Any Dog Breed good for guarding free range chickens?

[bjw113]

Not sure if this is the place for this question, but thought it might be. Is there any breed of dog that is particularly notable for guarding poultry, especially free range birds? We are probably overly cautious, but we have a large population of coyote, coons, etc. and want a dog who would chase off and defend the flock? As there are certain breeds of dogs who are particularly good with herding, etc., are there any that would excel with regards to chickens? Mind you, we do keep our birds in at night but are wondering if anyone might have some insight into this. Thanks, in advance.

 

[danlong]

blue heelers. we have 2 they are great with kids and chickens. They are also fierce with anything that comes on there property that doesn't belong there. mine have killed several coons and are pretty hard on ground hog populations as well. They even alerted me to a fox one morning that was lurking around. hope this helps

 

[Brody's Broodello]

We actually have a Golden that does a great job, he runs the propety at night and keeps all the critters away. He does a great job with all the birds & ducks during the day as well.

 

[noodleroo]

You want a dog to be a deterrent to predators comming to check out your chickens, not to get in a fight with them. My dog is perfect for being with my chickens in the back yard, but I'd never leave a collie out in a pasture all day. The chickens lay down to nap with her and she seems to enjoy them:

 

[ekemily]

if you are looking for an actual breed of dog known for this, there are
great pyrenees
anatolian shepherd dogs
maremmma
and there are others
Not sure if I spelled any of those right! look out grammar police

 

[DragonEggs]

I second the great pyreneese or maremma

Also suggest a St. Bernard. They are so smart and easy to train and mine is really good with the birds.

 

[Wolfwoman]

We just finished a thread like this not too long ago, and everyone suggested that THEIR breed of dog was best, of course.

The best one is going to be the one you train the best.

 

[JoJo 95]

Great Danes are known for being gentle and protective and they usually won't kill anything smaller than a wild hog so your chickens should be safe

 

[bjw113]

Sorry for being dumb regarding this and thanks so much for the answers. Didn't realize another post had just gone around regarding this, there get to be so many pages of questions, etc., that I only went back about 10 or so, before I posted this question. I guess my next question probably seems obvious, but, is it best to get a puppy and raise it with the chickens - as opposed to vice versa? Has anyone had luck with introducing chickens with existing outdoor dogs? I have a mixed breed (rescue) about 3 1/2 years old, good watch dog, and he killed a possum that got into his area, but we are concerned with how he would be with chickens. Anyway, again, as always, thanks for any input.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I would recommend against the marema, based upon a friend's experience and other things I have read about that breed. I will recommend for a great pyrannese, based upon another friend's experience with hers, and for the anatolian shepherds based upon long term posts by someone on another chicken forum.

I would recommend against a jack russel (our dog) as tehy are more likely to attack the intruder rather than deter its presence, and a nervous bouncing chicken is likely to encourage "play." JRTs are great dogs, and can be protective, but this is not a job they were bred for over many, many generations. It is actually quite the opposite of their breeding.