What is the best dog to guard your flock?

[mylegger]

I have 2 Pit Bulls and they have been fine with the chickens. They had no prior experience with chickens and they are 3 years old and 11 years old. They are great dogs, and very intelligent. Mine are high prey drive like most others, but I make it known to them that certain things are MINE and No Touchy! I think its important to never let them "eyeball" the flock, they can just get that right out of their minds

My experience with this breed is that they are very willing to please and if you have a good relationship with the dogs and good control/training, they will in turn respect what is important to you. On a side note, all interactions are supervised by me...as I respect that they are Terriers that possess a healthy prey drive. I don't leave them alone together, but we all can be free outside and no problems at all. Mine are house dogs so if you're looking for a dog that is outside all the time to guard the flock, then I don't have any experience to share in that regard.

 

[BoltonChicken]

I know of only one breed that is known for "herding" chickens, and that is the Havanese. They have a lot of other good points, but originally they came from Spain and were used there to herd chickens. Mine doesn't herd so well, but he sure takes an interest in guarding his feathered buddies.

 

[umanduhbree]

I think it is more about the dog not the breed. If you find the right dog with the right disposition, it should be able to protect your flock. It comes down to teaching the dog what is okay and what isn't. I had to work a lot with my husky mix to over come her prey drive. It started day 1. We are very close, and there are other outlets for her to chase and hunt in the country, but she understood after a week that birds are of limits. My Aussie shepherd was a puppy when we got our first brood so he had no problem accepting his new feathered sisters. We can leave him out all day with the birds and he keeps an eye on them, and herds them around the yard for fun. I don't know how much the chickens appreciate that, but he never does it aggressively.

 

[mrs_ed]

My lab does a great job with my flock, I have had him since he was a pup, now going on 7, and he chases cats like crazy -totally despises them- so I was very nervous about introducing the young pullets to him, but he walked over, gave them a sniff, took a bite of their food and was on his way. Such a relief! I kept my eye on everything very closely the first week or so, and when I would look out the window sometimes he would just be laying down in the grass next to their coop! then as I gradually increased their free range time, I went outside to check on everyone and all 5 of the pullets were cuddled up next to the dog on one of our patio chairs -- granted the dog gave me a look like "omg im so embarrassed" and carefully got up lol.
So far my ol boy George, who has always been very easy to train, just an overall very mindful and well behaved dog, kids can stick there hands down into his mouth to fetch out the ball, etc, is doing a great job of keeping everything out of the yard that doesn't belong, and I am totally comfortable and at ease with him out there as the chickens do there thing.
Some dog breeds are bred to guard flocks, which idk if he would actually do, but for a hunting and retrieving dog he does a great job. And in the big city we don't really have any "predators" but for cats.
BoltonChicken - I have always wanted to get a Havanese I think they are just adorable! good to know they are actually chicken guard dogs!! Another reason I really should get one

Have a great day everyone!

 

[BoltonChicken]

I have always wanted to get a Havanese

Ms-Ed... I highly recommend them. I have had dozens of dogs of many breeds but the Havanese (at least this one) is remarkable.​