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We Ask The Industry: What is the Best Horse Show Dog Breed and Why?

With dogs being such a staple of our horse show world, we asked some industry dog owners their thoughts on the best horse show dog breeds.

Without a doubt, the common bond we all share in this industry is the love of horses. But, in addition to horses, dogs are usually part of a horse show family, and many exhibitors and trainers bring their faithful companions to the shows.

Along with our mutual love of horses and dogs, many competitors are passionately involved with rescue shelters and helping homeless pets in need. The desire to help abandoned and abused animals is often illustrated online by many of our horse show friends sharing posts for dogs, cats, and horses that need homes.


We asked several trainers and exhibitors what they believe is the best horse show dog breed and why. Of course, all of them were partial to their own dogs, but unsurprisingly, horse people love all dogs. What is your favorite dog breed? Let us know in our social media comments.

Joe Whitt – I think all dogs are great. Emma is a schnauzer and my first dog. I love her, and she loves to travel with us all over, especially to visit her horse brothers and sisters. I never understood the love of a dog until I had my own. Emma was the perfect first dog – horse show, house, farm, or travel companion. No matter how bad the day, she always loves unconditionally and brightens the day.

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Elizabeth “Spike” Brewer
– Do we have to pick just one dog breed? There are way too many great dog breeds. For me, I’ve never met a dog I didn’t like. But our first toy, the Australian Shepherd, will be three this spring. She’s a brilliant, personable, loving dog who loves everyone, especially children. She is my daughter Addison’s dog and loves us all, but she loves Addison more.

 

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Amanda Moore-McFadden – I’m partial to the breeds that I have – I love Pugs and Frenchies. They are great travel companions and love riding to horse shows in the RV. I have four Pugs and two French Bulldogs, and while we are busy showing, they are often all on the dash of the RV. People frequently joke that they think they are stuffed animals until they see them move. I have made many great horse show friends with them as conversation starters. I love seeing all the other dogs and breeds at shows, too.

Jenna Dempze – Mini-Aussie! My mini Aussie is the most loyal dog. He loves to go wherever I am and is the perfect size to tote along. He turns 18 this year. Trucks, trailers, or airplanes, Willie is always happy to be my travel buddy.




Morgan Wakeling
– Black Labs are the best show dogs. I have a Corgi and a Black Lab, both fantastic dogs, but the Lab does better at the shows. He gets along with all the other dogs and loves the horses and the people. He also follows me around anywhere or stays at the stalls when told.

 

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Cheyenne Augsburger – Heelers! I’ve had two; my current one is “Sierra,” and she’s the absolute best dog ever. She’s the most loyal dog. She is the best dog at the horse shows. She never gets tied up because she knows not to leave the stalls. Everyone loves her.

 

 

 

Brister Shum – Golden Retrievers have our hearts. They’ve been a part of our family for years…always attending horse shows with us. We even bought a special RV where Mellie and Cozzie have their own fenced porch. They love everyone they come in contact with, especially kids. They’re the best dogs in the world. Just ask my fellow ‘Golden Girls’…Carly Parks, Melissa Jones, or Kaleena Weakley.

 

Rebekah Kazakevicius – Drax (Doberman) is a pretty good theft deterrent, but Ruckus (Frenchie) is equally as scary (laughs). He’s also great at traveling and sleeping. Ruckus is also quiet and doesn’t leave the booth very much.

 

 

 

 



Ashley Dunbar-Clock
– I have to say my weenie dogs, aka Dachshunds, are the best. They are so easy to travel with…they are smart, and mine are great at staying at the stalls. And they think they are big and mighty, so there will always be a bark of someone unwelcome coming around.

 


Austin Gooding
– I would say Chocolate Labs because they’ve never met a stranger and are very laid back. You don’t have to worry about them around little kids or your clients. They are also very loyal and stick around well, other than the occasional stroll to the food booth.

 

 

 

Penni Himes – Without a doubt, an Australian Shepherd. They are intelligent, loyal, loving, protective, and love to pose in win pictures.

 

 

 

Johnna Clark – My favorite is not a breed, but he is named Howie. He’s the best travel companion. He can put a smile on the faces of every person he meets.

 

 




Julian Harris – Corgi! I’ve grown up with them my whole life. I’ve had Christopher for 13 years now. They’re smart and so funny.

 

 




Missy Thyfault
– The best ever is a Weinerjack. Half Jack Russell and half Dachshund. She is almost human and is the most intelligent dog I’ve ever had. She is sweet, and if you’ve been stalled next to me at the shows, you have shared food with her.




Shelly Boyle
– A Great Dane! They’re big like a horse and quiet couch potatoes. My dog Ruby loves to come to the shows when she can. She’s the best welcoming crew and is happy to be with her people 100% of the time.

 

 

 

Carey Nowacek  – My favorite dog breed is any horse show dog. All horse show dogs are unique and unlike any other dog. They travel more miles, have been to more states than most humans, and probably can tell many stories, haha!

 

 

 

 


What’s your favorite horse show dog breed? Let us know in our social media comments.

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