What breed do you recommend to live outside in a fenced yard and protect chickens?

[BoundlessLove]

There is plenty of LGDs guarding just chickens. It may take more training but they will guard them

This. Mine are guarding chickens and ducks. Sometimes turkeys.

 

[cassie]

There is plenty of LGDs guarding just chickens. It may take more training but they will guard them

I think they are guarding the property rather than the chickens themselves. In the end, it is the same thing.

 

[BoundlessLove]

I think they are guarding the property rather than the chickens themselves. In the end, it is the same thing.

I saw my dog run off a coyote which was after my chickens.
My GPs definitely guard the chickens. Yes, guard them.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Shelties.

Some of the larger breeds, like Pyrenees, have a tendency to roam. Their idea of territory can be huge. We have 10 acres, only 3 of which is actually "home" to the chickens and dogs. The dogs do not leave the property, which is unfenced. We have lived here 15 years, or at least I have. Sammy (above) is my 2nd Sheltie on this property. Before him I had Gracie. Same thing. If the kids left the property she would follow them a little ways, then come home and yodel for them. Her bond to the property was strong. She ran off three coyotes at once one day, I had to holler at her to bring her back. I don't believe she was guarding the birds, though. I believe she was protecting her turf. Shelties can be good pets as well as working dogs which makes them ideal in my mind. He is outside during the day and on my bed at night when the birds are safely locked up. Because he is smallish, the birds do not fear him. My only complaint is that he is a barker, but at night I have him tied up beside me, and he does not bark in here.

 

[cassie]

The LGDs will guard the property. The chickens contained therein will be guarded by extension.

 

[cassie]

I saw my dog run off a coyote which was after my chickens.
My GPs definitely guard the chickens. Yes, guard them.

The coyote was on the property. I really don't think the dog cared why the coyote was there. He just wanted him gone. In the end it doesn't matter.

 

[BoundlessLove]

The coyote was on the property. I really don't think the dog cared why the coyote was there. He just wanted him gone. In the end it doesn't matter.

Oh but there is a difference here.
If my GP just guarding the property, they would be aggressive/chase off people who visit (Strangers included).
My GPs do bark to let us know someone pulled up in the drive, but do not chase them off if they got out of their car.
Whereas a predator, who is a threat to our animals, would be chased off immediately. Guarding the animals.

On the other hand, our GD would not let a stranger come up to our door.