So I know there are a lot of threads that go around about which dog breed is best guardian etc but most focus on large breeds. I am thinking of getting a dog to keep hawks away from my poultry. I have a lab now but she is not chicken safe. The yard is an acre fully fenced and the chickens are loose all day and locked in at night. Only preditors to worry with are hawks.
That being said I don't want a dog over 40lbs. So far breeds on the list are corgie, Australian cattle dog (my favorite breed but idk if it will fit the bill), sheltie, collie. Any experiences with these breeds or other suggestions?
The dog will live outside with the flocks and be picked up at night. I would like to get a dog from a breeder who has working dogs because I have researched that these are better. Once I settle on the best breed I may try some rescue organizations also. I know training is key but I would like start out with a breed which is more predisposed to get along with poultry.
That being said I don't want a dog over 40lbs. So far breeds on the list are corgie, Australian cattle dog (my favorite breed but idk if it will fit the bill), sheltie, collie. Any experiences with these breeds or other suggestions?
The dog will live outside with the flocks and be picked up at night. I would like to get a dog from a breeder who has working dogs because I have researched that these are better. Once I settle on the best breed I may try some rescue organizations also. I know training is key but I would like start out with a breed which is more predisposed to get along with poultry.