Dogs are a valuable asset to any farm. They not only lift their owners’ spirits overall, but they also provide plenty of room for play and running, as well as serving as a vital barrier against possible predators like wolves, foxes, and moles, as well as other animals. In addition to being fun with them, many dogs will shield flock birds like hens from possible predators. However, a variety of variables, including the breed and the manner in which they are raised, influence how dogs will react around chickens.
Certain dog breeds are more violent than others, while others are too silly and fun to ever be territorial or protective, even though all dog breeds are friendly if they are taught and trained correctly. Selecting the ideal dog breed for your farm is crucial as you’re picking a protector that won’t do any damage to your hens while keeping them safe.
In general, chickens are lively and protective creatures that won’t hurt your dog. They’re also growing in popularity and lead laid-back lifestyles in which they interact with other hens or makeup with roosters in addition to laying eggs.
It’s the rooster’s responsibility to keep an eye on the hens and alert them to impending danger by crowing, but roosters are not always able to shield the flock from wolves, coyotes, and other predators.
Nevertheless, a dog is a great addition to your farm and will safeguard not just your hens but also any chicks and other flock birds you may have. Research suggests that guard dogs and chickens make excellent buddies!
But picking the correct breed might be challenging, which is why we created this guide and article to assist you in selecting the best dog breed for your hens. We’ll also provide a list of the most well-liked farm dogs that get along well with hens. To find out more, keep reading!
Considerations for Selecting a Dog Breed That Gets Along Well with Chickens
Regretfully, despite being very calm and lively creatures, hens are susceptible to a wide range of predators. Many people think their flesh is quite delectable, so they won’t think twice about waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack. When choosing a dog breed that gets along well with hens, keep the following points in mind.
Instruction
Remember that the canines you want to bring to your farm must be well-trained and equipped to handle the difficulties that come with caring for hens. Your dog must be well-mannered in order for it to not attack the animals in the first place. After that, you need to make sure your dog will obey your directions as well as those given to it by your family members or staff.
Getting a dog from a reliable breeder who will also offer it the training it needs is vital. Certain dog breeds need less training than others because they have superior intuition. When the flock is in danger, their instincts will tell them how to defend your hens and how to respond.
Characteristics
Due to their high activity levels, most dogs need a spacious area in which they may play and expend their daily energy. In the process, that will help to improve temperament and mood. Dogs that get along well with chickens must be able to handle difficult circumstances with grace and patience, particularly when dealing with territorial roosters that may sometimes become violent.
It’s crucial to get your guardian dog from a respectable breeder who will also make sure the dog won’t be hostile toward the chickens, other animals, or people since it’s simpler to comprehend the temperament of a dog that you know is 100% the breed you bought.
Last but not least, a dog’s ability to distinguish between a danger and a non-threat event is one of its qualities. You don’t want the dog to harm your chickens or other animals.
Breed
Ultimately, breed is a major factor in determining whether or not you should choose a certain dog to look after your hens. Even though everyone thinks dogs are lovely, some types are better suited for protecting than others.
A husky or a golden retriever is a less probable choice for the job since they are both boisterous, lively dogs who lack protective instincts, particularly when it comes to guarding your animals.
Some dogs, such as the Great Pyrenees and other bigger canines, are better suited for the position because to their size, strong protective instincts, and ability to move quickly and with great agility.
The Top 10 Dogs That Thrive When Around Chickens
It’s crucial to take into account a dog’s size, temperament, breed, and level of training when selecting livestock guard dogs (LGDs), whether they are specifically trained to handle chickens or the whole herd.
In addition to being well-trained, many guard dogs possess a unique sense that enables them to do the duties assigned to them. Despite their devotion and friendliness, they are not the typical family dogs that we see in films and on social media. This dog will take care of your home, but it will need a great deal of power and determination to accomplish it.
We’ve listed the top 10 livestock guarding dogs below. We have other loyal, affectionate dogs who are as adept at doing the job, even if some of them are regarded as 100% livestock guarding dogs.
Tibetan Mastiffs
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight range: 80–150 lbs.
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Adorable family pets, Tibetan Mastiffs also provide excellent defense against intruders such as other dogs, intruding neighbors, and, of course, predators who may hurt your hens. They may weigh up to 150 pounds and reach considerable heights. They may scare away would-be invaders by their size, loudness, and hairiness.
Despite being devoted household pets, they are quite perceptive and often guarded when they perceive a danger.
They will also get along well with your hens and protect them from harm. They still need to be trained, but they have good dog instincts for defense. Because of their easygoing nature, you’ll need to be more forceful to attain greater outcomes.
Akbash
Height: between 25 and 34 inches
Weight range: 80–140 lbs.
Ten to twelve years of life
Turkey’s western Anatolia is home to the Akbash dog breed. It was bred around 3,000 years ago, and as it had always lived in the rugged, uneven terrain of the mountains, it was a common type of dog for village farms, particularly for guarding cattle.
