20 Feb 10 Best Dog Breeds That Do Well With Horses

10 Best Dog Breeds That Do Well With Horses

Heather and her horse Coco have been best friends for years. She loves taking them out riding together, but she’s always worried about how other dogs will react around him on their rides. That is until she got a Bernese Mountain Dog—the perfect companion to join Heather and Coco on their adventures!

We all know that not every dog breed is suited to being around horses, so if you’re looking for the right pup to accompany you and your equine partner, read on. Here are 10 of the best dog breeds that do well with horses: from small Poodles to giant Great Danes, there’s something here to suit everyone’s needs.

No matter whether they’re joining you in the saddle or just walking along beside you as you ride, these canine companions can provide invaluable company and safety when it comes to enjoying time with your horse. So let’s take a look at some of the most suitable breeds that make great four-legged friends for both rider and steed alike.

Golden Retriever

If you’re looking for a horse riding companion, nothing beats the golden retriever! Not only is this breed of dog friendly and loyal to its owner, but it’s also highly attuned to horses — making it an ideal pup for equestrians. With their sunny disposition, playful nature and outgoing demeanor, these canine charmers make great sidekicks in any situation involving horses.

This lovable pooch has been known to be especially cooperative with horses thanks to its calm temperament and obedient attitude; which makes them excellent at maintaining good relationships between itself and other animals. Additionally, they are incredibly intelligent creatures that have no problem adapting to their surroundings—no matter how unpredictable or chaotic those settings may be.

What’s more? Golden retrievers tend to get along very well with people too – so if you’re looking for someone who can help handle your four-legged friends both out on the trails and around the stable yard, then look no further than these furry companions! They show immense love and devotion towards humans, making them one of the most reliable breeds when it comes to assisting riders while on horseback.

In addition to being amicable partners in crime with horses (and people!), golden retrievers also possess impressive athletic abilities – giving them an edge over other breeds when it comes time for activities like herding livestock or chasing wayward critters off your property. All things considered, there really isn’t much not to love about having a golden retriever as part of your horse team – so why not give one a shot today?

Jack Russell Terrier

“A dog is a man’s best friend,” and the Jack Russell Terrier proves that old adage true. This hardy, smart breed of small-sized terriers make excellent horse dogs due to their intelligence and outgoing nature. Whether you need a companion for your horse or just want a friendly pup, this loyal breed fits the bill!

The Jack Russell Terrier has been around since Victorian times when English huntsmen used them to fox hunt in packs. They were bred with other terrier breeds like Parson Russels, Fox Terriers, Bedlington, and Welsh Terriers. As such they are compact yet sturdy little canines who love adventure as much as they do cuddles on the couch.

Jack Russells have an innate energy level and stamina which makes them great companions for horses. Their natural curiosity also ensures they will never back down from something new or challenging – so if your horse needs some extra stimulation during long rides, having one of these lively pups by its side may be just what it needs!

When considering bringing another pooch into your home, think about whether or not the Jack Russell Terrier might fit well with your horse’s personality. With proper training and socialization this breed can become an integral part of any family dynamic – including being a faithful partner to four-legged friends out in the barnyard too!

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a symbol of strength and courage, making it the perfect horse dog for any equine enthusiast. With an athletic build and loyal temperament, this breed has earned its place among the best breeds to pair with horses.

Known affectionately as “heelers” by their owners, these dogs are renowned for their ability to stay close to their charges while they roam. This trait makes them ideal companions in open pastures since they won’t wander too far away from their horses. These dogs also possess a powerful herding instinct which allows them to quickly respond when needed.

Not only do Australian Cattle Dogs have impressive instincts and loyalty, but they’re also incredibly intelligent creatures that can be easily trained. Their intelligence helps make them excellent partners for trail riding or other tasks involving horse care such as grooming or feeding. Furthermore, their athleticism enables them to keep up with even the most active horse and rider combo on long rides or treks across difficult terrain.

With so many positive traits, it’s no wonder why the Australian Cattle Dog is one of the top choices for those looking for an ideal companion to join them in all sorts of adventures alongside their beloved horse – be it out on the trails or just hanging around at home!

German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a majestic breed of dog, like a regal king surveying its kingdom. They are renowned for their intelligence and loyalty – two traits that make them perfectly suited to live alongside horses. These easy-going dogs possess an innate understanding of the equine species, allowing them to form strong bonds with horses quickly and easily.

