Small dog breeds that suit the horsey lifestyle...

T

tasel

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 April 2008
Messages
1,318
Location
On the go...
Visit site
I'm always amazed when I see smaller dogs go out on long hacks with riders. When we went on a day's hack on holidays (we basically joined people who were on a multi-day trail ride for a day), we fell in love with a small to medium-size dog that actually did the entire trail ride with the people, and I thought it would be great to have a dog that was still compact, but as sporty as that one... well, one day. Didn't ask the breed though.

So can anyone recommend small dog breeds that can be fit enough to accompany you on hour-long hacks? They must have stamina, and at times speed, I guess.
 
My JRT comes on 1 to 2hrs long hacks. He keeps up with fast canters and only lags behind on a full gallop, but soon catches us again.

20081123_6.jpg


before him I used to take a Lab out with me and know friends with Springers that regularly hack. In fact most fit and obedient dogs can hack.
 
Do you guys just do off road hacking though with your dogs?
To get anywhere at my yard we cross a bypass road and do a lot of roadwork. I'd love to have a dog potter along with us, but I'd be terrified for it, no matter how well it was trained!
 
Where I hack now, I only cross roads (one is a fast A road), and ride 1 access road with little traffic. My JRT has a rock steady wait and when told crosses straight over.

Previously I used to cross a duel carriageway (with wide central island). I taught the Lab to jump her front paws to my stirrup/foot, so I could clip her on a 6ft lead to cross that.

I have never had to ride down road, but in theory could as both would trot behind my horse when told to heal - dunno if I would ever do it though, and if I did they would be in Hiz Viz.
 
Last edited:
Agree with ChristmasSparkles! Borders are lovely little characters!
I have a german pointer (small for his breed, he's somewhere between a springer and a lab, size wise) and he's a perfect horsey dog. He flushes out birds from long grass/hedges so they don't spook the horses, has fantastic recall even when he gets his nose down, and he keeps up easily. Plus, he's big enough for OH to walk without looking girly, but small enough to pick up (just!) and sling in the trough if he's rolled in poop :p
 
PS, the BUTTERFLIES round here would eat him - he is the biggest weener I have ever met - he thinks he's very fierce though...obviously!

Having now had one I wouldn't be without a chi in the household, although I would like a 'proper' dog too!!
 
Another vote for borders - I believe they were bred to keep up with horses (my mate bought one to keep up with their rhodesian ridgeback, same basic principle!) Great wee dogs.
 
wench said:
However my personal opinion is that the dog should be left at home.
Click to expand...

Why? Mine loves going out in the lorry for a hack and get much more intersting and varied walks this way.

Not to say I don't walk him as well, I do. Nor do I take him if there are horses I don't know will be safe with him (he does expect all horses to look out for him).

I don't take him to shows though, he would be bored stiff!
 
AprilBlossom said:
I have a chihuahua (don't judge me, we didnt intentionally get him!) who quite enjoys sitting on the front of the saddle and going for a ride :)
Click to expand...

Lol. I've got two of those! One's too lazy to go for long walks and has a fear of heights (!), the other has no fear of heights whatsoever, and will just jump down!!
 
Left at home when hacking, or when going to the yard? My dog would never forgive me if I stopped taking him to the yard! He does "the rounds" up at the back fields, then comes to the stables and has a snufty in the straw before sprawling out for a nap. He's fab company, and makes me feel a bit safer too, as my yard is quite isolated.
When I kept my mare at livery, one of the other girls used to bring her staffy to the yard every day, and he was lovely, such a good boy :)
 
Mainly out hacking. You never know what may happen and trying to deal with a dog and horse at the same time is not a good mix.

As for the yard... Well that depends on the yard rules.
 
toffeeyummy said:
Patterdales!!! You can NEVER wear them out and they are excellent ratters! (but don't mix them with cats....)
Click to expand...

Oh yes they are excellent :D Rat and rabbit so no pests around, mine is exceedingly well trained to heel and I long line out with him no bother, wouldnt ride though purely as Id hate to know the result of horse vs dog in an emergency ;)

IMG_0281.jpg


DSCN0230.jpg


DSCN0231.jpg
 
My youngest Stafford comes out with me and has absolutely no problems keeping up. The boy can't as has elbow displaysia. Why on earth should they not come out? I put a lot of time into training my dog to come out with me. I wouldn't take her if we were near busy roads but as I only have a single b road to cross we are fine. Dog will stop, leave, move and heel. Other liveries take their dogs out too and it's great fun. In fact , we have found that, as long as the horse is not attempting to see a dog off in the yard, it's a great way of training them to ignore noises around them. This is extremely useful in a busy area for walkers, runners and cyclists as the horses are not then hysterical when someone appears in front of them or deer crash around in the woods.

I have 3 staffords who all come to the the yard. We have a large variety of dogs there and just apply common sense. The biggest difference with my breed is that they are the only dogs who when they get to the yard, immediatley go off to say hello to their friends ( liveries and staff.) and will meet and greet everyone. Mine are all difference ages, all through rescue btw as well!
 
wench said:
Mainly out hacking. You never know what may happen and trying to deal with a dog and horse at the same time is not a good mix.

As for the yard... Well that depends on the yard rules.
Click to expand...

Completely agree regarding the hacking, I've seen riders hacking locally with dogs they have no control over- one of the kids in the yard fell off after her pony was chased by a dog who was out with another rider.

I've got 2 Pomeranians who love coming the yard. They are very horse aware and stay out of the horses way. But I only take them with me if I'm not riding or if my OH is with me to keep them under control. I saw a JR killed by a kik from a horse and it's something the has made me so careful with my little girls.

Supervising the mucking out

f90a3c54.jpg


Showing off her riding skills

775eaa00.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top