Best Livestock Guardian Dogs
- Anatolian Shepherd. Anatolian shepherds originated in Turkey and are known for being very strong and rugged.
- Kangal.
- Great Pyrenees.
- Komondor.
- Tibetan Mastiff.
- Kuvasz.
- Pyrenean Mastiff.
- Akbash.
What is the best dog breed for guarding?
- Akita. The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity…
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog. An Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a rugged, imposing flock guardian of ancient lineage.
- Appenzeller Sennenhund.
- Australian Shepherd.
- Barbado da Terceira.
- Beauceron.
- Belgian Laekenois.
- Bergamasco Sheepdog.
What is the biggest livestock guardian dog?
Most livestock guardian dogs range from 27-30” tall and 100-130 pounds. The largest breed is the Spanish Mastiff at 30.5”+ tall and a weight of 185-220 pounds. The smallest breed is the Sarplaninac at 24” inches tall (on average) and and a weight of 77-99 pounds.
What dogs are used to protect chickens?
9 Dogs That Are Good with Chickens
- Old English Sheepdog. Old English sheepdogs are agile, attentive, and alert animals.
- Maremma Sheepdog. Known as a livestock guardian dog, the Maremma sheepdog originates from rural Northern Italy.
- Akbash.
- Pyrenean Mastiff.
- Komondor.
- Puli.
- Anatolian Shepherd.
- Kuvasz.
What is the best livestock guardian dog for chickens?
The Kangal Dog, Great Pyrenees, and Anatolian Shepherd are three of the best LGDs that you might want to consider adding to your home if you need a dog to guard your chickens. Each one of these breeds is incredibly unique and the one you choose depends on factors like its family friendliness and personality.
What is the number 1 guard dog?
1. German shepherd. This breed is Hack’s first choice in terms of family guard dogs. She says: “For protection, security, and a family dog, I would say a German shepherd is probably the best choice.”
What is the easiest guard dog to train?
German Shepherd Dog. One of the most popular personal protection and guard dogs is the German Shepherd Dog (GSD). They are one of the most common breeds and are intelligent, easy to train, and large and powerful enough to do the job. If a GSD is socialized and trained, excessive aggression is not a problem.
How do I pick a livestock guardian dog?
Look for a pup that is interested in you but not overly aggressive, fearful, shy, or clingy. The pup that runs up to you first or insists on being “in your face” is not the best choice for a working dog. Full-time guardians should be more independent-minded problem solvers who are not dependent on human companionship.
How much does a livestock guardian dog cost?
Cost of LGDs
Estimated first-year cost for a new guard dogs is at least $1,000. Annual costs thereafter are about $500.
How cold is too cold for a livestock guardian dog?
0˚F.
Both elderly dogs and puppies with double coats (like many LGDs) will fare better, but make sure to watch both your younger and older LGDs extra carefully when it gets below 0˚F.
What dog breeds have a low prey drive?
Dog breeds with low prey drive include the French Bulldog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Papillon, Great Pyrenees, Maltese, Boxer, Old English Sheepdog, Bichon Freese, and Pomeranian to name a few (more are below including why they are like this).
Will German shepherds protect chickens?
While a German Shepherd isn’t the prototypical farm dog, if you train them to coinhabit with your chickens, your dog will likely protect them if another animal comes over. The intent of your German Shepherd might be to protect the family instead of the chickens, but the result is the same.
Will Border Collies protect chickens?
Can My Border Collie Protect My Chicken? Border Collies succeed when they are given a job to do. That is why these pooches make the perfect caretakers of your farm animals. With a Border collie, your chickens are free to range without getting picked off by larger predators, such as foxes and feral cats.
What are the top 10 breeds for livestock guard dogs?
Best Livestock Guardian Dogs
- Anatolian Shepherd. Anatolian shepherds originated in Turkey and are known for being very strong and rugged.
- Kangal.
- Great Pyrenees.
- Komondor.
- Tibetan Mastiff.
- Kuvasz.
- Pyrenean Mastiff.
- Akbash.
What animal will protect chickens from hawks?
Dogs
Dogs are great at keeping hawks away from chickens. Remember, hawks have been known to carry off small cats and dogs, so it’s probably in your best interest to get a larger dog. The hawks will most likely steer clear of your yard altogether if they see a dog with the chickens.
Will Great Pyrenees protect chickens?
The Great Pyrenees has been used as a livestock guardian for hundreds of years because of its excellent disposition and its natural guarding instincts. This dog can be extremely aggressive toward predators, but is also a wonderful companion to gentle and helpless small animals like chickens.
What is the most fearless dog breed?
German Shepherds
1. German Shepherd. Whether it’s sniffing out bombs for the army or controlling crowds for the police, German Shepherds are the bravest of all the dog breeds. As a family pet they will happily put their life on the line to keep you safe.
What is the toughest dog?
Some of the toughest dog breeds are also the hardest to train, including Rottweilers, Siberian huskies, and American pit bull terriers. What’s the most aggressive dog breed? Some of the most aggressive breeds include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and American pit bull terriers.
What dog has the strongest bite?
The Kangal Shepherd
“The Kangal Shepherd is a Turkish breed of dog that is known for its large size and impressive strength. With a bite force of 743 PSI, this breed is the undisputed king of the canine world when it comes to raw power.
Are males or females better guard dogs?
In general, male guard dogs are most likely best for those looking for a pet that is a bit more defensive and aggressive. While still aggressive, females are probably best for first time guard dog owners looking for an easier pet to train.
What is a good low energy guard dog?
Bullmastiff. This large, low exercise dog breed is quiet and makes for an excellent guard dog. And just like Saint Bernards, Bullmastiffs can be stubborn, which does nothing to detract from their laziness.