HELP: What breed of dog should I get to guard my chickens?

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Quote:
NO SIBERIAN HUSKY! I have a 3 year old male who has been around chickens for quite some time and still chases them! They have that natural instinct to chase if something runs!


I agree, the Siberian has to be one of the WORST dogs for this task. I've owned over 30 and NOT ONE could EVER be trained NOT to chase any small animal. AND THEY ARE AWFUL guard dogs, they love people, even strangers.

 

[watchdogps]

Quote:
You can always train them.

No, you cannot train an LGD to stay home. Well, maybe if you have several hundred acres. We are talking about dogs who have been bred for THOUSANDS of years to think for themselves, NOT follow orders. The LGDs that do stay home do so because they want to, not because they are obeying. Believe that!
Another problem with LGDs and lack of PHYSICAL fence is that if a neighboring dog comes over, it may not go home in one piece. That may cause neighbor problems...
No LGD breeds without fencing.

My suggestion for this situation would be a rott, a bullmastiff, a leonberger, swissy, bernese mt dog. BUT none of these are truly animal guardians so while they may make noise and be territorial, they arent really going to give a hoot about the chickens and if they liek a person or dog, they will probably let them kill the birds.

 

[memiller123]

watchdogps, I like your ideas about an LGD not staying home. Several LGD breeds I've looked into online say that you must have a fenced yard. We live on a farm and only have fencing for the cattle, not something to keep a dog in. So I definately need a dog that will stay on the property.

I also like everyone's ideas about training. Yes, there is no one perfect breed and I do intend on training my dog from the start, but I would like one that has natural tendencies to work with and the inteligence to understand me. My brother has a cocker spaniel. Cute dog, but dumb as a pile of rocks. Socializing and training are a must, but you still need something to start with.

My blue heeler understands me very well...sometimes too well. Today he proved his intelligence to me once again. I have had a young flock of chicks that I just introduced to the adult hens. They had been kept in a separate run. My blue heeler has decided that since I kept them down at the run that they are not allowed near the house where the rest of the hens roam. Today, I threw out some oatmeal. The hens gathered around and Levi left them be. But when one of the younger ones approached, he herded her back to the coop. I don't even know how he can tell the difference between them because they are almost the same size as the adults. But regardless, he has a job and he does it.

Basically, I want a dog that will take some interest in protecting my hens. We have lost two hens recently to a predator during the day...either a hawk or a fox. Our farm is too big for my one dog to patrol alone.

Still deciding.....thanks for you comments....keep them coming!!!