What dog breeds are good with ducks

[FortCluck]

I wouldn't get any dog that is bred for bird hunting just because they always have that drive to retrieve birds.

I have a pug, a Yorkie/Jack Russel mix, and a pit/lab mix. All are very good with my ducks and I'd trust them alone with my ducks. Our beagle on the other hand wants to eat them so she is never near them. The pit/lab is more of a pit than anything and doesn't have that lab hunting drive.

 

[AllenK RGV]

I wouldn't get any dog that is bred for bird hunting just because they always have that drive to retrieve birds.

I have a pug, a Yorkie/Jack Russel mix, and a pit/lab mix. All are very good with my ducks and I'd trust them alone with my ducks. Our beagle on the other hand wants to eat them so she is never near them. The pit/lab is more of a pit than anything and doesn't have that lab hunting drive.

In my case the Chocolate Lab is a birder, she wasn't too difficult to train but take her to the beach and she runs for two hours straight chasing birds. The heeler did wipe out a flock of 5 when we first got her off the street, but now if I want her to run down a roo she brings it unharmed to my feet. The Heeler turned into a great guardian after she almost got euthanized over that one she would also be a great asset if I were running hooved livestock.

 

[Skylar Marie]

Any breed that understands the command NO! You can't set any well respected breed out with your birds and not train them. My Chocolate Lab, Staffordshire Terrier, and Heeler would love it if they could chase and kill my chicken. The heeler is the hardest skulled one when she gives them the look she gets a command sent her way. Regardless, our flocks are all safe with them, NOW.

Which ever breed I get I know I will have to train them and I’m willing to put in the time and work to do so. Some breeds are more prey driven than others so I’m looking for a dog that doesn’t already have a mind set of the fact that my ducks are it’s dinner. You’ve done amazing with training your dogs, but personally I’m not sure if I will be able to effectively train a dog who is really intent on chasing and killing my ducks. I would love training tips on how to do so though!

 

[Skylar Marie]

I'd suggest going to a rescue group that fosters their dogs. The foster family will know their dogs well enough to know if they might work in your situation and/or they can do some temperament testing before hand.

I would love to get a rescue dog! That is a great idea! I would definitely have to make sure I adopt one that is okay with being around all kinds of animals.

 

[Skylar Marie]

I wouldn't get any dog that is bred for bird hunting just because they always have that drive to retrieve birds.

I have a pug, a Yorkie/Jack Russel mix, and a pit/lab mix. All are very good with my ducks and I'd trust them alone with my ducks. Our beagle on the other hand wants to eat them so she is never near them. The pit/lab is more of a pit than anything and doesn't have that lab hunting drive.

Thank you so much, that really helps a lot! I will definitely make sure I research before I choose. I am trying to stay away from hunting dogs, retrievers, terriers, greyhounds, and herding dogs.

 

[yickenscarf23]

I think it's an individual thing more than anything. I wouldn't recommend any dog with a high prey drive. I've met dogs that were supposed to be livestock guardian breeds that killed their flock and I've met people with hunting dogs that wouldn't touch the chickens. The breed isn't going to be the determining factor. My border collie is a the dog equivalent of a crackhead that's also a genius and he is gentle as can be with the birds

 

[MIDuckLady]

I would love to get a rescue dog! That is a great idea! I would definitely have to make sure I adopt one that is okay with being around all kinds of animals.

Adopting a rescue dog with undocumented/ unknown history is always a risk. As others have commented too, it is so hard to train out a “habit” that has been genetically bred into a dog. I’ve had decades of experience with Labrador Retrievers and with professional trainers.

My 2.5 year old 110lb. Lab is one of the mellowest and docile I’ve ever had. Despite continuous training, he still gets a little urge to troll my ducks a little too enthusiastically and show off when another dog visits.

If you are an inexperienced dog owner without real training experience - please get help. Opt for a senior rescue ( see old Bassett Hound) or much smaller than your ducks toy breed with low prey instinct.

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Retrievers were bred to retrieve not kill. They have very gentle mouths. That being said, my first Golden Retriever was great with my ducks but he was older when we got them. When he died we got a Golden puppy. To a puppy or young dog, ducks are the best toy ever. They flap, run, and make great noises. Our Golden is now 18 months old. He has never injured a duck but he would still chase them if given the chance. Funny thing is, if the duck stops, so does he. He is still a work in progress. I think you are right looking for a dog with a low prey drive, I just don’t think all hunting breeds should be excluded. Whatever you decide you will have a lot of work on your hands.

 

[MIDuckLady]

View attachment 1922107 Retrievers were bred to retrieve not kill. They have very gentle mouths. That being said, my first Golden Retriever was great with my ducks but he was older when we got them. When he died we got a Golden puppy. To a puppy or young dog, ducks are the best toy ever. They flap, run, and make great noises. Our Golden is now 18 months old. He has never injured a duck but he would still chase them if given the chance. Funny thing is, if the duck stops, so does he. He is still a work in progress. I think you are right looking for a dog with a low prey drive, I just don’t think all hunting breeds should be excluded. Whatever you decide you will have a lot of work on your hands.

Very true... My biggest risk with our Labs has been their big clumsy selves on land and trying their best not to trample frightened flocks. Mine have all gotten used to each other finally..

 

[DuckDuckGooseMum]

I have a small German Shepherd female that is tolerant of my ducks & geese but only because she knows that I expect it. Her mother was from a good work dog line but would definitely have killed every one of my birds if she were still living.
Training is helpful but depending on the dog, it may or may not be enough. Some dogs just cannot be dissuaded.
I also have a Turkish Kangal. Kind of a cousin of the Anatolian Shepherd. An ancient and remarkable breed of flock guardian. These are very large and powerful dogs who are known for their ability to deter wolves, bear and mountain lions. They are highly intelligent, all business types and are excellent flock guardians. The Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees are also good dogs. Stay away from Retriever breeds or mixes. It's never a good idea to ignore a dogs breed. There's exceptions to every rule but I wouldn't tempt fate.
I liked the suggestion to get a rescue dog. I would suggest checking with a breed rescue group or SPCA to find a fostered dog who has been around ducks and chickens for a while and this way you could have the opportunity to go and observe the dog ahead of time or arrange to have the foster parents bring the dog to meet you & your flock at your house.
Remember that many of the gestures and behaviors that we interpret as cute & loving are often predatory in nature. The gentlest dog with people can be the most aggressive with poultry or other animals. You can't apply human emotion to animal behavior. Remember that many dogs will not have had experience with ducks so curiosity is natural. Training is essential and should be done on a consistent and continuous basis. I'd ask around and talk to others near you who have ducks and dogs and see what you can gain from their experience! Best of luck!