Hi everyone,
I hope you don't mind a slightly different topic. I'm new to posting here, but I've been a lifelong dog owner and a passionate advocate for backyard poultry for many years. I spend a lot of my time helping people get started with their first flock of chickens, and one of the most common, heart-felt questions I get is: "Will my dog be okay with chickens, and are there 'better' breeds for it?"
It’s a question that brings up a lot of anxiety for people, and rightly so. The first time I let my old rescue dog, a lovely Staffy-cross named Buster, into the garden after setting up my first coop, I think my heart stopped. He froze, every muscle tensed, and for a split second, I saw a flicker of pure predator. Thankfully, Buster was more curious than anything else, but that single moment taught me that bringing these two worlds together requires respect for the dog's nature and a solid plan.
I've learned so much since then, both from my own dogs and from talking to countless others. I wanted to share my thoughts from the "chicken-keeper's" side of the fence and, more importantly, learn from the incredible wealth of knowledge you all have as dedicated owners and breeders.
The Big Myth: It's All About the Breed
My first and most important belief is that a well-trained, fulfilled dog of any breed is better than an untrained, bored dog of a supposedly "perfect" breed. However, we can't ignore the centuries of genetic instinct hardwired into our companions. Understanding those instincts is the key.
Here are my observations on how different breed groups tend to interact with poultry:
1. The Guardians: Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs)
These are the breeds that come to mind first: the majestic Maremma Sheepdog, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, or the Anatolian Shepherd.
Their Instinct: They were bred not to herd, but to live among and protect livestock. Their instinct is to bond with their flock and defend it from threats.
My Insight & Story: I have a friend on a small acreage just outside of town with two Maremmas and a flock of about 50 chickens. It is truly a sight to behold. The dogs move slowly and calmly among the birds, and the chickens are completely at ease, often dust-bathing right next to them. The dogs are gentle giants with their flock but are an intimidating and effective deterrent to foxes and eagles. However, these are not your typical suburban pets. They need a job, they have a protective bark that your neighbours might not appreciate, and their independent nature means they often "work" on their own terms. They are a serious commitment for a serious environment.
2. The Herders: A Study in Controlled Chaos
This group includes some of Australia's favourites: the Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie, and Australian Cattle Dog.
Their Instinct: To control movement. They are intelligent, energetic, and have an innate desire to chase, circle, and gather.
My Insight & Story: Herders are a fascinating case. Their intelligence makes them incredibly trainable, but their drive can be a double-edged sword. A bored Kelpie can decide that its new "job" is to herd the chickens relentlessly, causing immense stress and potential injury. I once worked with a family whose young Border Collie was a nightmare. It wouldn't hurt the chickens, but it would "stalk" them with the classic herding "eye," pinning them in corners for hours. The solution wasn't to punish the dog, but to give it a better job. We introduced advanced obedience, scent work, and puzzle toys. Once the dog's brain was tired, it lost interest in terrorizing the flock and became their watchful, but respectful, overseer.
3. The Hunters: Gun Dogs & Terriers
This is a huge and varied group, from the family-favourite Labrador and Golden Retriever to the feisty Jack Russell Terrier.
Their Instinct: To find, flush, chase, and (in some cases) retrieve game.
My Insight & Story: This is often the group that causes the most accidental tragedies. A gentle Golden Retriever, known for its "soft mouth," can still be triggered by the frantic flapping of a startled hen. The instinct to chase and grab is powerful. Terriers, bred to hunt vermin, can see a small chicken as the ultimate prize. Success here is almost entirely down to management and training. A rock-solid "leave it" command isn't a suggestion; it's a life-saving necessity.
My How-To Guide: A Three-Pillar Approach to Harmony
Over the years, I've developed a simple framework for anyone trying to create peace between their dog and their chickens.
Pillar 1: The Environment (Management is Your Best Friend)
You cannot train out instinct entirely, so you must manage the environment.
Fort Knox Coop: Your chicken run should be 100% dog-proof, even when you're not home. This means buried wire to prevent digging, a solid roof (or netting) to stop climbing, and secure latches. This is the chickens' safe space.
The "Two-Fence" Rule: When your dog is in the yard, it should not have direct access to the chicken run fence line. A second visual barrier or just distance prevents fence-running, barking, and barrier frustration from building up.
Pillar 2: The Training (Building a Neutral Association)
The goal is for the dog to see the chickens as a boring, neutral part of the landscape.
Start on Leash, Always: For the first few weeks or months, every interaction is on a leash. Walk the dog calmly around the outside of the secure run.
Reward the Disengage: The second your dog looks at the chickens and then looks away, or shows any sign of calm disinterest (a sniff of the ground, a relaxed posture), mark it with a "Yes!" and a high-value treat. You are rewarding the choice to ignore the chickens.
"Place" is Your Superpower: Train a solid "place" or "mat" command. When you're in the garden, the dog's job can be to lie on its mat. This gives it a clear, incompatible behaviour to perform instead of fixating on the birds.
Pillar 3: The Dog's Mind (A Tired, Fulfilled Dog is a Peaceful Dog)
This is the most overlooked pillar. A dog with pent-up energy will find an outlet.
Exercise Before Exposure: Never introduce your dog to the chickens when it's full of energy. A long walk, a game of fetch, or a training session before they are in the yard together sets you up for success.
Give Them a Better Job: As with the Border Collie story, engage their brain. Puzzle toys, chew toys, and training games are not just fun; they are essential for draining the mental energy that might otherwise be spent plotting a coop break-in.
My Big Questions for This Community:
I've shared my perspective from the poultry world, but I am so eager to learn from you all.
What are your personal success (or failure) stories? Have you had a breed that completely surprised you, for better or for worse?
Are there any "under-the-radar" breeds you think would make fantastic, gentle companions for a home with poultry? I've always been curious about some of the calmer giant breeds or certain companion dogs.
A question for the breeders: Is temperament around other small animals something you consider or select for in your breeding programs? How much of it do you believe is nature vs. nurture?
Thanks so much for reading this long post. I'm really looking forward to the discussion and learning from your expertise
