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What kind of barn dog would suit my needs?

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  • #41
    Hound dogs have the tendency to run off (alot) although they are good at the noise making. Anatolians are very good at their job. Since they are guard dogs and not herding dogs, they don't get the horses all worked up. My friends have a pair, you can see them at http://www.bayhavenfarm.com/anatolian_shepherds.htm

    Or why not just get some geese - they are better watch animals than dogs And make a heck of a lot of noise.

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    • #42
      Another vote for German Shepherds. Get them from a reputable breeder, preferably one with a farm.

      Like any dog, you need to train them and spend time with them. But they're smart, learn quickly (including "ignore the horses"), and really, really bond to 'their' human. Mine have always kept a close eye on me instead of wandering off. And lots of people tend to find them very intimidating.

      If anything, the biggest drawback is that they *need* to spend time with their human, even if it's just hanging out in the house with you. (But, hey, if you want the dog to guard you, it really helps if it is bonded to you.)

      The males I've had were big, sweet goofballs, and the females were quicker to bark or bite.
      ---------------------------

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      • #43
        Anna, please just send me your shipping address <LOL> I have a really nice Rottie/Shepard/Chow mix puppy that fits the bill perfectly. And did I mention he is FREE?!!!
        "Kindness is free" ~ Eurofoal
        ---
        The CoTH CYA - please consult w/your veterinarian under any and all circumstances.

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        • #44
          Oh, PLEASE take my goose, Albert..No one will ever bother you again..unless you'd like him frozen and trussed. This could be arranged
          http://community.webshots.com/user/racetb

          *Save The Prairie Dog*
          \"Jean Louise, stand up. Your father\'s passing.\"

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          • #45
            Guys, this needs to be more horsey... it can't be a general "here's why this breed of dog is great" thread. This isn't the place for that kind of topic.

            You can discuss what breeds are good at the BARN and with HORSES. That's it.

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            • #46
              This is going to sound really different, but I have to have my say.

              We have a farm dog here, not anyone's dog, the farm dog. He's incredible. He is VERY wary of strangers, but won't bother them unless they bother him. He is timid around the horses, great with the barn cats. The horses chase him, which would be funny if it wasn't so pathetic. He is incredibly protective of me. Perfect in the house. Quiet. Unobtrusive. The perfect "I'm not a dog person but I live with a dog" dog. Growls and spits and will bite if the situation is right, but is sweet and serene when it's not.

              What is he? A cocker spaniel. They got screwed up just enough during the overbreeding era to make a great farm/guard dog but still work in the house and be a pleasure to be around. Of course, it's obviously about judging the indivdual, but we have two farms and 4 cockers.

              The old manager here went out and bought a great dane. He never did well. He would tackle and grab the farm goats. Run up and terrify horses you were leading. Eat... whatever. Poop... whereever. Nice dog but dumb as a rock.

              He was just too big. Too much of a dog to be a working member of the barn.

              ~Adrienne

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              • #47
                <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">If anything, the biggest drawback is that they *need* to spend time with their human, even if it's just hanging out in the house with you. (But, hey, if you want the dog to guard you, it really helps if it is bonded to you.) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                Actually I think it's a plus that they tend to be velcro dogs! But yeah, another vote for the GSD. They're smart, they bond well and unless they're really livestock aggressive (remember they were originally bred to herd/guard sheep), they are or can be taught to be good with livestock. And consider a rescue dog - a good rescue can tell you a lot about a dog. Or even a slightly older dog being rehomed by his breeder. That happens and these dogs can be wonderful.

                That said, they're not a dog that you can just leave outside like many of the guardian breeds who are more bonded to their livestock. They want/need to be with their people.
                Delicious strawberry flavored death!

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                • #48
                  We had a Scottish Deerhound, she was a great intimidator when strangers came poking around. She also had a deep booming bark she let out for such occasions. When some of my larger male friends would get to roughhousing (and she thought I was in danger) she actually attacked!! The rest of the time she was comatose on her dog bed in the corner.

                  In terms of being around horses, she kept her distance and was respectful of their larger size. There was no ankle-nipping, as you might experience with other dog breeds. We did however have a big problem with our Border Collie & horses. Without any sheep to herd, she settled on horses, which didnt go over too well. So any type of herding dog might be a nuisance out in the pastures.

