What SMALL breed of dog will protect my chickens?

[CountryPantry]

Our biggest protection in the coop area are the two ferral cats that live with the chickens. They appeared one day about two years ago and have been here ever since. I have only had preditor problem, it was when the two decided to stay in the house one night now that they are semi-tame. No touching unless they want it. In the fall when it fell into the 20's too early in the season, the two decide to come in that night. We lost all of our Mille Fluer D'Uccles to a pack of wild dogs that nite. The cats investigated that coop all day the next day, hair raised on their backs, looked really funny. That nite the dogs reappeared, the cats jumped the leader and tore him up as well as two of the others. The dogs were bleeding very badly when they limped by leaving the property, we even recognized two of the dogs then. We have never seen the dogs again.

Did hear a funny story at the resturant that morning. Neighbor was telling his cronies that his two dogs came home all tore up that morning, had to have stitches. They had some how had a scuffle with the bear that lived in the woods behind them...

....little did he know that two little cats did all that damage.

We also have a shi-tzu mix and a toy poodle that stay in the chicken yard when they are outside in the warm weather. The nonsense took on a possum that was hidden under some pallets in the yard one day. She won, but I was totally scared out of my wits. She didn't have a mark on her, but the possum had a .22 in his head when he left.

The only draw back to the feral cats is the kittens twice a year that we have to deal with. So far everyone has wanted the kittens because they are already trained barn cats by the time we give them away.

 

[RedReiner]

Quote:
not to hijack the thread but seriously? That is the biggest wives tail ever told. their brains do not continue to grow in their heads!! its impossible! do some research...and a Heeler and an Aussie are not the same breeds. they are two totally different dogs...

 

[bigoledude]

I advertised in the "Wanted" section of "Louisiana Sportsman" classifieds. A fellow responded with an offer of upcoming puppies. The breed is Jagdterriers. Even though I have been around some fabulous breeds most of my life, I had never heard of this little dynamo. I spoke with hunters/owners of a bunch of these incredible little dogs. It will take some training to get them to coexist with my chickens but, no raccoon, possum or coyote is gonna mess with my birds as long as Jagdterrier is on the job!

This little dog is famous for killing predators double it's size. It is not nearly as coo-coo as a Jack Russell and much fiercer than a Rat Terrier. Please don't hammer me about the last statement. I loved my Jack Russell and even more-so loved my Rat Terriers. This breed seems to have been bred with the best traits of both breeds and somehow avoided the less desirable traits. Serious hunters and field trial people are very specific when it comes to the traits they look for in their working dogs, whatever the work might be. As I talked to these men, it became obvious that the Jagdterriers came closer to meeting my needs than any other breed.

The Aussies, Heelers and Border Collies would have been my choice if not for their size. Plus the herding breeds are usually satisfied if the predator simply runs off. It would suit me better if the predator is killed.

The only problem I see that might arise with the Jagd is that it will trail the animal forever it seems, until it finds it and kills it. I don't want to travel all over the place looking for my dog! Another negative is the Jagd is pretty expensive 500.00 to 750.00.

I still might go with one of the herding breeds. They are so loyal and dedicated to the family! This whole deal is giving me skull-cramps! Whatever dog I get is gonna probably be around longer than me. So, I want to be sure and pleased with my choice.

 

[speckledhen]

Someone mentioned Rhodesian Ridgebacks. I love their look, however, generally, sight hounds like the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not good guardians for livestock. If it runs, they'll chase it, as will most terriers. RRs are huge dogs, though, anyway, not small in the least.

I have a friend who has gotten many birds from me over the years and has had major trouble with a pack of Jack Russell Terriers killing them, over and over. Finally, her dad starting shooting them on sight, one of them as it was in the hole it had dug to get into the pen. I'm not a fan of JRTs at all, though I know that lockedhearts has one and doesn't seem to have a problem with it. I just really don't like them.

 

[Barred Rocks forever]

if you havea good run i dont see why not but i i dont know if id trust them thye may ignore the chickens but they wont really protect them jags have a VERY strong prey drive a anatolian would be good but you dont want a big dog and when protecting livestock bigger the better
Quote:

 

[Barred Rocks forever]

LGD stands for livestock gaurd dog http://www.bountifulfarm.com/lgd_seminar.htm
Quote:

 

[werttyy]

Australian Shepherds will work! I have one and they are just fabulous!

 

[hogamuck]

Does anyone have any tips on teaching the dogs you already have - in this case 2 labs and a lab/la cathoula leopard mix - to protect the chickens?

 

[bobbi-j]

I must be lucky. I've never had to "teach" my dog (black lab) to protect or "guard" the chickens. He's apparently just territorial because he'll take on any animal that comes onto the place - coons, skunks, mink, woodchucks, you name it. He's almost 8, and was raised with chickens. Maybe that makes a difference. (Sorry, Bigoledude, not trying to hijack your thread - I googled those pups you mentioned - they look like neat dogs)

 

[Barred Rocks forever]

you cant really train it most of it has to be instinctual theyve been breeding LGDs to gaurd livestock for thousand of years but to be honest if you have poultry in your yard and a dog who doesnt like varmit in that yard your usually fine i know somone on the fourm who has a chicken coop andrun inthe middle of her yard and terriers and the terriers kill anything that gets in there yard so nothing usually gets to the chickens some people swear the dogs protecting the chickens others the yard to each is own
Quote: