Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Known to Kill Chickens?

Bernese Mountain Dogs are not inherently aggressive towards chickens, but their large size and strength can pose a risk if they are not properly trained and socialized. While these gentle giants are often used as livestock guard dogs, they can accidentally harm or kill chickens if they are not taught to coexist peacefully with them.

Bernese Mountain Dogs and Chickens: Understanding the Risks

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them popular family pets. However, their size and strength can be a concern when it comes to their interactions with smaller animals, such as chickens. These dogs can weigh up to 115 pounds, and their powerful jaws and playful nature can inadvertently lead to the injury or death of chickens.

Can Bernese Mountain Dogs Be Trained Not to Attack Chickens?

The good news is that Bernese Mountain Dogs can be trained not to attack chickens. As intelligent and people-pleasing dogs, they respond well to positive reinforcement training. By introducing them to chickens at a young age and consistently rewarding calm and gentle behavior around the birds, Bernese Mountain Dogs can learn to coexist peacefully with their feathered counterparts.

Factors That Influence Bernese Mountain Dogs’ Interactions with Chickens

Several factors can influence how a Bernese Mountain Dog interacts with chickens:

1. Socialization: Early and consistent socialization with chickens is crucial. Puppies and young dogs should be exposed to chickens in a controlled and positive environment to help them learn appropriate behavior.

2. Training: Obedience training, particularly commands like “leave it” and “stay,” can help Bernese Mountain Dogs understand that they should not chase or harm chickens.

3. Environment: Providing a secure and well-fenced area for both the dogs and chickens can help prevent any accidental interactions or conflicts.

4. Supervision: Closely supervising interactions between Bernese Mountain Dogs and chickens, especially during the initial introductions, can help ensure the safety of both animals.

Real-Life Incidents and Statistics

While Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally not known for killing chickens, there have been some reported incidents:

• In one case, a Bernese Mountain Dog/Great Pyrenees mix was involved in killing five chickens. However, the Deschutes County Dog Control Board spared the dog’s life, emphasizing the need for better fencing and dog control measures.
• Another account mentions a Bernese Mountain Dog that chased chickens, but the owner was unsure if the dog would actually harm them.

These incidents highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for proper training and containment to prevent any potential conflicts between Bernese Mountain Dogs and chickens.

Conclusion

Bernese Mountain Dogs are not inherently aggressive towards chickens, but their large size and strength can pose a risk if they are not properly trained and socialized. With early and consistent training, positive reinforcement, and a secure environment, Bernese Mountain Dogs can learn to coexist peacefully with chickens. It is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure their pets are well-behaved and do not pose a threat to other animals, including the beloved backyard chickens.

References:

1. Mulberry Wind Acres. (n.d.). 8 Things to Know About Bernese Mountain Dogs. Retrieved from https://mulberrywindacres.com/bernese-mountain-dogs/
2. Reddit. (2023). Neighbors dogs continue to kill our chickens, any relevant experience/advice?? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/BackYardChickens/comments/14p1ytn/neighbors_dogs_continue_to_kill_our_chickens_any/
3. KTVZ. (2024). Deschutes County Dog Board spares life of dog that chased, killed 5 chickens in Terrebonne. Retrieved from https://ktvz.com/news/deschutes-county/2024/03/05/deschutes-county-dog-board-spares-life-of-dog-that-chased-killed-5-chickens-in-terrebonne/
4. Backyard Chickens. (2009). Bernese Mountain Dogs as chicken guards? Retrieved from https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bernese-mountain-dogs-as-chicken-guards.273101/.