what kind of dog is good with chickens?

[yomama]

I agree that any dog "breed" is capable of being around chickens. None of my dogs (5) liked chickens and anytime the neighbors chickens snuck over to our yard, they would practically maul it, if I didn't get to it first. When I got my chickens, two of my dogs were TOO interested in them. But I was very consistant about not even letting them near the fencline of the chicken run. "Leave it" is a very valuable command. I would say that within about 2 months, they could care less about the chickens when they were in their run. It probably took another two months, but now they could care less about the chickens, even if they happen to sneak into the dogs yard. We are having problems with the neighbors chickens sneaking into our yard, and my dogs could care less. One of my dogs that could care less about the chickens from the get-go is a Greyhound mix...HIGH prey drive. One that was obsessed with them, is a Shih Ztu/Poodle mix. My neighbors have a Rough Collie, got her as an adult, and she did instantly well with them, though if left too long with the chickens, she tries to herd them. It really depends on the personality of the dog, and how much time you are willing to invest. If you want results, you will need to put in the effort. What happens if the next dog you get is not good with chickens? Your dog is still young. I would also recommend, as others have, no unsupervised time for dog with the chickens, for a while. You will get better results if you are able to teach your dog what you don't want it to do, then show it the correct behavior, then catching your dog after the fact, when the damage is already done. Good luck!!

 

[Liexicof15]

I agree with the other posters. All dogs need training to be around chickens and not kill them. Herding dogs do not have a 'prey drive'. They have a herding drive. It is their instinct to snap at things to get them to move, and they accidentally kill chickens when they do this. ANY dog is going to need training to leave chickens alone. 6 months old is still a puppy, you cannot and should not expect it to behave perfectly at this age. We have herding dogs, and the majority of them do well when the chickens get out, listen to my commands not to chase, etc. We have one that thinks we want him to catch them for us, and he kills them accidentally. He is much better now, But all this came with a lot of work. If you don't want to have to train a dog not to do this, then I suggest no dogs. If you do, then I'd stick with the dog you have. It's still young and it is not it's fault it doesn't understand what you want yet.

 

[Kittymomma]

A stuffed one.

Really though it seems to be more of an individual thing. Most often you'll have better luck with a breed that is not know for having a high prey/play drive though there are always exceptions. A well trained dog also is more likely to respect "your toys" and not mess with the birds. Best bet is to work really hard on basic training and always supervise.

I have two (Lab mix and Aussie) that are out with the chickens all the time and even though the dogs were here first they've never bothered the birds at all--they hate coyotes and raccoons though

It is possible, but most of the time it takes a lot of work and time.

 

[Mrshollywood]

A really slow one!! I have an English bulldog that is slow, all the chickens know it and just jog a couple feet in front of him

 

[humster]

I have a red heeler that seems to do well. He's helped me herd them back into the pen a few times. I wouldn't trust him for more than ten minutes unsupervised tho.

 

[Kassaundra]

We have 3 dogs and are new to chickens and I was extremely worried about this too. We have a preditor proof coop, and a descent run (not preditor proof for a determined preditor). We put our girls up at night and do not free range them in the yard w/ the dogs. Our largest lab/rottie mix couldn't care less about the chickens, she never even approaches their fence, not when they were young, not now. Our lahsa is blind, old and dying (litterally)

had he been more well when we got the chickens he would have been their "mother" loves all things baby except puppies

which brings us to our problem child our little dachshund at first he was tooooo interested for words, and have no doubt if allowed in the same area would have killed every one he caught (he is a better mouser then the cat) We never let him have access, then when the girls went in their run we were out w/ the high powered water hose and let him have it if he even glanced at the fence. It took about a week, he has never tried to get through the fence, doesn't "chase" them on his side of the fence and basically ignores them, though I have no doubt if they got in his yard he would kill them. fortunately they are content taunting him from the safty of their yard

If you want dogs AND chickens you will have to seperate and /or put the time into training. At 6 months they are so trainable and eager to please, why do you think that one is a "lost cause"?

 

[GardeNerd]

I think any dog you spend the time to train, could potentially be a good kind of dog with chickens.

My golden retriever is fabulous with the chickens, but it took many hours of training and supervision.

Now, the chickens could peck him, walk on him, or flutter around the yard, and he tolerates it all. He is a good dog, but mainly because we trained him well.

Edited to add link to old thread
dog breeds experience poll: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=279642

 

[noodleroo]

My rough coat collie, Patsy, is great. She lets them snuggle in her fur...

 

[jmagill]

My Aussies are great with the chickens.

My male starts from the day they hatch. Every time I visit the brooder he is right by my side saying hello and checking them out.
When I open the coop he is right by my knee poking his head in to see that everyone is all right. Both of them will follow the chickens around the yard but
never do more than sniff them.

These are dogs that will chase mice and other birds but know that all our animals are just part of the family.

 

[terrilhb]

I have 4 dogs. As my friend says Designer dogs. 3 are Mastiff and chow. The 4th is (according to what vet see''s) Mastiff, german shephard, doberman, rott, and bloodhound. LOl. I have let them around our chickens when we are there. But my dogs do protect the goats and chickens. Anything comes around them and they attack. Even if they are in the house they let me know. They like them especially the youngest. He is the one with all diff breeds. He licks them to death. Our oldest dog used to kill anything till we found him. Now he is as sweet as anything. But I do not let them alone with them without supervision. Here are some pics of them.

Don't give up