i think i need a dog--what breed is best?

[ncgnance]

For everyone that asked, I got my ES, Sam, from Kay Kaiser, of Maplegrove Farms, in Denton, NC. She had 9 pups in the last litter. I was introduced to her by White Oak English Shepherds in Apex, NC. As soon as I get some photos, I'll post them.

 

[BackyardBirds720]

My ShihTzu is a very good herding dog, and protector of the chickens.

Why just yesturday he scared off my nieghbors yellow lab. Benji (my ShihTzu's name) will go around sniff all 15 of the chickens (to makes sure they are there, herd them into a circle, and then just sit in front of them barking like mad until the predator leaves.

Who ever knew a ShihTzu could be such a great herding/gaurd dog! We live on four acres, so Benji follows teh chicks around to make sure they don't run astray, or anything - although I'm always there watching them all.

Benji now likes the word "chickens" better than "cookie"! Whenever we say "chicken" he runs out to the coop, and sits until I open the pen (whining in the process and wagging his tail), then they all come out and greet him. And they start their daily free ranging.

15 chickens, 1 ShihTzu = my "flock".

I vote ShihTzu as best herder/gaurd dog!

 

[MagsC]

Well, for an all around, do everything dog, Mountain Curs, Blackmouth Curs, Catahoulas and Texas Blue Lacys are great. If I ever get another dog I am going to choose one of those breeds. Have had Blackmouths and Catahoulas before.
Right now we have a Chow/Shiba Inu who isnt a bad dog and keeps undesirables away,pretty good with animals he knows are "moms" but my daughters Dachshund would love to chase and eat chickens if it was up to him!

 

[KsTornado11]

My first choice ,providing you have a good FENCE,would be a great pyr out of working parents. I would avoid any kind of hunting dog or terrier,although there are exceptions to the rule! Believe it or not, my dog ,a Doberman/Aussie cross,is turning into an awesome poultry guard! He has even trained himself to herd them into the coop at night!
WHat I did to train him was to have him spend a lot of time w/ me & the poultry,and let him know they are MINE,on no uncertain terms. I let him sniff each one & get their scent,and also hold them & pet them while petting him,too,praising him for being calm around them. He seemed to come by it naturally,as Dobies are very protective of their family,and Aussies as well.
I have noticed w/ other dogs I've had,that if they get all twitchy and excited & licking their chops around the poultry,they will be next to impossible to train not to eat them,too high a prey drive.

Twister