                  As to the sight chasing aspect, the most Ours ever did was stand on the porch and bark at the deer. She may have just been a freak of nature. That said, I would definitely recommend a deer or wolfhound.
                  Whoah-oh Black Betty BamaLam

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                  • #49
                    <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">And consider a rescue dog - a good rescue can tell you a lot about a dog. Or even a slightly older dog being rehomed by his breeder. That happens and these dogs can be wonderful. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

                    Second that. My current GSD came from a rescue. He was about 2, housebroken, and with basic obedience training, and is THE best barn dog I've ever had. Definitely a velcro dog, but he's learned how to stay out of the way when I'm working and hasn't had a single incident with the horses or cats. And a 90 lb velcro dog (or two) is very comforting when you're on the farm alone.
                    ---------------------------

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                    • #50
                      Pyrs are Livestock Guard Dogs. In addition to my sheep and goats my first was devoted to my old horse. They will be happy to include you in their responsibilities. He died shortly after we put the old horse down. I got my second a few weeks before I broke my ankle. I couldn't train her and passed her on to a friend.
                      Wolfhounds are hunters. Impressive looking, and very sweet dogs, but less suited to the job description.
                      Pyrs or other LGD's will patroll their territory all night and sleep most of the day. A spayed female is the best choice.
                      I wasn't always a Smurf
                      Penmerryl's Sophie RIDSH
                      "I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was"
                      The ignore list is my friend. It takes 2 to argue.

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                      • #51
                        Another BIG vote for a GSD, particularly the "working/Schutzhund" bred as opposed to the American "show-bred". I am by myself alot on my farm and have had several GSD's over the past 25 years. Their mission in life is to be with you, be your guardian angel and babysitter. They are SOOO smart, they can be trained to do anything and they are not aggressive, mine pretty much ignore the horses for the most part (unless I'm doing live cover and I have to confine him, he thinks the stallion is going to hurt me, LOL). A good GSD can actually "read" a situation and be unobtrusive if you are busy, but at hand always. Mine is great with kids, possessive and territorial (but isn't that what you want) -- gets along fine with my other dogs but wouldn't do well with another grown male. He also carries buckets and puts them away for me &lt;G&gt;. They are hardy and well suited to farm life, but most of all they are incredibly "loyal".
                        PennyG
                        Owned by the marvelous GSD "Kommandant vom der Krugerrand" aka "Norman"

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                        • #52
                          <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AngelCat:&lt;SNIP&gt;

                          Oh, and they're NOT housedogs...I know people that keep them inside, but for heaven's sake, let them do what they were bred to do!

                          &lt;SNIP&gt; </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
                          Our local Pyr rescue insists that they be adopted as house dogs. They have quite a backlog. I got my last Pyr from a pound.
                          I wasn't always a Smurf
                          Penmerryl's Sophie RIDSH
                          "I ain't as good as I once was but I'm as good once as I ever was"
                          The ignore list is my friend. It takes 2 to argue.

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                          • #53
                            I'd avoid the Aussie cowdogs unless you really know what you're doing on training. My horse learned to kick at any dog after spending a few months at a sale barn with a pair of nippy ill mannered cowdogs.

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                            • Original Poster

                              #54
                              oh wow this thread has expanded! This will be a LONG post

                              To answer some questions:

                              My Experience: I've grown up with English Setters, and while they aren't hearding dogs, my dad has taught them to hunt the way HE wants them to. So I've got experience in "shaping" a dog's natural abilities into something that can be worked with.

                              I would, of course, want to get the dog trained (by me or a professional) so that I don't have an unruly giant on my hands!

                              The dog could live inside or outside; whatever is best for its breed and temperment. I'm thinking that whatever breed I pick, I'll go to a breeder that uses the dogs for my intended purpose--not just show. Things like OFA hip certiifcation are important to me.

                              My fiance (soon to be husband) may or may not be around a lot... that remains to be seen.

                              I want a dog that will bark and act like its going to take your arm off--but won't actually do it unless pressed VERY hard. I want a stable dog, not a hothead! I also don't wnat the kind with a big bark but the minute you talk to it it melts and opens the door for you.

                              We have over 400 acres of land, so the dog could "roam" a little and be fine. I'd rather not have to fence it in, (but will if I have to) but I will be outside the majority of the day and if the dog sticks by its "people" all the better.

