Dog breed recommendation for farm

[calmeter]

I've had Shepards and Collies while raising birds.
Both were good yard dogs and protective.
Here was a difference though. The Collie would protect the property as a whole and his attention was spent on us.
The Shepard by contrast protected the property as a habit but took a personal task of protecting those in his charge, including the cats and the birds. His gentle attention to chicks and kittens was somethingg to witness, often nudging the babies in the proper direction.
Neither was an outdoor dog which worked against me recently.....
My chickens had become so accustomed and familiar with the dog their alarms came late when a neighborhood dog showed up and was able to kill my juvenile Brahma rooster before they realized it was the wrong dog.
Of course the dog and I went to work immediately and saved the rest of the flock. But it was at the cost of a hand raised rooster.
You don't live far from me (Okeechobee) where we have several types of predator. At 20+ acres you may want to consider the Shepard as they instinctively patrol the property where a Collie will wait until trouble comes.

When you say you've had Shepherds are you talking about German Shepherds or Anatolian Shepherds?

 

[calmeter]

So are you looking for something that will be with the chickens or something to guard at night?

I have met one of the following dogs and I fell in love with him. He was actually very good with dogs and kids too. My GSD who is very picky about playmates fell in love with him and they hung out for hours. They are hunters, not sure you can train them to be with the chickens, but a good one will take on a bear. They need land and a job

"The Karelian Bear Dog has a reserved but stable temperament and is very devoted to its master. Karelians have strong hunting instincts. They are normally aggressive with other dogs, particularly in their own territory, so they do not work well in a pack. They are fearless and self confident, and will attack bear and other large game without hesitation. Their senses, particularly the sense of smell, are very keen. They are never aggressive towards people."

"The Karelian Bear Dog is not recommended for apartment life. It should have acreage or a farm so it can run. These animals do not like to be confined. They can be kept in an outdoor kennel as long as they get plenty of chances to run."

I guess I'm looking for something that will be able to live outside and be able to chase off a bear, bobcat, coyote. Even to be able to go walking with us through our wooded area without surprising a bear or other large animal. The bear was along the tree line at 8:00 am and the bobcat came at 8:30 am and at 7:00 pm. My husband likes being outside early morning and late evening and I'd hate for him to have a confrontation with a bear & cubs or a bobcat and it's kittens.

 

[llombardo]

I guess I'm looking for something that will be able to live outside and be able to chase off a bear, bobcat, coyote. Even to be able to go walking with us through our wooded area without surprising a bear or other large animal. The bear was along the tree line at 8:00 am and the bobcat came at 8:30 am and at 7:00 pm. My husband likes being outside early morning and late evening and I'd hate for him to have a confrontation with a bear & cubs or a bobcat and it's kittens.

Then that bear dog might be what you need.

 

[calmeter]

Hi there,

I live in Central Florida and I live on 24 acres. I have several chickens and two ducks who free range during the daytime. Recently a stray dog came into the yard and chased the chickens and ducks resulting in a duck with a lame foot and a rooster with no tail and a broken, bloody spur. I've been tending to the duck and she is getting better and able to walk on it now. Two days in a row I've had a bob cat lurking around and also a bear. I do have a large dog, but he is 8 years old and now that it's getting hot wants to be in the house.

I'm thinking of getting another dog who would be an outdoor dog and am looking for recommendations. I looked into dog breeds to protect from bears and one that I have read about is the Anatolian Shepherd. Other breeds I am reading about are Great Pyrenees and similar breeds. However, I'm wondering about the Florida heat and some of the breeds have very thick coats. Also, I'm wondering if I would be more successful training a dog as a puppy verses adopting one already full grown.

If anyone has had success with a particular breed, please let me know. Rottweiler? Doberman? Pit Bull? How about small breeds to act as a deterrent, like a Jack Russell?

BTW- The stray dog that came into the yard was a Catahoula. My inlaws have one and he is a really nice dog, but he now jumps their 6 foot fence when they leave home.

 

[Studius Eggus]

I have to agree with Shepherds patrolling the property.

Mine do it all the time

View attachment 1406531

I have to agree with Shepherds patrolling the property.

Mine do it all the time

View attachment 1406531

Gorgeous dogs.
Mine is a black American Shepherd.

 

[Studius Eggus]

When you say you've had Shepherds are you talking about German Shepherds or Anatolian Shepherds?

I have an American Sheherd and she's black with brown markings.

 

[Studius Eggus]

I guess I'm looking for something that will be able to live outside and be able to chase off a bear, bobcat, coyote. Even to be able to go walking with us through our wooded area without surprising a bear or other large animal. The bear was along the tree line at 8:00 am and the bobcat came at 8:30 am and at 7:00 pm. My husband likes being outside early morning and late evening and I'd hate for him to have a confrontation with a bear & cubs or a bobcat and it's kittens.

I never taught mine to do this but she clears a 50' radius around us all the time, even when we're out walking.

 

[h2oratt]

What about a Komondor?

 

[MillersFarm]

Great Pyrenees is your best bet, You want a dog that will be able to protect your flock from large predators and that doesn't need much attention. I would get a Great Pyrenees as a pup and raise in with your flock, There are a lot of cons for these guys but honestly I wouldn't suggest any other dog if you want it out with your birds 24/7