If a hen screamed when a rooster mounted her, she would run over and knock the rooster off. She would also get between any fights between the roos, but otherwise, left them all alone. The chickens even "groomed" her!

We rescued her 14 years ago from a bad situation. She was the best dog ever! She lived to be 18 years old. Last weekend, we lost her. The vet thinks she had a brain tumor that was leaking. We had to say goodbye to her forever, and I am heartbroken.

Soon, we will also be looking for another chicken-friendly dog. I highly recommend an Aussie, if you don't mind a lot of dog hair!

Very sorry to hear about this. I bet she had a wonderful life in your care.

 

[taprock]

While the breed does give you an idea, each dog is going to be different. We have always had boxers. Our previous dog you could not trust at all. Our current dog loves the chickens, he does however like to get in an occasional chase. He was raised going into the coop as a pup with all the roosters bigger than him. Here are some pictures of him with the chickens.

 

[Nocila]

While it's true that it really depends on training, and how a dog is raised, I'd say that it would be best to avoid breeds that were bred to hunt, and instead lean toward breeds that were bred to herd, such as collies and australian shepherds. Also, make sure that, if you don't get a dog that is from a house with chickens, that you get a puppy, so that it grows up learning that chickens are friends, not food.

 

[nathanaf8388]

I have a female britt she is great with my chickens had a male and he would've killed everyone of them I think it is all the individual dog both of mine were raised the same but we're from total different bloodlines some dogs get it some dont...

 

[AKchicken1]

We have an Australian shepherd/lab mix. He is fine with our chickens, even with the baby chicks. He sometimes argues with our rooster over treats mama gives the chickens. He is fine in the coop with the birds and fine when the birds are out and about. He has even chased off the occasional fox and loose dog. Have to watch his little rear around other people, but not the chickens. When he was a pup we just had him hang out in the coop with the old ladies, often. Seems like he would be very unlikely to hurt them.

 

[AKchicken1]

Forgot to mention, you should grow accustomed to lots of hair on everything and even to having hair in most of your meals!

 

[Sjisty]

Forgot to mention, you should grow accustomed to lots of hair on everything and even to having hair in most of your meals!

Been there, done that! We ended up shaving our Aussie twice a year. It made her happier and us much happier!

 

[AKchicken1]

Our guy looks like a small lab with Aussie feet and an Aussie shaped head. Short black fur and all. I was amazed how it sheds 365.5 days a year. It's impressive.

 

[troy4]

It really depends on how your training it.I have a pit bull rat terry something else and a chit zue I think.All great!All of them must be taught around them we shot taz pit with a bee be for tryong to kill a chicken.He never did it again.