                              GPs have gotten a good response here on the BB, but both my fiance and I have heard horror stories, so I think we'll steer away from this breed (rightly or wrongly). The dog I get has to be something we BOTH like.

                              To LPH, yes, Of COURSE I want to go w/a reputable breeder, not just a show breeder either, but one that works the dogs. My fiance's ACD was his deal, before we met. He knew the mother/father and really liked them both. He got lucky with his dog... his mother didn't. The dogs are full sisters.

                              I'll start researching breeders once I have it narrowed down to a couple of breeds. Then I'll email/call the breeders and see if their dogs would be appropriate for the purpose, research health concerns both in the breed and in their individual pedigrees.

                              I used to want a Rodesian Ridgeback SO BAD because they used to hunt lions.

                              The dobies I've known are wonderful, friendly, pushover dogs. I guess I have only known 4, but they ARE gorgeous dogs. Doubtless some would be better gaurd dogs. The ones I know wear doggie jackets.

                              RaceTb what is a Meremmo Abruzi? or what?

                              Regarding Great Danes I hadn't heard that they'd be good gaurd dogs. Thanks for the info, Wendy.

                              I appreicate the suggestion about the geese...but I doubt that they'd be TOO put off by an intruder.

                              EqTrainer, what's wrong with him if you're giving him away? lol

                              Comment


                              • #55
                                <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TKR:
                                Another BIG vote for a GSD, particularly the "working/Schutzhund" bred as opposed to the American "show-bred". </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I may get flamed for this, but...

                                Not only do I second the above statement, but I'll go even further. If you (OP) choose to get a puppy of any herding dog breed, I strongly advise to only buy from a working dog breeder. They all have companion quality dogs, and they can guarantee generations of proven temperment that showline breeders and backyard breeders cannot. The difference can be loosely compared to a well-bred sporthorse versus a halter horse. One is bred for functionality with temperment and durability in mind; the other doesn't have to be anything but pretty. In dogs, particularly GSDs, the rift between working lines and show lines is so huge, they may as well be different breeds.
                                "I did know once, only I've sort of forgotten." - Winnie the Pooh

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                                • Original Poster

                                  #56
                                  Aggie4Bar

                                  I agree 100%. We have hunting English Seters; very different than the Show Type. I want working type. Definately!

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                                  • #57
                                    NOTHING is wrong with him, he is a rescue puppy and I just can't keep them all!

                                    He is super nice confident but not aggressive, savvy about the horses, affectionate without needing to be in your face 24/7 and best of all.. drumroll.. he is pretty much housebroke at 14 weeks old! Black w/classic shepard markings, but I think he will be fuzzier.

                                    Gonna be a BIG dog - right now he weighs about 30 lbs He has been here since he was 8 weeks old and has been well socialized and has no issues whatsoever like some pound puppies do.

                                    I can't say I would drive him to the UP but maybe lower MI as my family is there.
                                    "Kindness is free" ~ Eurofoal
                                    ---
                                    The CoTH CYA - please consult w/your veterinarian under any and all circumstances.

                                    Comment


                                    • #58
                                      I have a very large doberman that works great to scare people but I don't know how protective he really is. He is afraid of frogs. he he. I also have a giant schnauzer female who will eat strangers alive but is a very loving dog to people once you tell her they are OK. (My husband's K-9 patrol dog is a giant schnauzer too). Both dogs are great with horses and love to go trail riding with us. My only draw back with the schnauzer is she is like velcro in the woods. Every leaf briar twig sticks to her. We end up shaving her 2-3 times a year because her hair gets to matted. Doberman is needs very little grooming but is so friendly he drives you up the wall.

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                                      • #59
                                        Oh forgot to add. I live out in the middle of no where to. My husband works a lot of night shifts so I like having the big dogs around for security. (I have some creepy neighbors too.) I've learned they don't really have to be agressive as long and they look like they are.

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                                        • Original Poster

                                          #60
                                          EqTrainer I was joking about there being something wrong with him.

                                          We can't take a dog until spring (when we get married), and then I'm not going to get a gaurd dog until we are established on the property (house is livable). So keep me in mind, but if someone else comes along ... let him be adopted!


                                          Smilton, yes, I'm hoping the Big Dog will be able to help me keep my IMAGINATION at bay.

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