If you like horses, there is a good chance that you also have a warm spot in your heart for dogs. This is because horses and dogs have many of the same characteristics. On the other hand, if you do not select the appropriate dog companion to get along with your horses, you run the risk of being confused and upset. 

It might be difficult to determine which dog breeds are known for having a good relationship with horses. The characteristics of a good horse-dog and the dog breeds that have a history of getting along well with horses are discussed in this article. 

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is a robust breed that was initially created to work with cattle; nevertheless, it is also friendly with horses and makes an excellent hiking companion due to its resilience and friendly nature. The dog was supposed to be a drover, meaning that it would move livestock from one place to the next; yet, it never seems to worry the horses that are nearby. They don't even make a lot of noise, so horses aren't likely to get scared of them.

ACDs are dynamic and constantly move about, but they are quite brief and do not overpower or terrify the horses. Males are significantly smaller than females, measuring less than 20 inches at the withers and weighing less than 60 pounds.

This breed has been selected for its ability to thrive in harsh environments and is typically in good condition. They can suffer from deafness (which is presumably connected to their coloration), hip dysplasia only very infrequently, although they can, of course, develop arthritis as they become older. The majority of these canines will eventually reach old age even if they are not hurt.

Dalmatian

This breed has a well-deserved reputation for getting along well with horses. It was originally intended for them to serve as guard dogs, but they have also been employed as carriage horses. In the United States, they are known as "fireman's dogs" because to their propensity to be near the horses that pulled fire engines.

Dalmatians may reach a maximum height of around 24 inches at the withers. They are born white, but by the time they have discovered their new habitats, they have acquired their spots.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects certain Dalmatians, although it is not a serious issue. However, deafness is a significant problem that impacts around one-third of all dogs; blue-eyed canines are more likely to be impacted by this condition. They also have a hereditary condition known as hyperuricemia, which causes the liver to have difficulties breaking down uric acid, which leads to an accumulation of uric acid in the blood and increases the risk of developing kidney stones and bladder stones.

Golden Retrievers

The horse community and the rest of the world both agree that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in existence today. This dog, which is around medium in size, has a reputation for being kind and calm, and it gets along well with children, other animals, and most notably, horses. Golden Retrievers have an exceptional intellect and are eager to please their owners. As a consequence of this, they are not very difficult to instruct, and they will adjust well to a life spent around the stable.

Golden Retrievers are just the right size for a happy and healthy life. They are not big enough to get in the way of foot traffic. They are also not too diminutive, as evidenced by the fact that they are able to compete successfully with larger creatures. Golden Retrievers, particularly when they are young, are full of boundless energy and thrive when they get regular exercise. Because of this, they are wonderful companions for trail riding.

Corgi

The Welsh Corgi is the smallest dog on our list, and both of its breeds were originally created for the purpose of working with cattle. The canines have been trained to work geese without biting, despite having been raised to nibble on the heels and noses of cattle.

There are two kinds available, the Pembroke and the Cardigan, and despite differences in size and form, both of these variations get along well with horses. The Pembroke and the Cardigan Cardigan males weigh around 30 pounds, whereas Pembroke males are somewhat lighter.

Both breeds of Corgis are perfectly healthy, but each has their own unique set of issues. Pembroke Welsh corgis are prone to hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders, while Cardigan Welsh corgis are occasionally affected with intravertebral disc degeneration. The issues are not very widespread, and Corgis should make good companions on trail rides with horses as well as while competing in agility competitions.

The Corgi is an excellent choice for a companion if you are looking for a tiny dog that is low maintenance and gets along well with other animals.

How to Pick a Dog That Gets Along Well with Horses

The majority of individuals who ride horses take their dogs to the stable yard with them. However, a dog that is rude or unpleasant may wreck havoc in an otherwise well-kept yard, placing not just the dog but also the horses and people in grave risk.

If you bring a dog breed that gets along well with horses to the stable yard, it will be much easier for you to teach your dog how to behave properly and safely around the horses there. Additionally, people will be more likely to welcome you and your dog rather than try to avoid you as soon as they see you have a dog with you.

It is necessary to first have an understanding of the factors that are taken into consideration when selecting a dog for a home that focuses mostly on horses in order to have the background necessary to comprehend why certain dog breeds are so well-liked by horse owners.

There is no one dog breed that can perfectly complement the lifestyle of every horse enthusiast. Although there are a number of dog breeds that get along well with horses, only one or two of those types will be ideal for the lifestyle that you and your horses lead. It is advisable to use horses who have had positive experiences with dogs, and one should also take into consideration in horse grooming, in order to reduce the risk to the puppy not getting along because of dirt.

It is crucial to think about the following factors when deciding which dog breed will get along well with both you and your horse:

  • The temperament of the breed, in addition to the typical behavioral issues
  • The mature size of the dog
  • Which equestrian pursuits would you wish your dog to participate in
  • The coat of the breed

A lot of people pick their dog based on how adorable or lovable the puppy is, rather than doing in-depth research on what kind of dog the animal will be as an adult.

However, when selecting a dog to fit into your lifestyle centered on horses, it is far more prudent to allow your logic, rather than your emotions, take the reins.

After coming to your conclusion after giving it a lot of thought and bringing your lovely new puppy home, you can now allow your heart guide you as you become attached to your new family member and fall in love with them.