Question about dogs

[CeceliaD]

My dog recently passed and since then we have had one chicken and one duck get killed by a hawk. In my whole life raising chickens we had never had this happen until our last of two dogs left us. We lucked out with our two late dogs who were gentle with the hens but would also go after something if we asked them to. So my question is, what kind of dogs are best to raise with chickens?

If you’re going to answer this thread, please be kind. I’m not asking to be investigated on my bird keeping or told what to do or that I’m doing everything wrong. I’ve kept chickens my entire life and I’m a good chicken mom. I would just like any information you might have on what dog breeds work well with birds or tips to train a new dog with livestock.
Thank you!

 

[Weeg]

You are doing evyethign right, looking for information on how to protect your birds, and keep them safe, great job looking for answers, you odviouly care about your birds a lot.
I'm really sorry for the loss of your dog, that is very rough. *Hugs and more hugs*

We have always had Yellow labs, they have never tried to hurt the chickens, and are great with all other dogs, people and farm animals. They are very trainable, but are also a dog that needs a family that can give it exercise, and will be home enough so it doesn't need to be kept contained in a crate or a house. There sweet dogs and not hyper in the house if given enough outdoor time. Our yellow labs will run into the bushes barking and warding off predators that may or may not be there whenever the birds sing there egg song! Lol! They think their in distress!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would look for a pup. A ton depends on the dogs temperament and the training you put into them.
I think that is more important than breed really.
I would try not to get one that is super focused on herding or hunting.

So sorry for the loss of your doggies and the birds.

 

[CeceliaD]

You are doing evyethign right, looking for information on how to protect your birds, and keep them safe, great job looking for answers, you odviouly care about your birds a lot.
I'm really sorry for the loss of your dog, that is very rough. *Hugs and more hugs*

We have always had Yellow labs, they have never tried to hurt the chickens, and are great with all other dogs, people and farm animals. They are very trainable, but are also a dog that needs a family that can give it exercise, and will be home enough so it doesn't need to be kept contained in a crate or a house. There sweet dogs and not hyper in the house if given enough outdoor time. Our yellow labs will run into the bushes barking and warding off predators that may or may not be there whenever the birds sing there egg song! Lol! They think their in distress!

Thank you so much for your reply.

You are doing evyethign right, looking for information on how to protect your birds, and keep them safe, great job looking for answers, you odviouly care about your birds a lot.
I'm really sorry for the loss of your dog, that is very rough. *Hugs and more hugs*

We have always had Yellow labs, they have never tried to hurt the chickens, and are great with all other dogs, people and farm animals. They are very trainable, but are also a dog that needs a family that can give it exercise, and will be home enough so it doesn't need to be kept contained in a crate or a house. There sweet dogs and not hyper in the house if given enough outdoor time. Our yellow labs will run into the bushes barking and warding off predators that may or may not be there whenever the birds sing there egg song! Lol! They think their in distress!

Thank you so much for your reply and kind words. I will certainly look into yellow labs, they seem like they’d fit right in with our family! Do they ever run away if you leave them alone outdoors?
I’m gunna start calling it their egg song, that’s exactly what it is!

 

[CeceliaD]

I would look for a pup. A ton depends on the dogs temperament and the training you put into them.
I think that is more important than breed really.
I would try not to get one that is super focused on herding or hunting.

So sorry for the loss of your doggies and the birds.

Thank you for your reply! I think you’re right that it’s pretty important to train them and work with them as a pup.

 

[littledog]

Maybe get a pup who's the same breed as your late dog? You don't mention his or her breed, but obviously they were very protective of your chickens, plus you are familiar with how they behave and what worked for them when training.

 

[josephdad]

all i know is that you should definitely not get a border collie, they are very very very likely to prey on your chickens.

a good dog would be a german shepherd but you will have to get a puppy and have them grow up together or you'll have to really train it but german shepherds are very smart so they'll learn quickly.

 

[KyCoop]

I would shy away from the Spaniels, Setters, Pointers, bird hunting dogs of course. Also your herding dogs Border collies, Healers, Aussies would be hyper focused on them. I would lean more toward the guardian dogs Shepherd's, Pyrenees, Giant Schnauzers. I volunteer at an animal shelter, you cant go wrong with a good mixed dog either.

 

[KelseyBoxer]

High five for the shelter dog suggestion. You can find all sizes and ages at the shelter. A pup would grow up around your flock so maybe the natural urge to protect will kick in.
Good luck!

 

[littledog]

all i know is that you should definitely not get a border collie, they are very very very likely to prey on your chickens.

Our late Border Collie never, ever preyed on our chickens. He was even adult-aged when we first got chickens, but caught on right away that they were part of his "herd." He even had a buddy hen who he would follow around and protect while she grazed on blackberries.