Horse Serious

When it comes to life on a horse farm, the bond between horse and rider is truly special. However, we can’t forget about our other four-legged friends who bring additional layers of joy, protection, and companionship. Dogs, with their unwavering loyalty and their wide range of abilities, have been trusted partners on horse farms all over the world.

Finding the right dog breed for your horse stable is an important decision that requires careful consideration. A compatible pup can bring tons of benefits, from providing security to creating a positive atmosphere where horses and humans can thrive.

We are going to explore some of the best dog breeds for equestrians. These breeds possess the necessary traits that make them well-suited for equestrian life. From their temperament and trainability to their size and energy levels. We will identify the characteristics of these dogs and discuss how they can seamlessly integrate into your equine routine.

Best Dog Breeds For Equestrians

1 – Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. They are known for their kind and gentle demeanor as well as their intelligence. These medium-sized dogs are relatively easy to train and can adapt well to life around the stable. They are the perfect size for barn life because they are not so big that they get in the way and not too small that they can’t defend themselves against larger animals. Young Golden Retrievers tend to have higher energy and will appreciate plenty of exercise, which makes them great trail-riding companions. In old age, Golden’s tend to have a variety of health issues, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxations, and other various genetic issues.

2 – Welsh Corgi

Although they are small, Welsh Corgis are surprisingly great dogs for horse owners. They were actually initially bred to work with livestock and they are not intimidated by larger animals, making them a good breed for stable life. Despite their small stature, they are incredibly agile and love to get a lot of exercise. If you are looking for a companion for trail rides, a corgi could be the perfect match. Similar to Golden Retrievers, Welsh Corgies are known for several health issues that can limit their mobility as they age. Things like intervertebral disc disease and hip dysplasia can become an issue with older Corgis.

3 – Australian Shepherd

Although many equestrians may hesitate when considering an Australian Shepherd due to their high energy levels and disposition to herd, they can be very well-suited to life around horses. Originating in the western USA, Australian Shepherds make great companion dogs for equestrians. They require a lot of exercise, as they are energetic and intelligent. They come in a variety of colors and often have multi-colored eyes. These dogs also face genetic conditions related to their eye color as well as epilepsy.

4 – Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees make exceptional guard dogs. They are often territorial but exhibit a gentle demeanor toward their families and other animals. Great Pyrenees are energetic and require lots of physical activity. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to train as they are often very stubborn, thus patience is required.

It is important to note that because they are often used as guard dogs, they tend to bark a lot. This does have its disadvantages, it can cause a nuisance when riding as horses are easily-spooked. Additionally, because they are such big dogs, it is worth thinking about the practicality of traveling with a Great Pyrenees as a pet.

5 – Rottweilers

Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and protective nature. Once properly trained and socialized, they can make excellent dogs for an equestrian. Their confidence allows them to excel in roles like guarding and protection. It is recommended that you introduce your rottweiler to the horses gradually to ensure a positive and safe interaction. Additionally, training is also important. Just like every dog, basic obedience training is crucial when you bring dogs to the stable.

.Rottweilers are not generally considered high-energy, they love to relax and hang out. They are working dogs and require some stimulation, but can be happy left alone. Lastly, Rotties do have some genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cardiac issues.

6 – Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas, being small, may not be the first dog breed that comes to mind when thinking about what dogs get along with horses. However, Chihuahuas make excellent companions for equestrians. The only issue is that some may feel intimidated due to the size difference.

It is important to socialize and train your chihuahua before bringing them around the horses. Some do bark quite a bit and may need to be trained not to. Due to their small size and fragility, you may want to keep them away from the horses while you are riding, but if you are heading to shows or equestrian events, they are excellent companions.

7 – Dalmations

Lastly, we have Dalmations! Dalmations are known for their affinity for horses. They were originally bred as guard dogs but have also been used alongside carriage horses. The reason they are known as “fireman’s dogs” is because of their comfort and compatibility with horses that used to pull fire trucks.

They are medium-sized dogs with an unmissable appearance. Some Dalmations experience hip dysplasia as well as deafness. Additionally, Dalmations also occasionally suffer from hyperuricemia, which hinders the livers’ ability to break down uric acid, leading to the buildup of kidney stones.