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When choosing a dog for use with horses, the temperament of the animal and the amount of training it has received are more significant than the breed. You should opt for a dog that is friendly and well-mannered toward people as well as other animals. Because they combine the best qualities of purebred and working dogs with their own unique traits, many mixed breeds are excellent choices.
How compatible are dog and horse?
Dogs are compatible with horses. However, at first glance, they may not. A new dog requires a horse that has experience with dogs. Also, Dogs that are used to being around horses should be the first to meet a new horse.
Best Dog Breed for Horse Owners
A Border Collie
Border Collies have an enviable reputation for their keen intelligence and ability to maintain attention on a task at hand. Border Collies, being a breed known for their obedience and intelligence, make excellent security dogs as well as wonderful family pets. Border Collies have a reputation for being extremely devoted companions and eager to do whatever their owners ask. These qualities make them helpful around horses since they are dependable and simple to teach.
Certainly, Border Collies are high-energy dogs. The Border Collie is a high-energy breed, so it’s crucial to keep it mentally and physically active. Without these kinds of experiences, the breed might grow disruptive and unruly. Living in close proximity to horses provides a wealth of fitness options.
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is another great horse companion dog, and it’s sometimes misunderstood as an Australian Shepherd. The Australian Cattle Dog, much like the other high-energy dogs on our list, needs regular playtime and a brisk walk.
Australian Cattle Dogs, like many other small dog breeds, tend to be stocky rather than lean. In stables with easily frightened horses, they are a great alternative because they rarely bark.
Hip dysplasia, deafness, and arthritis are just a few of the major health problems in Australian Cattle Dogs. But this is a kind that was selected for resilience in extreme environments. As a result, as long as the dog is given the attention and activity it needs, health issues are quite uncommon.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog that is frequently crossed with other types to create new and interesting hybrids. As a result, they might exhibit a wide range of individual traits and characteristics. However, most Labrador Retrievers get along well with humans, horses, and other animals, making them an excellent addition to the stable.
Labrador Retrievers have a reputation for being affable and laid-back. They are also a breed that can stay up with extended trail rides when others might weary. Obedient and loyal, Labrador Retrievers are a great choice for first-time dog owners or equestrians who don’t have a lot of time to devote to training.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are highly effective as security dogs. Although they might be rather possessive of their territory, this breed is really quite kind to those they have met before. Due to their high levels of energy, Great Pyrenees require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Even more so, Great Pyrenees are not the most trainable of dogs. In order to teach a dog well, its owners need to have a lot of patience and perseverance. After this is done, however, the Great Pyrenees becomes a fantastic asset to a stable of any size.
They bark a lot, but that’s because they were meant to be watchdogs from the start. Those who ride horses that are easily frightened should probably go elsewhere. Great Pyrenees are huge breed dogs, so keep that in mind while making travel plans.
What to Look for in a Dog Breed
Consider the dog’s fragile nature if it will be spending time among horses. Small/tiny dogs would need a great deal of training to ensure they don’t get stepped on.
Easy Maintenance If your dog is part of the family and shares your bed at night, it’s important to consider how much filth and debris his or her coat will inevitably accumulate. Having a short-haired breed like a Whippet or Jack Russell Terrier might be helpful in this situation. Some types of collies, such as Border Collies, have smooth fur that sheds dirt and muck with no effort. Any breed of dog with a double coat, such as an Australian Cattle Dog, an Australian Shepherd, or a Corgi, will bring a lot of loose hair and dirt inside with them.
Some dog breeds are well-known for their abilities to track out and eliminate rats. There are various dog breeds that can be useful in this context, including Jack Russel Terriers, Whippets, Rat Terriers, Schipperkes, and others.
Barking – This is a common issue with training, but noisy dogs can stress out horses. Horses and humans alike will benefit from quieter breeds on a property where horses are stabled. Dogs and horses should be regularly groomed, horse grooming should be carried out on a daily basis.
In Conclusion
It’s crucial that you pick a dog that gets along well with your horse and your riding lifestyle, just as it is with any new person, animal, or setting. It’s important to pick a dog carefully and introduce him or her to the family gradually. Until you know for sure that they get along with your horse, it’s best to have them socialize in a controlled setting first. Doing so will guarantee the well-being and security of all of your pet animals.
It’s a wonderful experience to ride your horse while walking your dog along the route. You may take your dog for a walk as you ride your horse as long as you ensure that your dog and horse get along well and respect each other.