I've searched through the archives so and I think this hasn't been answered.

I am interested in getting some farm dogs that will protect/herd livestock, poultry.

My question is: do these dogs stay in the barn/out with the livestock at all times? What kind of shelter do you use and where is it located?

What are the best breeds and why?

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), March 04, 2002

Answers

Ann, down at the bottom of the Archives, the very last category, is what is called "Working Dogs". That might get you started.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), March 04, 2002.

Hello Ann,

An Austrialian Shepard is probably you best choice. They are naturals at herding animals and are very gentle with human children. I guess you should also be able to train them to sleep in the barn if thats what you want. I prefer them sleeping near the house as extra protection for my family.

Sincerely,

Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), March 04, 2002.

Ann, first you need to know there is a big difference between "herding dogs". "driving dogs" and "guarding dogs." Go to these two sites after checking the archives, and get in touch with some people. http://www.glassportal.com/herding/herding.htm

http://www.lgd.org/

Just briefly, Herding dogs do not live out with the stock. Livestock guards do if you are talking about flocks of free range stock. Big difference in the breeds here, what their jobs are, behavior. what we use them for, size, stamina, "drive", focus etc. Have fun, this is a fascinating subject! :) LQ

-- Little Quacker (carouselxing@juno.com), March 04, 2002.

Thanks. I should have done a search on "dog" instead of eyeballing it for "dog" and "Pet". It would have never occurred to me to look at "working dog."

Thanks too to Diane for being so kindly about pointing me back in the right direction. Helping CAN be positive:)

I had no idea about the differences. I see I have a lot to learn.

I am still interested, after reading the posts--about where and how you house your dogs outside.

-- Ann Markson (tngreenacres@hotmail.com), March 04, 2002.

I suggest you concentrate your research in Great Pyrnees dogs. They will guard your livestock with their lives if they are imprinted with the species early. They live with the stock in the barn or otherwise housed close to them at all times. They are not to be kept in the house with you or they will bond with you too much. I would not recommend an Australian Shepherd. I have them and they are good for herding if they are trained, chasing if not trained.

-- Debbie in MO (risingwind@socket.net), March 04, 2002.

Don't feel bad Ann. I KNEW they were there, the threads, and I couldn't find them until I almost gave up in frustration. I simply was NOT looking for a whole category!!!

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), March 04, 2002.

I think you need 2 dogs a guard dog and a herding dog .You are asking too much from just one .Also be aware you cannot ask the herding dog to do it's work and have the guard dog out doing it's work .Research all breeds before you make a decission , see as many adults and litters as possible .We have an Australian Cattle Dog for herding .She is a tough little dog.We choose her for her ablity to herd , natural protectiveness over home and family .They are NOT a breed for anyone , but I don't think as long as I'm on the farm I will be without one.She is great with the kids .She does not kill stock , but can be hard on them if they do not move .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), March 05, 2002.

The Anatolian and Great Pyrenees are probably the two most popular livestock guardian dogs. But here's a few more ~ Livestock Guardian Dogs

These dogs live with the stock 24/7. It is best to get a dog from working parents. The pups grow up with the stock and learn from their parents how to do. When you get your dog, s/he will still need some training with your stock. Their job is to protect your stock from predators ~ 2 legged, 4 legged, or winged!

Dog houses in cold country are usually surrounded with bales of straw for warmth in cold country. The placement of the house will depend on your stock. The dog won't leave the stock to go into the house.

There are many breeds of dogs that herd. I haven't got a site, but a search at google.com should bring up plenty of sites for you. Herding dogs do not make good house pets unless they get plenty of herding time. It's in their blood to herd, and if not allowed to do so, may pick up habits humans don't like ~ such as chasing cars. Well, in their minds, they're herding! -G- They, too, will need some training with your stock.

Folks have their favorites for both types of these dogs. Do some research and see if these dogs are really what you want.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2222@hotmail.com), March 05, 2002.

HEY Rogo, what are you saying? I have 8 Border Collies IN my house at this moment! Two 4 year old girls, one 2 year old girl, two 6 month old girls, one 6 month old boy (a bottle baby), a 10 wk. old boy (for sale) and a little 10 wk. old girl I just got for doing a website. They are great house dogs. The hard part is keeping them off my side of the 2 full size beds pushed together! (got that idea from Colleen!) My other dogs are outside keeping an eye out for coyotes. Border Collies rule dude!

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), March 06, 2002.

I forgot to answer Ann's question! My Border Collies that stay with the goats have their own double stall and yard. They can see the goats right thru the wire on the inside of the barn. They can go outside the stall and around to the back of the goatbarn, and bark to warn any coyotes that they are there. My big male BC can clear the fence in a heartbeat if he wanted, but he stays where I ask him to stay. He loves to stay in the house with us, but I need him out there right now. I always leave one girl with him for company. I don't leave the BC's with the goats unless I'm out there, and then I teach them to lay down in the field and just relax when I don't need them to work. You will find some BC's have much more drive than others.

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@msn.com), March 06, 2002.