They may seem adorable and lovable at first, but they are very big, with jaws that may frighten any predator. They are distinguished by having snow-white hair and, on rare occasions, biscuit-colored earlobes.
They don’t need much training to be capable of keeping an eye on your hens since they have good instincts. Since they tend to acquire weight when they are not active, make sure they have plenty of room to walk around and run about. Don’t leave them alone for an extended period of time however, since they may get extremely agitated in the absence of their owner and become quite protective of strangers.
Great Pyrenees
Height: between 27 and 50 inches
Weight range: 150–100 pounds
Ten to twelve years of life
The French mountain breed from which the Great Pyrenees descended makes them perfect for guarding cattle. He is among the most well-liked dogs for protecting cattle. Their white complexion, fluffy eyes, large body, and triangular ears make them instantly identifiable.
Aside from their reputation for handling rescue and therapy dogs, they have a variety of skills that have been put to good use for a very long time. These are talkative, robust, and clever canines who will recognize their responsibility to defend your herd instead of attacking it.
Despite their independence, they may express their requirements to you and alert the other hens in the flock to any possible threats, so long as they have access to adequate food and water. It’s also important to remember that they make the best dogs in chilly areas. Its adaptation to cold temperatures may be attributed to its origins in the French highlands.
Kangal
Height range: 20–32 inches
Weight range: 80–145 lbs.
Life expectancy: 13–15 years
The Turkey-native Kangal dog breed is a great option if you’re searching for a big dog that would seem frightening enough to deter would-be predators. Males may reach lengths of up to 32 inches, while females can reach lengths of up to 30 inches.
They like spending time with both people and other household animals. They are clever, perceptive, expressive, and they love to assist others. They are also able to articulate their wants. They don’t need rigorous training since they have great instincts.
Because they are quick to detect dangers, inquisitive, and nimble, they make the greatest flock guardians. Being powerful and courageous enough to take on a wolf if needed, is one of the finest qualities of Kangals. They are gentle giants that like cuddles and petting despite this.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Height: between 28 and 31 inches
Weight range: 130–200 pounds
Life expectancy: 10–13 years
Large dogs, Pyrenean mastiffs also tend to put on weight and seem much more fierce and territorial than they are. Nevertheless, since they get along with kids as well as other animals, they make some of the greatest security dogs for a farm.
They are gentle giants, capable of gaining up to 200 pounds, and in rare cases, up to 220 pounds. They will get along with your flock and see to it that their requirements are met since they are acclimated to both warmer and colder climates. Despite their noble demeanor, they become fiercely protective of those they know who are in danger.
It’s possible that they need a little more instruction than intuition. Be firm, but also use certain teaching strategies that include reinforcement. They like compliments and cuddles, and they love to be rewarded for their labors.
Sheepdog from Old England
20+ inches in height and 60-100 pounds in weight
Ten to twelve years of life
Because of their exceptional intelligence and versatility, Old English Sheepdogs are the perfect canines to look after your farm’s flock of birds and other animals. They may not become as large as some of the other breeds we’ve discussed here, but they still have bravery, dependability, and trustworthiness.
They need a lot of room to run, exercise, and rehearse since they are quite active. Since they have intuition and are perceptive, they will like taking care of chores for you and overall making you happy.
Karakachan
Height: between 26 and 30 inches
Weight range: 100–135 pounds
Life expectancy: 12–14 years
In addition to being kind and protective toward families and taking good care of farm animals, Karakachan is a dignified and noble canine. They have the potential to grow rather enormous, which will scare off predators.
Since they’re rather autonomous, you’ll likely see them exploring and running about, so having a large running area would be beneficial. They will get along well with your flock and, since they are vigilant, they will alert them to impending danger.
Komondor
25–30 inches in height and 80–120 pounds in weight
Ten to twelve years of life
Komodoros are courageous, perceptive, and devoted, making them among of the most well-liked flock dogs. Because of its long, cord-like hair, Komondors are impossible to overlook. Although they are perceptive and bright, they will need some training.
Fortunately, their curiosity and intuition mean that they don’t need much instruction. They may become violent as adults, so it’s better to acquire them as pups and socialize them with your family, neighbors, and other children.
Puli
16–17 inches tall and 30 pounds in weight
Life expectancy: 12–16 years
Their hair resembles cords, therefore they resemble Komondor dogs somewhat, although they are much smaller. But that doesn’t imply they won’t make adequate security canines for your flock because of their size. They have excellent instincts, are highly trainable, perceptive, and intuitive.
They’ll handle your flock and other livestock animals with ease. They spend a lot of time and get along well with hens. However, be careful to give them enough room.
Collie
23–26 inches in height and 50–70 pounds in weight
Life expectancy: 12–13 years
You won’t regret your decision whatever Collie breed you choose, particularly if you go with the Border Collie, which is one of the most well-liked options for livestock protection dogs. However, whatever breed you choose, you will have a loyal, perceptive, and intelligent dog that will look out for the security of your chicken.
They are obedient, but training them to the highest standard will need a significant investment of time. They still have their kind, caring nature, and they get along well with both kids and animals.
