Need a good guard dog that wont eat my poultry!

[nzpouter]

Quote:
thank you.

.. unfortunately after a while the chickens loose any respect for the dogs...

 

[matthewschickens]

Hands Down Border Collie!!

One of our not too long ago adopted some of our pullets and followed them arond the yard all the time. If one was missing, she would go and find it and either herd it back to the others or go back and forth! She is the Best!!!

 

[patnjess]

this is me!!!! I will pick up wild snakes I know aren't poisonus have all sorts of critters , gators in the back yard, but i'm afraid of the dog. lol! scooby doo. I can do that.
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[n.smithurmond]

My Newfoundland is GREAT with livestock, poultry, children, and people. She will even drag you out of a body of water whether you're drowning or not!

She does have a very deep bark though and is a deterrent to strangers.

 

[AnconaDuck]

If your looking for a TRUE LGD, Great Pyrenees or Kuvas. I have done some research lately on GP/Komondor crosses. Hear they are excellent.

Other than a true LGD, Border Collies, Aussies, Cattle Dogs, etc are great with livestock. Good Luck!

 

[bumpershoot]

Quote:
oh, my bad, I looked at the photo and thought the sweetie in front was guarding the couch from any picture taking PIA humans while his buddies were taking a snooze on da couch...

 

[Dust Bunny]

ive got 2 lab mixes they are great

 

[Davaroo]

Someone mentioned Border Collies. One of the worst offenders Ive had is this breed.
A natural herder, thanks to centuries of development, BC's have a highly developed drive. If they don't kill the birds outright, they drive them near to death by rushing and trying to sport with them.

That is the real worry - sporting. The domestic family dog isn't generally trying to kill the chicken for food. That is common with feral dogs; not so much with Full-Belly Fido. But the subverted prey drive which all domestic dogs possess - that which would have them attack a chicken - has been morphed into a "sporting" instinct.

The dog simply enjoys the squawking, flapping, neurotic ball of feathers that is The Chicken. I can relate to that.. I enjoy chickens, too.

But dogs have weapons: Speed and utter desire, sharp fangs and claws. Yet, sadly, they lack the judgment you and I possess. They are helpless victims of their own appetites.

I've had three flocks of chickens utterly destroyed by my own domestic hounds. In each case, not a single chicken was eaten, mauled or even much disturbed. They were all, however, throttled by the neck until dead.

The dogs will chase them, utterly caught up in the event once it begins. Feathers fly and chickens run, squawking for all they're worth, with the dog hot on their tails - until they are captured and attacked at the NECK. The dog, out of his mind by then with feathers, adrenaline and exertion bites down hard and does the "head shake rattle" - you know, the same one the one they do with your old socks. Well, chickens succumb pretty quick to that. Begaaaaawk!.............

Once the bird becomes lifeless - the dog goes on to the next one until all the birds lay dead, in a heap. It looks like a battlefield. Unlike some other predators, the dog will often kill as many birds as he may find, until they are dead or the dog is stopped. Its one of the hallmark signs of the dog attack - dead chickens all over the place.

Im certain my dogs still fondly remember those times when their masters chickens (MINE!) provided them with so much entertainment.

Im pretty certain that big, lunking breeds and many traditional working types offer your best chance at a low-risk chicken dog.
Even so, the individual dog still needs to be taught that chickens are off limits. This is one of those times when an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

Where you are dealing with a pack of dogs as I have, well... I'm not sure what will change that dynamic.

 

[Spudzville]

I have two German bred German Shepherds, they are wonderful ! My Neighbors Jack Russell came in our yard and was chasing the chickens, I let one of my Shepherds out and she got between the little dog and the Chickens she made no attempt to hurt the dog she just stopped her from chasing the chickens. The same dog was also a great baby sitter , from the time my daughter was able to go outside and play that dog never left her side when she was outside, she would lay down where the kids were playing and stayed with them. Best dogs I have ever owned!

 

[Je9Jeanine]

Wow lots of replys!
Dust bunny that lab photo scars me..

lol

Taking notes here... So far the recommendations are...

Scooby Doo..

!
Rottweiler
Great Pyrenees
Lab mix
Bull Mastiff

(he does look scary and lovable at the same time)
Terrier/pitbull mix

(makes a great chicken perch!)
Border Collie (recommended then not recommended

Newfoundland

(I am a fan of a dog saving kids!)
German Shepherds

(great dog, but high maintenance, I am a novice, out of my league)
Kuvas
Aussies
Cattle Dogs

Thanks that gets me started. I will start reading about those breeds.

Jeanine