German Shepherds have incredible stamina, making them great running partners if you want to take your horse out on long rides. Additionally, they’re fiercely protective over those they love, so when it comes to living with horses, these pups will be sure to keep them safe from any potential threats. As well as being loyal guardians for your horse or pony, German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable due to their sharp minds – so teaching them commands and tricks around the stable won’t be difficult at all!

These four-legged friends aren’t just excellent companions for horses; they can even help handle livestock too. With a watchful eye and gentle demeanor, German Shepherds’ natural herding instinct makes it possible for owners to feel comfortable leaving their animals in this pup’s capable hands. Whether it’s rounding up sheep or helping guide packhorses along a trail, there isn’t much these powerful pooches can’t do!

The adaptability of the German Shepherd means that whether you’re looking for a trusty guard dog or simply require some extra help around the ranch, this amazing breed may just be the perfect companion animal for you and your horse(s). Not only will they look after your beloved steed but also provide hours of entertainment (and lots of cuddles!) in return.

Australian Shepherd

When it comes to finding the best dog breeds that do well with horses, some may think of German shepherds first. However, Australian shepherds are also an excellent choice for this purpose. These dogs have a strong bond with their owners and can be trained to handle the presence of horses without any problems. They’re highly intelligent and obedient, as well as loyal and protective— making them great companions for horse riders.

Australian Shepherds make wonderful family pets due to their loyalty and energy level. They were originally bred in Australia as herding dogs but found their way into American households after being introduced by Basque immigrants in the 19th century. This breed is known for its high intelligence, making it easy to train and adaptable to different environments like riding around on horses or running alongside them.

The key benefit of having an Australian shepherd when you own horses is their natural ability to herd other animals including horses– they instinctively understand how herds work so they won’t get in the way while you’re training your equine companion(s). Additionally, these dogs love physical activity, so going out on long rides with your horse is something they’ll enjoy – even if it’s just walking down paths together!

What makes Australian shepherds stand out from other dog breeds suitable for horses is their temperament—they’re friendly towards people and other animals alike which makes them ideal candidates for those looking for both a loyal companion and guardian who will look after their precious horses at all times. Whether you want a protector or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors with you and your beloved steed(s), consider getting an Australian shepherd – one of the best dogs that do well with horses!

Border Collie

The border collie is a majestic animal, bounding across the countryside with unbridled enthusiasm. This canine companion has endless energy and an unwavering loyalty that’s hard to match. But there’s more to this breed than its good looks – it also makes for one of the best dogs that get along well with horses.

For starters, border collies are incredibly intelligent and have remarkable problem-solving abilities; they can learn commands quickly, so training them doesn’t take as much time or effort compared to other breeds. Plus, these four-legged friends possess a high level of endurance which helps them keep up with horses during long treks in the great outdoors.

When it comes to interacting with horses, border collies often display gentle behavior and respect towards their equine pals. These pooches don’t bark excessively at the animals like some other breeds might do; instead, they interact calmly and patiently while maintaining a safe distance from their horse buddies. Furthermore, due to their highly intuitive nature, they instinctively recognize when boundaries need to be respected by both themselves and the horse – providing peace of mind for any rider who takes their pup out on adventures!

In addition to being loyal companions who bond closely with their human family members, border collies bring added safety benefits when exploring alongside a horse: thanks to their sharp eyesight and keen hearing skills, they act as an extra set of ‘eyes’ keeping watch for anything suspicious or potentially dangerous lurking nearby. With all these traits combined into one package, no wonder why these furry friends make such exceptional partners for riders looking for an adventure buddy!

Welsh Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is like a loyal sidekick, always alongside its horse counterpart. Like any superhero movie duo, the relationship between horses and corgis can be a beautiful one full of trust and understanding. It’s no surprise that these two animals work well together – after all, both have been bred for centuries to help humans in some way or another.

Corgis are known for their intelligence and hardworking nature, making them perfect partners for horses. They are able to pick up on cues from their equine companion quickly and respond accordingly. This means they can provide helpful guidance when needed without being too intrusive or overbearing. Because of this special bond, it’s easy to see why so many people choose corgis as companions for their horses.

In addition to having great intuition, Welsh Corgis also possess exceptional loyalty which makes them devoted friends to horses. These dogs will faithfully guard their riding partner day and night, ensuring they remain safe while out on rides or even just relaxing at home. Not only do they make good watchdogs but they also provide extra security against predators who may try and harm your beloved animal friend.

