Can my dog fall prey to a large bird?

Question

I have a 12 pound west highland white terrier (westie) Sometimes we put her out on the deck to play around, she is out alone. I don't think that a hawk could pick her up, but I think that a bald eagle or a great horned owl could. What kind of birds could pick her up? Best answer 10 points! Thanks!

Answer 1

not a bald eagle they like fish. A hawk might they like rabbits. A golden eagle or a large owl could. If it is on our deck prolly not tho.

Answer 2

i have a chihuahua he is 7lbs and we have a large backyard in SC. i always stay out with him and walk close to him because from high up a bird could mistake him for a rabbit or small animal. i would think the same would go for your westie. a hawk, eagle, vulture or any large bird could pick her up or at least try to pick her up. id be very careful about leaving her out alone if you are even just a little worried because these things do happen.

Answer 3

I have a 15 pound pug/chihuahua mix and she was almost grabbed once by a hawk and once by a bald eagle. Even if they can't pick up your dog they really can cause some serious damage---be watchful, my friend.

Answer 4

I used to take my chihuahua to a dog park in San Francisco and more than once we had small dogs carried off by large hawks. It's a very tragic, and preventable catastrophe. I suggest keeping your dog inside when you're not around to supervise her, or have a trusted friend or family member watch her for you while she's outside. Better safe than sorry, yeah?

Answer 5

Samanthr..is right on the dot.  I have two chihuahuas and we never leave them outback by themselves after a hawk swooped down at one of them.  The regular birds will typically warn ya when one of the predator birds around, listen for them chirping frantically to eachother or flying around hecticly.  Better safe than sorry.  even if your dog is 12 pounds, as Samantha said the birds may still TRY to grab him.

Answer 6

Hawks cannot lift more than half of what they weigh..Red-tailed Hawks (one of the larger hawks) weighs about 2lbs...so can lift a total of 1lb.  Eagles can lift a bit more...about 5lbs.  Hawks and eagles are going to go after mice, snakes, small mammals such as squirrels and rodents, etc.  Owls might take a VERY small cat or dog as well. If you are concerned about predators..you should not let your small pets out unsupervised.  I would not only be worried about avian predators..but you should be more worried about mammalian predators such as coyotes, that are MUCH more likely to eat your dog than any bird would be.  

Answer 7

they probably will be able to pick him/her up but a dog isn't that stupid even a chihuahua would attack if it came near, i wouldn't worry just just stay with if you see anything. Like that don't worry my dog is quite small a bird hasn't got her yet!!