maremma, great pyr or anatolian shepard to guard chickens?

[froggyphore]

thanks so much for the advice everyone! sorry for the late replies, i’ve been quite busy and didn’t expect such a response haha. it sounds like the characteristics of a LGD are more so about training and individual temperament than breed alone, so i’ll be very diligent in my selection and training if i get one. cheers!

 

[cassie]

I really don't think a livestock guardian dog would work out all that well to guard chickens. They might guard the property. Guard dogs protect what they are bonded too, what they consider to be members of their pack. I don't think poultry would qualify.

 

[agold23]

I work at a dog kennel and on top of the 5 residential dogs inside, they keep a youngish Maremma and great pyr mix named Ingrid out with their 60 ducks, geese and chickens. Ingrid is reactive when she’s in her pen to other dogs and people coming in and out of the building (the coop 20ish feet from the door) but when you take her out she’s fine. She’s not overly cuddly, true to her breeds but she’s a good listener and has no prey drive towards her flock. To my knowledge she hasn’t shown aggression towards the birds or they probably would’ve gotten rid of her by now. Training is number 1 with these breeds, you have to do it right when they’re young or you’re going to pay for it! Good luck on your search, I hope my little story helps!

 

[D Buchanan]

“free range” in a well fenced yard, i only have 14 right now but i plan on doubling that or more next year and allowing them to raise chicks.

I have a Maremma he has been looking after my chickens since he was about 10 months old I knew he was a good dog when my husband left a hen loose one night when I called my boy in the morning and he did not come I wondered what had happened I walked up to the hen house and saw my dog lying on the ground looking very guilty I spoke to him and as he stood up out came the hen he had sat with her all night keeping her safe. A few weeks ago I adopted a rescue pup and was told she was a GPYR turns out she is a GP × Anatolia Shepherd this is going to be interesting.