Your dogs !?!

[Domestic_goddess]

What's your favorite dog breed? How many dogs do you have? I have been wanting to get a dog, but don't want a big dog or overly active dog, what would be your suggestions? I was wondering about a Mini Pin, I do have 4 children, youngest being almost 7. Anyone with knowledge on the breed? If I raised a puppy around my chickens, are they better off?

 

[Guitartists]

Favorite breed Heinz 57

Favorite actual breed.... Pit Bull (NOT for everyone)

Do NOT get a working breed unless you will be keeping it worked

They will become listless and hyper easily if not kept busy and tired out.

Get online and check out both the club sites for the breed you are interested in AND, maybe even MORE importantly... look up the top ADOPTION sites that specialize in the breed you are thinking about getting. This will give you some insight as to what you can expect from a standard bred dog of the breed.

And yes, a puppy will most likely grow up to leave the chickens alone....but will require training. You may get lucky if you look and take your time and find a dog to adopt that fits your family and has no problem with the chickens.

Best of luck and happy dog hunting

 

[cheez1e]

My brother had one when we both still lived at home. He was adorable and well-trained when it came to him. Everyone else in the house babied him (the dog)! But then my brother moved and had to get rid of him. Last I heard, that little doggy was being treated really well and was a spoiled lap dog to the woman who took him in.

We had a beagle/lab mix puppy last year, I thought she would do better being raised around the chickens. I think she would have really needed it being part beagle. But the first time she got a chance she nabbed one of our chicks and took off with her. Ended up dropping her on the other side of the house without really hurting her, thank goodness. But it prompted my husband to want to get rid of the dog.

 

[ranchhand]

I've had many dogs and many chickens. Unfortunately, no matter how young you start them, the two just don't mix well. Instinct will trump training sooner or later.

Min Pins are adorable, but very high-strung and needy. If you want a low key dog, go to the pound and adopt the lowest key one there. If that's not what you want, do a lot of research and find a breed that works well with children.

Good luck! Remember that the most popular breeds are not always the best with children or livestock.

 

[Guitartists]

We have a 1 1/2 year old Weimaraner and she has taken some time to convince her NOT to chase the chickens.... our Bully is great with them, protective even.... but our new Shih-Tzu/Yorkie mix Ooooiiiieeee She wants to eat them all and will not leave them alone. We're still working with her though. But she is far more persistent than the bird dog...go fig

 

[pdsavage]

Quote:
My chickens and dogs mix,but I have 2 LDG so they have been breed for 3 thousand years to protect what they are raised with....These dogs love being around children cats and chickens,its there life and they love it.....
But they are a big breed and not for everyone..
try this
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogselector.do

 

[Guitartists]

Also....avoid Terrier breeds for the most part (Though a few 'Terriers' are not really in the Terrier family.)

 

[Jess N Jeff]

My favorite breed is a Pit Bull...not suggested for those with no or little dog experience. I have 2.

If you have children I would suggest a mid size breed that is mellow and friendly. Cocker spaniel...something like that. I would stay away from the small hyper breeds. They can be a bad mix with younger kids.

As for a chicken friendly dog...thats a crap shoot. Stay away from a high prey drive dogs or hunting type dogs. Get the dog young and teach it to be around the chickens but not attack. Some dogs take well to it, some dont.

Good luck. Maybe speak to your local humane society, see what they have available. They usually want to make the best matches for both you and the dog.

 

[Amanda0609]

I worked in an animal hospital for 3 years handling all sorts of dogs and cats. The only one that ever bit me was a min pin, on my second to last day. Not my favorite breed

. But like any dog they can be well trained and do well in most any situation. I have a boxer and she is wonderful with my kids. They are one of the best breeds to have around kids. She is doing ok with the chickens. Still working on training her with them. She will never be trusted all alone with them though because she catches small song birds in the yard and kills them. She thinks she is playing and doesn't realize she kills them. I also have 2 mini schnauzers and they are alot more work than the boxer. One of them killed one of my chicks and now she is obsessed with getting in the coop.

I would check with your local pound and humane society, these days you can get just about any breed from them as more people are unable to afford the care of their pets. Also if you let them know what you are looking for they may call you first if they get someone in you are interested in. Good luck hope you find a dog the whole family loves.

 

[Zahboo]

My favorite dogs are mutts but my favorite breeds are Salukis. Not good for chickens, they are sight hounds that need a ton of exercise.

I have had Willow my Husky/ Lab around hcickens since she was 6 weeks old and now the chicks parade on top of her like she's a pillow. I would never trust my other dogs around the chicks unsupervised. MinPins have a rodent prey drive so I'd be careful and keep a close eye. Definitely raise from puppy.