Let's Hear it for the Ever Faithful Barn Dog!

Let’s Hear it for the Ever Faithful Barn Dog!

If you have a horse or ride a horse, chances are you also have a dog. It seems like horses and dogs have been coupled together for centuries. Stroll through any art museum and there in the portraits of patriots and kings, heirs and huntsmen, you’ll see not only depictions of glorious steeds but also images of the owner’s noble canine companion. Dogs have also been workmates on ranches and farms, right alongside draft horses and cowponies. That’s why any horse person can point to the critter in the front seat of their pickup truck and say, “Oh, that’s my barn dog,” and everyone will understand the connotation.

Certainly, some breeds are more amenable to fulfilling the role of barn dog. No one can deny the innate herding abilities of an Australian Shepherd, a Queensland Heeler, or a Border collie. Want some help coaxing a recalcitrant colt up the ramp and into the horse trailer? Any of these breeds would be more than happy to oblige. If rodents are threatening to overrun your feedroom, any of several terrier types are eager to ferret out the furry vermin. And when you simply need a good larp of a pink tongue to lift your spirits, the ubiquitous Labrador retriever makes a great barn dog.

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Of course, some so-called “off breeds” end up in the role of barn dog, regardless of whether they’re actually suitable for the job. If you want to read about one particular un-barn dog, visit Cindy Hale’s Life with Horses blog to read one shaggy dog story: Barn Dogs Can be Oodles of Fun.

Want to share your own doggie tale? We’d like to hear about your barn dog. Maybe you had a perfect pooch who traveled with you to shows or trail rides, and listened intently as you recounted the day’s adventure all the way home. Perhaps you once owned a benevolent bowser who was more of a tackroom ornament than a working canine. Or maybe your current barn dog deserves some honorable mention, simply because your horsey life wouldn’t be complete without your dog. Just click on Submit a Comment below, and howl about your barn dog.

11 years ago

Cindy Hale

Cindy Hale’s life with horses has been filled with variety. As a child she rode western and learned to barrel race. Then she worked as a groom for a show barn, and was taught to harness and drive Welsh ponies. But once she’d taken her first lessons aboard American Saddlebreds she was hooked on English riding. Hunters and hunt seat equitation came next, and she spent decades competing in those divisions on the West Coast. Always seeking to improve her horsemanship, she rode in clinics conducted by world-class riders like George Morris, Kathy Kusner and Anne Kursinski. During that time, her family began raising Thoroughbred and warmblood sport horses, and Cindy experienced the thrills and challenges of training and showing the homebred greenies. Now retired from active competition, she’s a popular judge at local and county-rated open and hunter/jumper shows. She rides recreationally both English and western. Her Paint gelding, Wally, lives at home with her and her non-horsey husband, Ron.

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View Comments

Sam says:
February 12, 2009 at 5:42 am
Well yesterday when I was eating lunch at the barn Bob was staring at me with his big brown eyes. Looking directly at me and his eyes followed the Cheetos from the bag to my mouth.
Jen says:
February 12, 2009 at 8:00 am
A new neighbor came over to introduce himself. My German Shepherd, Kelly, chased him into the tackroom and wouldn't let him out. Every time Jim would crack the door open, Kelly would rush him. Jim ended up spending an hour trapped in my tackroom before I got home and "rescued" him. Kelly and Jim are good buddies now, but we still laugh about that initial meeting.
J says:
February 12, 2009 at 8:52 am
Our barn dog is an australian shepherd named Diesel. He loves to run and go trail riding with me. He is a great herding dog and helps bring the horses up to the barn from the pasture.
Abby says:
February 12, 2009 at 8:59 am
My dog's name is Joey. He goes everywhere with us! When we go for trail rides he always has to come along.
Anna says:
February 12, 2009 at 9:09 am
I agree! Horses and dogs just go together- they're my favorite animals! Great article.
Lauren says:
February 12, 2009 at 11:07 am
I love my horse and my dog. My dogs name is Sunnie and she is a 3-year-old Yellow Lab and she's scared of horses, but she will walk/run right behind them and try to nip at them. I don't bring her out to the ranch with me anymore because of this, but that's because she wasn't trained around horses. Labs will always be the best companion, no matter what!
Erin says:
February 12, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Dogs and horses are like peanut butter and jelly! Wherever you see a horse and rider you will most likly see a protective pooch bouncing along behind. Every horse owner I know has AT LEAST 2 dogs :) I already know that when I get my own barn one day I'm going to have a Dalmation or Great Dane right there with me and my horses.
Kathy says:
February 12, 2009 at 4:35 pm
My brother's Jack Russell is probably the best barn dog I've ever seen. She's not only a great ratter, but smart as a whip and fears nothing. It is funny as all get out to see this little dog pick up the lead rope and lead his 16+ hand TB around. With her attitude, she thinks she is 6 feet tall and Red seems to believe her.
Sarah says:
February 12, 2009 at 6:11 pm
The dog at the barn were I board is just the cutest little thing. She is an English sheep herder. When the owner comes to let in stall boarded horse into the barn (he just opens the gate and the horses go to their stall) she runs offs and hides. It is really funny. Every time a horse gets near her she runs off. The bad news for her is that she is living on a horse farm!
Hannah says:
February 12, 2009 at 7:17 pm
My trainer's three dogs; Titan- German Shepard, Bruce- Mix Breed, Defuscy- Golden Retriever; are the best barn dogs ever. Their really helpful with taking care of the horses, for example; cleaning out the food stuck on the buckets we feed the horses with. Not only are the great in the barn, but the arena too! They make wonderful obsticles to ride around and often steal things you put next to the jumps. Those three dogs are the life of the farm.