It’s no wonder why Welsh Corgis are such popular canine companions among horse lovers; with an abundance of intelligence, loyalty and intuition – these dogs truly embody the ideal sidekicks! With suitable training and care, you’ll soon find yourself with a furry friend who will become inseparable from your four-legged pal – creating everlasting memories along the way.

Labrador Retriever

If you’re looking for the best dog breed to have around horses, then look no further than the Labrador Retriever. Not only are they one of the most popular breeds in America due to their friendly personalities and intelligence, but they also make wonderful companions when it comes to interacting with horses.

These dogs can be easily trained to follow instructions and respect boundaries when interacting with a horse. They are incredibly loyal dogs that will do anything to please their human owners, which makes them great guardians of your stable or ranch. Plus, Labs possess an innate curiosity that leads them to investigate any new situation cautiously yet confidently.

Labradors aren’t just good at playing nice with horses – they can actually help keep herds calm too! With their large size and strong presence, these pups can act as herders by keeping other animals from running off or getting startled by sudden noises. Their gentle nature allows them to interact peacefully even under stressful conditions. Additionally, Labradors are highly alert and sensitive enough to detect potential danger before it becomes a problem.

The Labrador Retriever is truly a multi-faceted breed – ideal for both families seeking an affectionate pet as well as ranchers who need reliable protection for their valuable livestock. The combination of loyalty, confidence, and friendliness makes this breed fit perfectly into any environment where there are both people and horses present. So if you’re looking for a pup that’ll do well around horses while still loving company, then the Labrador Retriever should definitely be your go-to choice!

Dalmatian

If you’re looking for a loyal and friendly companion that can co-exist with horses, the Dalmatian may be the perfect dog breed for you. Known as an energetic and active working dog, these pooches make great companions for people who spend a lot of time outdoors. Their intelligence, loyalty, and hardworking nature mean they do well in just about any situation.

When it comes to living with horses, Dalmatians have several traits that could make them ideal housemates. For starters, their size is small enough not to frighten or bother your equine friends. In addition, they are very intelligent which makes them easy to train and able to quickly pick up on commands from both humans and horses alike. This also helps ensure that your horse won’t feel threatened by the presence of another animal in its space.

Not only are Dalmations good around other animals such as horses but they are also incredibly sociable towards people too! They love being part of a family pack – so if there are kids running around then this breed will fit right in! Plus, since these dogs were bred specifically for working alongside horses during long journeys – you can bet they will accompany you happily when out riding or doing chores at the stable.

The adaptable nature of Dalmatia means they’re capable of dealing with different environments easily – making life easier for everyone involved! If exercised regularly, Dalmatians make excellent watchdogs due to their protective tendencies combined with their high energy levels; plus their coats come in a variety of colors making them rather eye-catching pets as well!

Great Pyrenees

The noble, white silhouette of the Great Pyrenees stands tall against the vast backdrop of an open pasture. Majestic and loyal, these dogs make fantastic companions for horses; they are always on guard should any harm come to their equine buddies.

The Great Pyrenees is known for its agility and intelligence, which help it form long-lasting bonds with horses. This breed has an instinctive urge to protect and defend whatever it loves – including horses! The combination of strength and loyalty makes them the perfect guardians for your horse.

Their protective nature also means that they can be wary around strangers or potential threats, but once you’ve earned their trust, a Great Pyrenees will never forget you. They have strong memories and recognize faces that appear often in their environment – like those of other animals or humans who frequent the stable area.

These gentle giants love spending time outdoors with their packmates, whether human or animal. Their thick double coats keep them warm during cold winter months when being outside is essential to maintaining mental health and wellbeing. As such, the Great Pyrenees is highly recommended as one of the best dog breeds that do well with horses – so why not give one a try?

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there is no perfect dog breed that is guaranteed to be a great companion for horses. It all depends on the individual dog’s personality and disposition. The breeds listed above are only some of the best options out there but there are many other breeds with their own unique characteristics that may do well with horses too.

The key takeaway here is that if you’re looking for a loyal friend to bring along when riding or spending time around your horse, make sure to take into account both your expectations as an owner and the needs of the particular breed you’re considering. As they say, “A stitch in time saves nine” – so investing in proper training and socialization early on will go a long way toward ensuring success down the line!

Overall, while making this important decision can feel overwhelming at times, having knowledge about these 10 best dog breeds that do well with horses can help set you up for success. With their friendly dispositions and willingness to learn, any one of these pup pals could become your next furry sidekick-for-life!