Is a Barbet good with chickens?

[CookieChicken18]

I am getting a Barbet dog soon but I have heard that they were used for hunting fowl, and are quite active and rather difficult to train.

I know this breed of dog is rather rare, but if anyone has any experience with these dogs and chickens please tell me about them so I better know how to take care of this dog and keep my chickens safe.

Thanks!

 

[JaeG]

The fact that they are a breed used for hunting and retrieving you shouldn't have too much trouble teaching your dog to ignore your birds. They are bred to work with their human, rather than independently. But every dog is different so do take steps to keep your birds safe until you are comfortable that your dog isn't a threat to them.

Just remember that puppies cannot be trusted - to them chickens are fun, squeaky toys. You do not want your puppy to realise they can chase the chickens and get a rewarding (to them) reaction. So keep your pup on a lead and slowly desensitise it, from a distance at first, teaching it to pay attention to you, not the birds.

Good luck - they are a beautiful looking breed.