What kind of dog will guard my flock?

[SwedeinAZ]

That’s really helpful information! Thank you so much!

 

[Folly's place]

My bird dogs, acquired as puppies, were easy to convince that the chickens were 'off limits' and not to be harmed, and both the Chessies and the GSHP would guard the yard very effectively. My current terriers, adopted when older, guard the premises from everything, and unfortunately love chicken.
Mary

 

[SwedeinAZ]

Thanks, Mary! Sorry to ask an ignorant question but what are Chessies and by bird dog- do you mean labradors?
I appreciate your insight! Jenny

 

[OhZark Biddies]

One thing you might consider is that while most any large dog might keep coyotes out of your yard (depending on your setup) shepherd and herding types will see the flock of chickens as their flock to guard against other predators such as hawks, etc.

 

[Folly's place]

Bird dogs include retrievers, pointers, setters, and spaniels. Smaller dogs will be 'coyote bait' instead of protectors though.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are one of the very few breeds developed in the USA; large tough waterfowl retrievers, guard oriented, and my favorite breed. Never real popular, and a good thing because they require a firm leader or they will take over. Labs tend to be 'softer', and Goldens are usually everyone's friend, and also very furry.
My German Shorthair was very very smart, and a stubborn German all the way!
Herding types can work out great, again, with training. Too much 'herding' isn't so good either.
Mary

 

[SwedeinAZ]

Bird dogs include retrievers, pointers, setters, and spaniels. Smaller dogs will be 'coyote bait' instead of protectors though.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are one of the very few breeds developed in the USA; large tough waterfowl retrievers, guard oriented, and my favorite breed. Never real popular, and a good thing because they require a firm leader or they will take over. Labs tend to be 'softer', and Goldens are usually everyone's friend, and also very furry.
My German Shorthair was very very smart, and a stubborn German all the way!
Herding types can work out great, again, with training. Too much 'herding' isn't so good either.
Mary

 

[SwedeinAZ]

Thank you! That was very helpful and gives me a lot of ideas and good choices.

 

[Caileys_Chickens]

I think any bigger dog will do, so long as you raise them with the chickens and teach them to protect them. Might sound weird, but my pitbull guards my chickens pretty well. She loves to lay out in the sun with them, granted shes an indoor dog and only goes out every now and then. I would not use a "sheep dog" as they are known to snap at the animal in order to herd them into a group, possibly killing your chickens.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I cannot name a breed for you, sorry. But regardless if there is not proper training no dog will do. You need to train WITH your dog so he knows his job and you know how to work with him.
Quality time invested on your end will give you the dog you want.
Best wishes

 

[The chicken wizard]

the last thing you want to "protect" your flock is a predator. trust me, out of personal experience, dogs will betray you and kill your flock when your not looking. instead, try enlisting a goose, rooster, or emu to protect your flock. they are usuly large enough and determined enough to scare off anything, and they wont hurt your flock at all