I live on a farm and just starting to get barn animals. I'm starting out with two four month old miniature horses. I'm getting them in September. Thoes are going to be the only animals in the barn besides two pet rabbits so far. Because I am surrounded by woods, there are A LOT of cayotes and raccoons! I am going to buy a dog to live in the barn with the other animals to protect and scare away any threats. I was thinking about getting a Cannan dog because he is a good size and his coat can warm him in the cold winter! Any suggestins? I need a well sized dog that is good with other small ang large animals but is still friendly to humans! I wasn't really thinking of an austrailian shepherd or a collie because they herd too much and will scare the small horses! Can anyone help???
2007-07-04 07:52:24 · 8 answers · asked by Danielle 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
We have a Great Pyrenees. They are heavy coated with long white hair and weigh around 150lbs. The Great Pyrenees is a natural at protecting. Most of your sheep herds in the mountains have the Great Pyrenees as a protector. They are a wonderful dog. Not roughty and a little laid back, they don't chase any of the farm animals and one Pyrenees can ward of a group of coyotes all by himself. I have read it and I watch it on a daily basis with our dog. Ours is neutered and has a wonderful temperament, except for the coyotes of course. Our Pyrenees is fine all winter. He does have access to the barns but for the most part he prefers the outside. They have an undercoating that sheds out heavily in the summer. They do require some grooming but not as much as one might think. I vote for the Pyrenees. You should get one that is used to protecting or a pup to start them out.
2007-07-04 08:40:31 · answer #1 · answered by Dixie 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Great Pyrenees are good as well. Our neighbors have two that are true working dogs - guard their flock of sheep. A couple of years ago we had a cougar in this area and when I called to warn them (when the cat screamed bear in mind that my dachshunds were literally cowering in the cabinet under the sink with the towels) Carol just laughed and said "oh we know it's out there, Max and Beau have been working the flock like crazy all night every night for the past week..."
Yet these are two of the gentlest dogs I know. Only negative I can think of, is that they will lean against you (when being petted) so hard it like to takes you down.
My (18 yr old) daughter said they would "guard" her every morning at her bus stop, last year, as well. Once the bus came they trotted back off to the barns.
2007-07-04 08:20:17 · answer #2 · answered by Karen W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have 3 miniature horses, they are so much fun. I have 2 yards for them most of the time i have grass in them. I also feed them Lucern plus pellets. Lucern cost about $27 all depend where you get it from. I buy that once a fortnight when i have grass in yards.I also buy Breeder pellets they are about $27 a fortnight. Then you have the Drench and the Farrier, if you are unable to do that yourself, as we do our own i am unable to give you a cost on that. Don't forget just because they are small they are still horses and childeren need to be supervised. Hope this helps Elise
2016-04-01 07:33:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know too much about Cannan dogs, but I would suggest a Dalmatian. They used to be carriage dogs (running alongside it as highwayman deterrent) and everyone I've asked and everything I've read says they are brilliant with horses. You couldn't leave the dog in the barn all the time though, all dogs thrive on human company and it would be cruel to keep them away from you.
2007-07-04 08:11:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some breeds that I think will be right for you and will protect your precious mini's.
The Great Pyrenees is a big beautiful dog. They are mostly all white and have a calm and loyal personality. To balance out the calm disposition, they are extremely courageous. Great Pyrenees were breed to guard livestock from wolves and bears. They are gentle and affectionate towards the family and low-key in the house.
Here's a website you can go to to check out more information on the breed.
http://www.greatpyr.com/
Good luck.
2007-07-04 08:12:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a Pyrenees Mountain dog, is like a huge white St Bernard to look at. They are sheep guard dogs, and will protect to the death and have huge heavy winter coats to live in the barn.
How ever, some times coyotes come in in packs so one dog is not sufficient, GET two.
2007-07-04 11:06:08 · answer #6 · answered by bugsie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You want a dog that's job is protecting the flock, so the herding types are out as you state. The Canaan sounds good. Another thought is a llama. They make excellent guard animals and pets. They are protective and alert.
2007-07-04 08:08:21 · answer #7 · answered by ibbibud 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think you should get a BORDER COLLIE they are great there guard the animmals like there is no tommorow they r awsome
2007-07-04 09:06:53 · answer #8 · answered by rory 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