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

[Miltonchix]

My German Shepherd is fine around the chickens up until one decides to run for whatever reason. Instinct tells her to chase it. When she does she KNOWS she's going to be in trouble. Fortunately she hasn't killed a chicken yet. She has killed a duck though. Same senario, duck runs, she chases. Duck had no bite marks on it though. She must have scared it to death.

She's so smart though I don't even have to say anything to her. I give her "the look" and she cowers. She acts like we're going to beat the heck out of her. Funny thing is we have NEVER raised a hand to her.

 

[ncgnance]

I went through this "perfect farm dog" hunt about a month ago. I got lots of help and suggestions here on byc. I checked out every breed suggested, then started looking at the english shepherds. That was it!! They look and act just like I want a dog to act. I'm getting my new english shepherd puppy in about 4 more weeks. He comes from working parents and grandparents, and is being introduced to herding 101 this week. He's working with ducks first. LOL I can't wait!!

 

[injunjoe]

Quote:
Best I have found!

 

[Oblio13]

I know it's possible to live without a Great Dane, but I don't know why people bother.

 

[OHMYCHICKIES]

Actually I just posted how my dog protected my chickens. She's part red heeler/border collie. I had her before the chickens and I think that makes a difference. As the chicks were babies I introduced her to them. She was hesitant at first but then realized these were ours and not to mess with them. She gives them a toy for them to throw

but at least she treats them as part of the family. At first she would herd them now she just protects them from predators.

 

[injunjoe]

Quote:
To cool! Very uplifting!

 

[BantyHugger]

I have a lab Border Collie mix. She protects everything in the yard. When my mom was a kid they had an old lab named Sophie. Sophie protected the kids and sheep more than anything else. She took on bobcats,coons, and poisonous snakes time after time. I recommend either a lab or a Border collie, or even a mix of the two. Both breeds are smart and quick to learn. As long as they know that your the boss you should have no trouble. From reading other's posts, people agree that these are great dogs.
I recommend a slow introduction to chickens when they are young. That way you'll still have control of the situation.

 

[Foxhound lady]

Most breeds of dogs are bred for a purpose. Border Collies for herding sheep, Labradors for retrieving/hunting. Heelers/Australian Cattle Dogs for herding cattle. Bernese Mtn Dogs for cart pulling. I don't know of a dog bred for chikcen guarding.

If you are looking for a dog to protect your chickens you are looking for the wrong reason. Unless you get a puppy there is no way that you can guarntee it with livestock. And then you may still have a problem with the dog because birds are birds and dogs are dogs.

My cocker you doesnt care about the chickens will tree the guineas, the other dog cares less about the gueinas and chases the chickens.

If you do get a long coated dog, realize that the coat needs to be maintained and if they are big it is going to cost you a lot. Most large dog grooms average over $60 and you need to get this done at least once a month for the dog to tolerate the FL heat.

 

[injunjoe]

Quote:
I know he was not bread for chickens, but they were his "girls"
He would do anything for them, they were his!

 

[bmarshgu]

I agree, get a BOXER! Not only are they great family pets, but they are good protectors as well. They are not aggressive towards anyone, but will chase anything you teach them to chase. They can really book-it. Mine hangs out with my free-ranging chicks all of the time. The biggest issue we have is that he will not stop eating their poo! He has tons of personality, more than any other breed we have ever owned. All around a great breed!