People who farm or "homestead" often have livestock guardian dogs. These dogs, (breeds such as Great Pyrenees or Maremma's, etc.) are raised with the animals they are destined to protect. Dazzle the poodle (very much raised "in house!") has taken over the job of chicken guardian dog since the new babies have hatched. She stands, by the hour, just watching as the chicks potter about. She does not get too close, does not annoy the mother hens, she just hovers and observes. You can see the look of joy on her face in this photo... she is having the time of her life. We have lost one chick, I think to a hawk. I fear if Dazzle were not on duty we would have lost far more.
My polka dotted poodle is earning her keep guarding the flock.
And she looks pretty funny doing so!
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