What Dog Breeds Work Well with Hens?

[poorartists]

We have kept chickens within an enclosed run and coop for years. We are considering getting a dog but my brother's experience is that all the dogs he has attacked his chickens if they ever got out of their pen. I know some owners say well-trained labs and even lab/pit mixes consider their hens as part of their pack and don't attack. What breeds should we AVOID?

 

[copper2]

The kind that eats chicken, just kidding, I think springer spaniels can be trained not to attack chickens, not sure what other breeds, but there must be a bunch that won't attack

 

[Michael OShay]

Any breed is a risk around dogs without proper training as dogs just seem to naturally view chickens as either prey or else chew toys. However some breeds are more naturally inclined to protect the flock rather than attack them. According to Expert Security Tips, the 10 best guard dogs for chickens and other livestock are the Great Pyrenees, Maremma Sheepdog, Akbash, Kuvasz, Pyrenean Mastiff, Komondor, Polish Tatra Sheepdog, Anatolian Shepherd, Kangal, and the Tibetan Mastiff. You can read their article at http://www.expertsecuritytips.com/guard-dogs-breeds-for-livestock-poultry/. According to HubPages (http://drmark1961.hubpages.com/hub/dog-kill-chickens), the worst dog breeds around chickens (the ones most likely to kill them) are the Greyhound, Weimaraner, Jack Russell Terrier, and the Siberian Husky. Of course there are always exceptions with any breed.

 

[prostar]

I will warn you if you get a pup - be prepared to supervise access and intervene if necessary. Pups can inadvertently hurt a chicken just by playing. (Course that goes with most things and pups - kids, any small animals, etc).

You must be prepared to do lots of training and socializing. Even with that in place, some dogs just can't be left with chickens. Be prepared that any dogs with a known "high prey drive" would likely be a BAD idea. If you go the purebred route, do your homework on any breed you're considering.

 

[copper2]

Jack Russell's kill chickens? Not a surprise. Jump, Jump, Jump! Oops, I thought it was a toy!

 

[Chicken girl 15]

We have a rottweiler who is now 10. He had until easter only ever know "chicken " as something mom cooks for dinner. We introduced him to the flock on day one now he thinks he's dad. He lays with them and has never so much as shown a tooth. My mini shepherd (a mutual of some sort) on the other hand would love to dine on fresh chicken the first chance he gets. Its all in the personality of the dog. Most flock guardian dogs would be a good idea though.

 

[drumstick diva]

As a greeter on BYC, I was personally shocked by the number of fatal attacks reported on chickens by owners of Chihuahuas, Yorkies, mini doxies. I used to think very small dogs would either be afraid of chickens or least likely to injure them. Purse size pets are NOT harmless.

 

[Teila]

I had a beautiful Border Collie X Cavalier King Charles Spaniel up until 4 years ago when she passed. I spotted her one day in the garden, protecting and ‘nursing’ a young dove which had fallen out of a tree. The only chance of her hurting it was by licking/mothering it to death.

I did not have chickens when I had her but if she was still around, I would definitely trust her with them.

Now that I have chickens and I am over the loss of her I have contemplated getting a dog but each time I contemplate, I rule it out.

Like Diva I have read way too many dog v chicken stories and would be truly heartbroken if one of my chickens was injured or killed by something I bought into their home. It is hard enough to lose one to disease, I could not imagine seeing one of my gals in pieces.

I have read many stories also of dogs protecting chickens and if I could be guaranteed to get one of those, maybe but I am not prepared to take that chance.

PS copper2 love your sense of humour

 

[prostar]

As a greeter on BYC,  I was personally shocked by the number of fatal attacks reported on chickens by  owners of Chihuahuas, Yorkies, mini doxies.  I used to think very  small dogs would either be afraid of chickens or  least likely to injure them. Purse size pets are NOT harmless.

I find the little dogs are worse than big dogs...possibly because owners think "oh that's so cute they're losing their *ahem*" and don't bother training them properly.

Some of them were bred to go after small critters too (doxxies, I'm looking at you!). This isn't to say they can't be sweet family pets, but just keep them away from the chickens.

 

[copper2]

As long as you train dogs properly, I don't think they will attack chickens, just keep them on a short leash around your chickens until you can trust them, maybe keep away from the feisty breeds. Cleaning up the horror scene!!! FUN