Best Dogs For Horses
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Our elderly Jack Russell Terrier, Maggie left us this summer, and when the veterinarian was finishing up, he asked, 'what is it with you horse people and Jack Russell Terriers?' And I told him, we like to have a fifteen hundred-pound animal, over which we have finger tip control and a fifteen-pound animal over which we have no control whatsoever. Generally, JRTs are good around horses, but our Maggie was an exception. She never wasted an opportunity to bark, nip and create chaos in the horse's paddock. Our remaining Jack, Maxx is curious, but really doesn't bother with them. When you're looking for a dog to live with your horses, you would rather have a Maxx, than a Maggie.
So, is there a breed of dog that go best with horses? You might want to rule out long-haired breeds like Salukis, Afghan Hounds, some types of Collies and of course long-haired small breeds like Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers. The long hair is a trap for burrs, chaff and dirt that will take extra grooming. Any small dog might not be able to get out of the way of horses quickly enough. Jacks, and other small hunting breeds are spry enough, but dogs like mini Poodles, Dachshunds and Chihuahuas might not be.
Herding breeds may or may not work with horses. They may have to be trained not to herd horses, and some can be quite persistent in trying to. A little research shows that Blue Heelers and Australian Cattle Dogs and Border Collies are quite popular with horse people. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are popular and these larger dogs also make good trail dogs as well. Dobermans and German Shepherds are good guard dogs, but I've also seen Dobs chase horses and my German Shepherd X Great Dane cross would chase foals until I told her it was forbidden.
If you want a trail dog to ride out with, you might be tempted to get a hunting dog, but be aware that many of these breeds, once they get on a scent become deaf and might leave you. I grew up with German Short-haired Pointers, and I've had a Weimaraner, and while I adore them, I was frequently frustrated because no matter how well trained you thought they were, they could be very single-minded. They didn't however, bother the horses in any way. Hounds and Beagles are similar in that once their nose goes to the ground, they're off. If they do stay with you though, they can go for miles and will cross any water or terrain. Small dogs out on trail, even spunky Jacks like my Maxx, are out of the question on trail, although they may be hardy enough to keep up. Coyotes and Fishers can take small dogs quickly, which is a worry if you ride where there are a lot of these predators.
So what's the best dog for horses? It may not be a specific breed and a lot will depend on training. The best breed might even be a mixed breed. Sleeker coats are easier to keep clean, and longer legs can keep up with horses. A good deep bark might be handy for warning off trespassers—both two and four legged to your barn. And, of course, a good temperament with both horses and people is a must. |
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Dark Star
I have beagle/Cocker spaniel mix, short haired and short legged with that stupid sniffer. I can't trust him on trails anymore since he about got hit by a car sniffing around. Plus he ends up riding the last half. lol
At one barn, we have a corgi and we did have a Chow/Shepherd mix (he disappeared), both of them are great trail dogs, and the corgi has been kicked plenty of times for getting too close to the horses. He only chases them when we tell him too. lol
At the other barn, the owner has a blue heeler, then 2 heeljacks (heeler/jack russell mixes) that are there when she is, they are good around the horses.
I have beagle/Cocker spaniel mix, short haired and short legged with that stupid sniffer. I can't trust him on trails anymore since he about got hit by a car sniffing around. Plus he ends up riding the last half. lol
At one barn, we have a corgi and we did have a Chow/Shepherd mix (he disappeared), both of them are great trail dogs, and the corgi has been kicked plenty of times for getting too close to the horses. He only chases them when we tell him too. lol
At the other barn, the owner has a blue heeler, then 2 heeljacks (heeler/jack russell mixes) that are there when she is, they are good around the horses.
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Dec 11, 2013
• 9,953 views
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Zaphara
I agree with Dark Star in terms of Blue Heelers and Heeljacks - they are both brilliant breeds when taught not to nip horses' heels. At our stud farm we have a German Pointer, and at the riding school down the road they have a Cockapoo :)
I agree with Dark Star in terms of Blue Heelers and Heeljacks - they are both brilliant breeds when taught not to nip horses' heels. At our stud farm we have a German Pointer, and at the riding school down the road they have a Cockapoo :)
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Dec 12, 2013
• 9,776 views
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GoodMorning
I have a short-haired Border Collie X who is a great barn dog. We think he may be crossed with a German Shepherd, or perhaps a Chocolate Lab. All we know is it was a "big brown dog". His mom was a short-haired Border Collie. He's great, wants to please, wimpy enough to not get hurt by the horses, but can be helpful when we're herding them, as long as we say it's ok. He's a great trail dog, just follows along nicely, and never gets tired.
I have a short-haired Border Collie X who is a great barn dog. We think he may be crossed with a German Shepherd, or perhaps a Chocolate Lab. All we know is it was a "big brown dog". His mom was a short-haired Border Collie. He's great, wants to please, wimpy enough to not get hurt by the horses, but can be helpful when we're herding them, as long as we say it's ok. He's a great trail dog, just follows along nicely, and never gets tired.
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Dec 14, 2013
• 9,929 views
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