What's the best dog for protecting the flock?

[McGoo]

I was reading that you're 'supposed' to have a 'protector' not a herding dog. Guess that's not the case - hey? Seems like a good dog is a good dog. Maybe just get one young so that you can train them early so they don't think the chickens are lunch -hmmmmmmmmm.

Critter - Crazy - Your dog is beautiful! I've got an Aussie too. I love her, but she's an old gal - fourteen and can't see or hear well. I got her as an adult rescue and she's a loving dog, but more of a couch potato, not a guard dog.

 

[gritsar]

In my opinion, if you want a dog that's good and protective with kids, the family, and livestock; look to the working class or herding class.

Some examples would be: newfoundlands, bernese mountain dog, old english sheepdog, german shepherd dog, collie, briards, norweigen elkhound, annatolian shepherd and if you don't mind a really large dog: newfoundland (I knew one that would "rescue" the kids from swimming, even when the kids wanted to be swimming! Kuvasz, great pyrenees, and my personal favorite, the irish wolfhound. My Charlie girl is very protective of every other member of this family, human or otherwise. She even tries to "save" the kittens she hears mewing on the TV by hunting under the TV stand to find them.
Basically any dog that's original design was to protect livestock is going to extend that protectiveness to their human family as well. PROVIDING YOU GET A WELL BRED DOG. I've seen many good dogs have their breed reputation ruined because as they became popular, puppy mills and unscrupulous backyard breeders pumped em out to fill the demand.

 

[newchickowner]

My gal is only a year and all I had to do was watch her closely and if she even looked like she wanted to chase in anyway, I told her "NO" in a deep voice, then said "NO CHICKENS" in a deep voice too. I only did that a handfull of times and I think she got the picture. She has never harmed a single one or even acted interested in them at all. If the chickens give a warning signal of a predator near she comes running.

When she's patrolling the property, she's more or less just exploring. She's friends with the neighbor's dogs, but they stay in their own yard so she goes to visit them. Of course I asked their mommy if it was ok first before I let her go over to play!

she goes over there all the time if she's bored. I think the traveling she does is what keeps the predators at bay.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That's what Jake the brainless wonder does too. Knocking his water dish, food dish, and sometimes me over in the process.

 

[McGoo]

Gritsar, Thanks. If I do choose a dog, it will not be from a puppy mill. It will either be a rescue or from a reputable breeder. And thank you all for your advice.

New chick owner- nice Aussie
And cute Rott - Critter Crazy

 

[gila_dog]

The best dog is one who stays home, keeps predators chased off, doesn't bark unless there's really something going on, and is sweet natured. It helps if he/she is a really cool, beautiful, and smart dog too, like my dog Petie. I found him when he was a pup about 3 months old, dumped out along the river, in the winter about 12 years ago. He was almost starved and was really pathetic. I wasn't looking for a dog at the time, but I knew if I left him there he would starve or get eaten by coyotes shortly. He's in his senior years now, but is still going strong. He's heeler (Australian cattle dog) mixed with German shepherd (I think). He ignores the chickens, tolerates the goats, and really hates coyotes, and loves people. He and I are best friends for life. Here he is with the goats:

 

[mtnmenagerie]

i've had aussie's for years. and i love them. where as they are "good" around my chickens... they will always have that herding mentality.
i got a great pyrenese a while back, and she is AWESOME with all my barnyard critters. she's not even a year old and stands there, calm as a stone, as chickens scratch under her, cats climb up her legs, guineas fly over head, goats jump around... but the minute she sees something out of the ordinary, she is ON it. and if i even TRY to make her leave her "babies", she start crying and lock the breaks! great pyrenese are not "chase" kinda dogs, so i don't have to worry about her getting excited like my australian shepards do.
ah, just my 2 cents worth

sorry to ramble on!

 

[hcammack]

I dont feel Like any breed of dog is good at protection from arial attack. People have had their birds taken by hawks right in front of them. Covered run or other defense is the only way to defend from hawks.

That is just my opinion
Good luck
Henry

 

[fallenweeble]

maybe a large breed shep. breed pup?
you probably want something that has those instincts to herd and protect. the trick will be getting the dog to see the birds as the flock he must protect.
this will certainly be one of those "depends on the individual dog" situations.
maybe contact some rescues in your area and describe your situation. never know. maybe there's a dog that fits the bill sitting in a shelter or foster home right now who would love to have the job!

good luck.

 

[McGoo]

You guys are really great. Thanks for all your stories and insight.
Gila dog - you have a heartwarming story and a wonderful dog

hope he lives a long life.

What I'm hearing from all of your replies is that it doesn't really have to be a special breed, but that some of the protector breeds are really good. What I think I might do is follow the suggestion of Fallenwebble and contact local rescue to spread the word that I'd like a puppy or very young dog that might be at least part protector breed.

ps. hcammack - I let the chickens free-range a section of my property, so covering it only happens when the leaves grow back on the trees. I do have a run for the chooks, but I sincerely want them to enjoy the freedom... and yes, it comes at a cost. And I do have a very good Roo who keeps his eyes to the skies.

Thanks all!