North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Elizabeth Hilborn <ehilborn@mebtel.net>]

Both of my mixed breed dogs eat both mature and immature pomes off the 
trees. I keep them out of the orchard as the fruit starts gaining some size.

Betsy

On 2/23/2014 10:53 AM, Lori Rizzo wrote:
> If you want a varmit dog, think of the sighthounds - whippets will keep the
> squirrels and rabbits and possums out - and they can catch them! - however,
> they aren't much on deer, though they may give chase.  However, they have
> to also be house dogs and don't tolerate really cold temps - and it's best
> to have 2 of them.  gOTOH, they don't require much training, are very calm
> as adults, and are extremely personable to people and children.  They also
> don't bark much (some not at all), and are extremely clean dogs.  But no
> breeder will sell you one if it is only an outside dog or you don't have a
> good fence - you do have to train them to come, since they are fast dogs.
>
> Your other choice is a terrier or beagle.  However, beagles bark and dig.
> Rat terriers or Jack Russels are great varmit dogs - but they do bark
> sometimes and are not always great around kids - you do have to train them.
>
> Problem with the herding and livestock guard dogs is they don't really go
> after small game, though they are easy keepers.  Also, they can be
> territorial and taking care of their coats requires quite a bit of time.
>   But they can be left outside - i.e., are o.k. with just being barn dogs.
>   Some people get Australian Shepherds, but they are very territorial and
> barky towards strangers and other outside animals.