Top 5 Dog Breeds For Horses
Both horses and dogs are herd species, so they enjoy spending time with people and other compatible animals. They’re also highly intelligent and accustomed to spending time with humans, so you’ll have no trouble sharing your space on the ranch with these four-legged friends.
We’ll share some of the best dog breeds for horses below so that you can find the perfect pooch for you and your trusty steed.
Golden Retriever
The happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever is well adapted to a variety of home environments, including that which includes horses. These friendly furry friends love spending time with people and creatures of all kinds are eager to please their humans. Golden Retrievers will love accompanying you on trail rides, but are also happy to kick back after a fun day outside.
Golden Retrievers also do well with other dogs and kids. These pooches serve as devoted dogs that are easy to train– so long as you have plenty of treats. One thing is for sure: These playful pups will keep you and your horses entertained for years to come.
Border Collie
Border Collies are highly regarded as the smartest dog breed, making these furry friends hardworking dogs that are eager to learn from their humans. These pups are also natural herders, so they instinctively do well around horses.
Like most hardworking dogs, these pups have plenty of energy, so they’ll need homes where they can get plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Border Collies bond closely with their families though they may be somewhat aloof around strangers.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds were bred to be perfect ranch hands, so it’s only natural that these hardworking best buddies make amazing companions for horses. Aussies love to herd and are happy to protect cattle to stay busy. These best buddies bond closely with one or two people, so they’re sure to stay close by during your trail rides.
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent so you’ll have no trouble teaching these furry friends how to interact with your trusty steed. These medium-sized dogs are sure to make life at the ranch fun and exciting.
Great Pyrenees
If you’re looking for a calm cattle companion, a majestic Great Pyrenees is a great choice. These mellow guardians bond closely with their human and furry family members. You’ll find that Great Pyrenees dogs are also skilled at guarding herds of horses due to their natural intelligence and impressive size.
With a weatherproof coat, these dogs are up for rides throughout any season. Just make sure that these pups are well-trained as it can be difficult to wrangle in these massive dogs if they haven’t learned their manners.
Corgi
Corgis come in two varieties: Pembroke Welsh and Cardigan Corgis. Generally speaking, both breeds serve as some of the smallest members of the herding group. These medium-sized dogs are smart, small but muscular, and hold their own even around horses. You’ll find that Corgis make surprisingly good watchdogs, and are sure to keep your family entertained with their playful antics.
These loyal cattle dogs are happy to accompany you while riding, though they may be slower than some of the other breeds on the list. If you need a horse compatible breed in a small package, a Corgi is an excellent choice.
Any of these furry friends are bound to mesh well with your horses. Ideally, it’s a good idea to get one of these dogs as a puppy so that they can bond closely with your horses as they develop. However, adopted dogs can adapt just as well given time and training. Enjoy spending time with these ranch companions!
