It might surprise a bit too much, but horses and dogs share a universal language of play. They mirror each other’s facial expressions during play, as mentioned by Inside Science. Open-mouth gestures, synchronized movements, and playful bows demonstrate remarkable mutual understanding.
This article tells us why certain canines make good trail dogs. They can sync their pace and energy with horses. Humans have shaped the best dog breeds to match a horse’s stamina through selective breeding.
These energetic dogs have the cardiovascular and muscular adaptations to endure long rides. They also love spending time outdoors and intuitively bond with equine partners. In this article, you’ll meet 9 dog breeds uniquely suited to run beside horses on trails.
These are elite canine companions possessing intelligence and athleticism. These dogs are built to keep pace and companionship with your horse from gallop to gait!
Dog Breeds That Run Beside Horses On Trails
1. Australian Shepherd
Have you heard the story of Robin the Australian Shepherd and Teddy the horse? Well, they are two best friends who are the happiest when they are together, as mentioned by Laughing Squid. This is proof of how compatible these two animals can be!
The Australian Shepherd is a working dog that was used to herd livestock in the US. They are highly trainable and very intelligent, and are cherished for their agility.
You can easily train this mixed-breed dog to respect equine boundaries or avoid chasing behavior. Also, the fact that the Aussies are full of energy will keep them galloping for hours with horses.
Its history as a herding dog helps them read body language and adapt to different dynamics. All horse people should have an Aussie for unforgettable experiences!
2. Border Collies
Tanya Tyedman shares that her adorable Border Collie named Steve has formed an inseparable bond with a horse named Treacle! As per Newsweek, the dog runs over to the fence to see its friend until the horse comes over.
A Border Collie mix with this loving drive makes it an ideal trail riding companion. This dog requires mental stimulation and has the stamina to engage in meaningful activity. For riders who love dogs and adventures, this dog is the best option.
In short, Border Collies are top-tier trail riding partners who will trot along with you for long distances. For as long as you ask for!
3. Dalmatian
Dalmatians were once the elegant escorts of coach horses, trotting proudly beside carriages with grace and endurance. The presence of these dogs kept the horses in a calm state.
In the 1700s, Dalmatians were trusted guardians for English stagecoach horses. Modern Fire and Rescue notes that Dalmatian dogs kept the horses safe while running alongside the carriages. This alludes to how interspecies harmony is rooted in history.
Commonly called “coach dogs”, they form close bonds with horses. They used to sleep in their stables to guard against theft.
With impressive stamina, Dalmatians were also used as hunting dogs. They assisted riders by flushing small games, thanks to their endurance. Their athletic build and natural affinity for horses make them ideal companions.
To get how well Dalmatians get along with horses, you need to know about the unbreakable trio of the Appaloosa named Nevada, a spotted Shetland Pony named Napoleon, and a Dalmatian dog named Jack on GoodThingsGuy!
4. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs were bred to trot tirelessly alongside horse-drawn wagons, keeping livestock in check with sharp instincts and boundless stamina. In the rugged Australian outback of the 1800s, stockmen relied on the newly developed Australian Cattle Dog!
It used to herd cattle alongside horses over long distances and was referred to as the Blue Heeler because of its tendency to nip at the heels of animals when herding, as per PetMD.
They used to guide these large animals with precision and stamina on rugged trails. Adding to the list is their expertise in assisting in fox-hunting settings. This working breed assisted the riders by rounding up the game.
Owners and ranch workers report that well-socialized cattle dogs coexist calmly with equines. Their compact size and deliberate training help them avoid startling other animals. This makes them perfect friends for horses!
5. Labrador Retriever
Labs have an outgoing nature and are highly intelligent dogs. They can quickly pick up proper stable etiquette and be calm around riders and horses.
SciTech Daily notes that around 47 million years ago, the earliest horses, like the Propalaeotherium, were roughly the size of our favorite Labrador Retriever. You see how evolution has transformed these equids from small forest browsers into large, sturdy animals?
These dogs treat horses as oversized playmates. They calmly observe and then approach without causing alarm.
Moreover, their adaptable temperament lets them enjoy quiet downtime. The natural loyalty and trainability inherent in Labs make them dependable partners!
6. Weimaraner
These sleek and athletic dogs know how to move in sync with a matching pace. Known for boundless energy, they need daily exercise. Weimaraners thrive in active households.
Legend has it that Grand Duke Karl August of Weimar would take his prized Weimaraner everywhere! He used to ride on his horse into the varied terrain of the Thuringian forests to flush boars and deer. This information is shared on the Point Blog.
And guess what? This was a perfect example of a working bond between a man, a dog, and a mount!
Once socialized around horses, they remain respectful of the animals’ space. Their intelligence makes them excellent trail riding partners!
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks have the stamina and build to run long distances without being tired. This makes them the ideal dogs for running alongside horses on trails.
Their athleticism and high energy levels make them capable of covering miles of terrain! These dogs enjoy exercise and off-leash adventures, often along with other dogs or equine companions.
Ridgebacks adapt well to running beside larger animals like horses. They have an evident calm demeanor in the outdoors.
Their behavior around horses is overall composed, and you’ll seldom see them overreacting. These loyal athletes relish the fun of trail exercise and the bonding experience!
8. German Shepherd
You might have heard of cats and dogs being friends. But seeing a horse sharing a toy with a dog might be a rare sight. ParadePets has one such story for you, which tells how a dog and a horse share one toy with one another like they are besties!
German Shepherds excel at sustained trotting and can maintain speeds of up to 30 mph, as noted by Wikipedia. On private land and open trails, these dogs feel most in their element. They will definitely enjoy running all day long.
This speed and stamina let them accompany horseback riders for trailing. And of course, they get along really well. So, are you ready to add athletic energy and joyful fun to your adventures?
9. Golden Retrievers
Everybody out there knows about how friendly Golden Retrievers can be. Even when Milo met a horse for the first time, it reacted with a wagging tail and a shy little wave.
This friendly temperament carries into their adult life. Golden Retrievers are naturally curious about other animals like horses. Instead of being timid, they are calm most of the time.
With proper socialization and leash training, they learn to maintain peace with a horse. Their good nature and joyful energy are enough to form bonds with everyone. Both the rider and the horse will have experiences that they will remember for their whole life!
Conclusion
As soon as your dog learns to run alongside your horse, you’ll love every moment. This kind of bonding is good for you and your pets’ well-being and health. And of course, running with your dog enhances your fitness and stabilizes balance.
The key to success is establishing early control using obedience, harness, and leash methods. Also, don’t forget to hydrate and give rest to your dog while trail riding.
Your dog will then keep pace with your horse while doing its own thing, like exploring nearby fields or sniffing things. So, get one of these dogs either from pet shops or local shelters and let them shine on the trail!
