great pyrenese

[kbeerice]

has anyone had luck with any other type of dog protecting their flock? preferably a smaller breed that doesn't cost as much to feed or $350 to purchase in the first place. I've already invested so much money into the chickens hoping that in the long run they will SAVE me money on meat and eggs.

 

[gatorshark75]

has anyone had luck with any other type of dog protecting their flock? preferably a smaller breed that doesn't cost as much to feed or $350 to purchase in the first place. I've already invested so much money into the chickens hoping that in the long run they will SAVE me money on meat and eggs.

the best guard dog i had is an African grey goose as far as a dog goes i dont have any guarding my flock i have chiuauas inside that freak out when they hear the chickens make noise outside3 then i come outside and take care of the problem be it a coyote fox raccoon possum or the stray dogs around here you might try an australlian blue heeler they are great dogs to protect heards and flocks and they are not too expensive and they are a smaller breed

 

[Beekissed]

has anyone had luck with any other type of dog protecting their flock? preferably a smaller breed that doesn't cost as much to feed or $350 to purchase in the first place. I've already invested so much money into the chickens hoping that in the long run they will SAVE me money on meat and eggs.

Yep...plain old farm mutts. All three of mine were Labs or Lab mix dogs and every single one superb chicken/livestock dogs.

 

[gatorshark75]

the best i ever had was a standard weener dog but now the only yard dog here is me and when i have to go after somethimg in my yard at night i come prepared for war and i win almost every time the critters around here best leave my babies alone

 

[SavageDestiny]

An actual, true livestock guarding Pyr will cost you more than $350.

If money is a factor, a dog isn't a good idea at all. Aside from startup costs, dog need to eat, which costs money. They also need vet care, which isn't too bad for routine stuff but adds up QUICK if there is an injury or illness.

 

[Beekissed]

Around here you can get GP pups around $100-$200 per, depending on where you go. A family dog is going to cost the same as a chicken dog, so anyone with a dog is going to incur costs of some kind...might as well put that family do to work for his feed.

 

[SavageDestiny]

Around here you can get GP pups around $100-$200 per, depending on where you go. A family dog is going to cost the same as a chicken dog, so anyone with a dog is going to incur costs of some kind...might as well put that family do to work for his feed.

Bee, my main concern here is that the OP seems more worried with money than the potential dog's health and wellbeing. I've been working with dogs a long time... someone wanting a dog as cheaply as possible is usually the one who also won't or can't pay for vet care.

 

[kbeerice]

@SavageDestiny just because I'm trying to SAVE money on the general costs of a dog doesn't mean I'm a bad dog owner. it would completely defeat the purpose of having the chickens if I had to spend all the money I would be saving on feeding a 100lb dog. I have a dog and he is well fed and is up to date on all of his vet needs so unless you have something POSITIVE or even remotely helpful to say in regards to this post, why don't you shove off

for everyone else that contributed to this post thank you

 

[SavageDestiny]

@SavageDestiny just because I'm trying to SAVE money on the general costs of a dog doesn't mean I'm a bad dog owner. it would completely defeat the purpose of having the chickens if I had to spend all the money I would be saving on feeding a 100lb dog. I have a dog and he is well fed and is up to date on all of his vet needs so unless you have something POSITIVE or even remotely helpful to say in regards to this post, why don't you shove off

for everyone else that contributed to this post thank you

Well, when someone is concerned about spending $350 on a dog, it makes me wonder what will happen if the dog gets injured and the vet bill is $350 or more.

I rescued my dog and spent a lot less than $350 on her. I then proceeded to spend multiple thousands of dollars on her with surprise health issues and orthopedic issues as she grew up. Low purchase cost and low feeding cost does not mean a low cost dog.

All I am saying is that if money is an issue- and trust me, I'm not exactly rolling in money, I know the feeling- perhaps adding another furry family member is better left off for another time.

 

[Beekissed]

Bee, my main concern here is that the OP seems more worried with money than the potential dog's health and wellbeing. I've been working with dogs a long time... someone wanting a dog as cheaply as possible is usually the one who also won't or can't pay for vet care.

Not necessarily. Anyone in their right mind in today's economy will want a dog as cheaply as possible...I'm one of these people. I'd never pay $350 for a dog,even if I were very wealthy, when there are dogs capable of doing the job for free or very much cheaper. I don't believe that only the person who can afford thousands of dollars in vet bills deserves to have a dog. There are other options than expensive vet care when it comes to animals...some things you fix if you can afford it, some things you put the dog down for.

I never vet a dog unless it actually, really needs it. No heartworm, no vaccinations, no check ups...none of it. I come from a culture and place where animals are only worth what you can afford to pay and then no more. If you cannot afford to fix an injury or if it is very severe, you put the animal down.

All my dogs live long and healthy lives...there have been times when injuries happened and I happened to have the money to fix them, but if I hadn't, I would have put them down. There is a general belief out there that one HAS to fix everything at any costs so that the animal can live....I don't hold with that belief. There are many dogs out there that need a home, a dog is replaceable, and they are not family, not fur babies, not children. They are dogs....great dogs that I love dearly and give a good life...but can part with them if necessary if the cost is too much.

Not everyone feels like money equals privilege, nor do they feel like excessive money should be spent on dogs when there are people out there who need food, clothing, shelter...and that need it more than a dog.