Pros & Cons of Great Pyrenees for an LGD

[LotsaChicken]

Quote:
Your Pyr isn't really "protecting" the chickens if they are penned
The fences are

Having one "just for yourself" seems pointless when there are many other breeds that make good "pets", whereas Pyrs are a highly specialized breed

No respectable breeder of WORKING Pyrs would sell one to someone without livestock and enough pasture to give the dogs room to run

How is it that my dogs aren't protecting my chickens when they are penned? That's a ridiculous thing to say. They keep any predator away from them. I've lost dozens of penned chickens to coyotes, but not a single one since having pyrs.

I'm not going to bother with the rest of your statement. The OP, I'm sure, is aware that there are hundreds of pyrs in shelters that would like any room to roam, even if it's just a living room. Many LGD's, of all different breeds, haven't cut it as livestock guardians and do just fine as pets. If you're looking for a pet quality Pyr, you'll have no problem finding one.

 

[lishah2000]

My two do a wonderful job. I only have 2.5 acres and they don't try and get out. The property is pretty wooded so they have to travel it to see what's going on, so maybe it seems like more room.

I'll be the first to admit they were not bonded to the birds at first, but that has changed over time. They do the job I need and seem to be happy well adjusted dogs.

Wouldn't have them without good fencing. Wouldn't trust them to stay put without fencing. My female got out once, the first week she was here. BUT my gate had been forced open. I wasn't home and honestly feel someone came onto the property. (we had someone force the gate open and come on the property after that). I think she chased them off that day. She didn't go far, just to the property next door (begged for food) and was at the gate when we came home. This was a dog that really didn't "know" us yet - just a few days.

I considered other breeds because I really just needed the property protected. But most dog breeds wouldn't be happy being outside alone 24/7.

They were both throw away dogs, so their lives could have ended up far worse.

 

[Beekissed]

All my dogs have been throw away dogs also...I find they make the best kind. And I agree....life running on 2.5 acres is better than chained to a box, stuck in a kennel or wandering the highways.

 

[Mountain Man Jim]

I'm with LotsaChickens, Pyrs make great pets and chicken guardians.

I think it's true that they don't really bond with the chickens nor do they follow the flock around all day. Maybe that's where some people get confused. It's ok if they don't bond with the flock. They protect the chickens by guarding the property which the chickens happen to be on. If the dog is trained to accept the chickens as our special pets, life is good.

If we are not using Pyrs for the intended "breeding" purpose, you might ask, why select a Pyr from all of the other guarding breeds? Simple, because they are awesome. And, because we still need most of the inherent traits that Pyrs have developed from the LGD breeding, such as:

A natural desire to protect their territory.
A guarding style that is more to do with presence and powerful bark then being aggressive; that's really appreciate by many chicken owners.
An independent nature that allows them to work the territory without human supervisor.
All weather weatherproofing.
Also, a very gentle nature around the other animals and people. Truly, gentle giants.

As owners of chickens, we really need a working dog. In the case of the Great Pyrenees, we are just giving them a different job then their ancestors.

Jim

 

[Beekissed]

Agreed! GPs are sweet as honey if socialized correctly. They seem eager to please and seem naturally adapted to nurturing livestock. My GP mix would stand guard over any of our baby rabbits that would get out from the neighborhood kids leaving the cages undone....she would bark towards the house until we noticed and we'd find her patiently standing over and walking alongside this baby as it meandered over the yard.

 

[chickenzoo]

Goliath and his buddy the Black Swan..... the swan nibbles on his ears, gooses him, bites his paws and tail..... hehe

Puppy with 3 geese he grew up with.... he barely could get any peace from them...

Even when he dug a hole.......