[sabrina]

Its not the breed of dog but how it is trained. I have two german shepherds and a jack russell. We have ponies, chickens, pigs and lambs in the past. The three dogs know that chasing the animals is a no no. I can walk them all in the fields, right past the free range chickens without any problems. I made sure each dog was trained well as a pup and they all know mum is the boss 

[kirstysmummy]

Its not the breed of dog but how it is trained. I have two german shepherds and a jack russell. We have ponies, chickens, pigs and lambs in the past. The three dogs know that chasing the animals is a no no. I can walk them all in the fields, right past the free range chickens without any problems. I made sure each dog was trained well as a pup and they all know mum is the boss 

YES thats right

[warmglo]

Have you thought about a corgi, a heeler, or vallhound? All on the smaller side, intelligent, bred for cattle herding, easy to train, and great little family dogs...

[jacob and Georgina]

like the sound of the heller, they seem ok with children and animals from what i have read, does anyone here have one?? definatley like the look of them and a smaller dog would be more suitable to us

[lazybee]

I am not breed loyal and have had lots or different breeds. One breed owners will swear by their breed over all others. It's hard to get an unbiased view. Out of all the breeds I've had personally, some were good at some things and bad at others. My lurcher was a superb pet but would chase everything an go temporarily deaf while doing so. My English bull terrier would only come when he felt like it. My Fox terriers have had the odd chicken and duck. The best all round dog we have had is a Wire haired Dachshund.

Good luck with your search and take your time

[Samantha]

I have had many breeds over the years boarder collie, mix breeds, danes, terriers etc both pedigree and rescue but for your situation I can heartily recommend a lab.. good working breed, not as intelligent as a collie but they are very trainable and doesn't have a natural tendancy to herd. Is good with animals and due to it's thick set and coat very good in all weathers and situations and most love water. They also make great family pets, are bred to be submissive, willing and will service as a gundog if trained. A very good all rounder for most situations. 

Sam

[gapcap]

Just to confuse you even further, I have (in size order) Pyranean(rescued) Gsd(rescued) beardie/border collie(deaf) Greyhound(rescued ex racer) working collie,and jack russell !! They are all great with all the livestock,given that the rescues were all older and hadn't been used to any livestock they have
 been great just took a little bit of education, so its really up to you and the dog, obviously if the working types have nothing to stimulate them they will find something for themselves which prob will be mischief,at best!!! good luck

[scattybiker1972]

samoyeds tend to  herd and they also get lost in a flock of sheep from a distance you cant tell which is which.

[doganjo]

    Except when they open their mouths - the 'yip' is a tiny bit different from the 'meh'

[scattybiker1972]

recognisable to the breed,as anyone who has one will testify...

[doganjo]

And anyone who has ever been to a dog show will also testify - see Sammies and get your ear defenders on!

[scattybiker1972]

but one look into the smily face makes up for the noise....and the hair..tons of it at the moment need sheep shears..and the puppies look like polar bears. ahh   

[kingnigel]

samoyeds tend to  herd and they also get lost in a flock of sheep from a distance you cant tell which is which.

Years ago i parked up at a sled dog race right next to a team of sammys, they were cracking looking dogs but they didnt shut up at all, not even when they were running, they just yap, yap, yaped all the way away from the starting area.
i left the rally at the end of the day with a splitting head ache and vowed never to park near them again.
got to say though that they do look great and really enjoyed there race
kn

[doganjo]

but one look into the smily face makes up for the noise....and the hair..tons of it at the moment need sheep shears..and the puppies look like polar bears. ahh  

I used to know a lady up in Aberdeen who made jumpers and hats with her Sammy's wool.  And yes they do have that lovely characteristic 'smile', don't they?

[knightquest]

I think that most of the sled dog breeds are noisy. My Malamute howls and whines incessantly in the morning to go for his walk. Does a full head back throaty howl if the emergency services go by with their sirens on..............I Love it when he does that!