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

[memiller123]

Our beloved border collie mix passed away yesterday. We also have a blue heeler. I am looking for votes on what breed I should get to add to our family.
Criteria:

Must be a farm dog that does not wander (we do not cage or leash our dogs)

Must be a puppy

Must be a female

Must get along with other dogs

Must get along with young children

Must NOT be too aggressive toward strangers, although some sense of protection is good

Must be good with cattle

Must be SUPER GOOD with chickens

So folks, post your votes!!!

 

[areyoumymother]

How bout a great pyrenees .... I have done some reading and have decided that this is the breed that will serve my purpose well when I get goats.

I was told by an old farmer that they are not the family pet type that stays inside and sits by the fire, they are strictly working dogs that know their place is in the barn and their job is to guard the livestock.

I don't know how the would be around chickens. My neighbor has 2 great pyrenees and she has chickens, turkeys goats, a calf, alpacas, sheep and bees.

Her sheep got in our pasture and the 2 pyrenees came to round em up and guide them home.

Here is some info from Wikipedia:

The Pyrenean Mountain Dog, known as the Great Pyrenees in North America, is a large breed of dog used as a livestock guardian dog.

Temperament

Character and temperament are of utmost importance. In nature, the Great Pyrenees is confident, gentle, and affectionate. While territorial and protective of his flock or family when necessary, his general demeanor is one of quiet composure, both patient and tolerant. He is strong willed, independent and somewhat reserved, yet attentive, fearless and loyal to his charges both human and animal.

 

[DUCKGIRL89]

Anatolian shepard that is what my mom an dad have they are very good with chickens, ducks, cattle, ect. an kids but just a little bit more pretective over the animals when a stranger comes. mine killed 3 possums last winter we were so proud of him an females have a very goo eye for critters a such so that is what i sote for.

 

[Cackling Hen]

Ok German Sheperd I have 2 and they are the best doggys toward my chickens kids ect......My boy and girl lay with the chickens they are great with kids dont bark unless something is wrong dont get in garbage dont run away dont chase cars SOOOOOOOO smart my 7 monthold herds the chickens in coop for me I love my GS

 

[Cackling Hen]

ps so sorry for you loss

 

[Laurajean]

On behalf of Redhen I would suggest a St. Bernard.

 

[Chickenrandomness]

blue heelers and australian shepherds match all your requirements except that they heartlessly kill chickens... i have waited 2 years since i first got into chickens for my parents actually finally let me get chickens. 6 months later my dad wants dogs. we get a female aussie and female heeler. couple months later and i go from 5 chickens to 1.

so if you want to keep your chickens, don't get either breed!

 

[memiller123]

Great ideas so far. I do have a blue heeler and yes, he killed one chicken. Fortunately, we were able to train him to tolerate them, but it took a while.

Great pyrenees sounds great and they could definately provide protection from predators....

The anotolian and german shephards sound fine, but I'm not sure how they would get along with my blue heeler, who is a dominant dog and tempermental around a dog that doesn't like to submit...

THANKS A BUNCH AND KEEP THE VOTES COMING!!!

I'll update you with what we decide on.

 

[thekid]

beagle, siberian husky, or a german shepard

 

[thekid]

and a border collie