Dog Suggestions

[enola]

I have an Australian Shepherd who would not dream of hurting a chicken when we are outside with the chickens.

Key Word "WE", if she was with them for more than a nano second and I wasn't outside, the chickens would be dog food !

I love my dog, so when I can't be outside, neither can she !

 

[farmergal]

ditto on the aussie

my pup is well trained around chickens... but not so well trained that I would trust her on her own. like most aussies, she lives to please, but she also has a way of getting into trouble if her people aren't around to give her a job!

 

[vtsarahb]

I'm so sorry about your dog!

If you're looking for a guard dog to defend your chickens against predators, I would recommend a large breed dog... I'm partial to anatolian shepherds. My fiance's mom has one at her alpaca farm and he does a great job- and he's a sweetheart too! Great Pyrenees are also good guard dogs, but from what I've heard they bark A LOT.

 

[nzpouter]

seriously.. most breed can be trained to get along with chickens... all in how you treat them...

 

[stephs]

We have a JRT that is a wonderful farm dog; not only does he gopher but he enjoys hanging out with the chickens and feels obliged to protect them if they start running from something.

Sorry about your dog

 

[Bizzybirdy]

>>Re: Dog Suggestionsmost breeds from the "herding" class of dogs SHOULD be fine...<<

Don't think so generally...before I got my Great Pyrenees I asked a neighbor that raises and trains border collies whether one of those might be ok and he said absolutely not, that they are herding dogs and would chase and nip at (if not worse) my chickens instinctually.

My Great Pyrenees hardly ever barks and "patrols" my fence line already. She is still a puppy, albeit a pretty HUGE one. I like that she never runs around or takes off after anything like some of the other nut case dogs I have owned.

 

[Boondachs]

Quote:
that really depends on the temperment of the dog and its obediance training. Plus, I did'nt say ALL the breeds would be perfect. When it comes to livestock, typically the herding class is the best suited.

 

[gway2008]

I would totally avoid a Daschound, lol... My hubby has one that is not allowed anywhere near my chickens. She tries to stalk them anytime she is let out of the yard. My 2 Aussies are really good with the chickens in my presence, lol.. Would I trust them them without me there... Noooooooo, lol.

 

[Firefly]

Guess I'm the only one with an Aussie who doesn't go after chickens! I often leave mine alone with the girls. They love to sit on her and "preen" her fur. Sometimes they play chase (the HENS chasing the dog). I agree with the poster that said it's all about temperament and training, but YMMV.

 

[charlielynnsingletary]

Quote:
That is too much. My hubby laughed so hard. We have a pit/cat mix, a mini doxie, and a mini jack russell they all have the same evil plotting look. But I believe the mini jack would just wait for one to kill over. He once tried to steal some grub from the hens and well they went up one side and down the other.
It was FUNNY! Oh and I have a cat that thinks he is too good to move from the dining room chair.