Are horses scared of dogs? The answer to this question is – It depends. Generally, horses are not scared of dogs. Dogs are not predators as far as a horse is concerned.
But some dogs can be scary – not just to horses but to humans too. And that is why the answer isn’t a clear-cut Yes or No. So, it depends. Let’s dig deeper and find out what it depends on.
What Are Horses Scared Of?
Horses get scared of many things. But being prey animals, they are most scared of their natural predators. These include mountain lions, bears, coyotes, wolves, etc.
Even though horses have been domesticated for centuries, they haven’t forgotten their wild instincts. And that’s why they are still scared of their natural predators or even the perception of the presence of predators.
This is why horses are so skittish and why they jump or start running at loud noises or surprise movements.
Apart from being scared of predators, horses are also scared of cars backfiring, gunshots, blaring horns, and even unfamiliar surroundings.
We also mustn’t forget that horses are herd animals. And one of the best protections that they instinctively have been used to is being part of a herd. So domesticated horses, which are often by themselves, can get anxious and scared when they are alone.
But as mentioned earlier, dogs are not one of them. In fact, most horses enjoy the company of friendly dogs. They will even form bonds with them. However, there are some exceptions. Some horses can be scared by cars backfiring, gunshots, blaring horns and even unfamiliar surroundings.
When Can Dogs Be Scary?
If you own a dog, you know that dogs are absolutely one of the best companions that you can have. They are loving, loyal, and protective. They are truly man’s best friend.
But, we also know that dogs are just one step removed from being predators in the wild. Their cousins, the wolves and coyotes are some of the main predators of horses in the wild.
Dogs can be scary when they are guarding something that they value. They can be scary when they are protecting their young. They can be scary when they are hurt and are trying to protect themselves.
Some dogs can be scary just because they are large and imposing. Others can be scary because they have a mean personality or an aggressive temperament.
So as lovely, wonderful and loyal that dogs can be to their owner, they can be quite opposite to anyone they perceive as a danger to themselves or to someone they love.
Are Horses Scared of Dogs?
Instinctively horses are not scared of dogs. Dogs are not natural predators of horses. But horses are smart enough to understand that a dog could hurt it pretty badly if it wants to.
A lot depends on the relationship that the horse has with the dog. If the horse knows the dog and trusts it, there’s no reason for it to be scared of it. But if the horse doesn’t know the dog, it is likely to be more cautious and even a little afraid of it.
A lot also depends on the breed of the dog. Some dogs, like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, are so small that they pose no threat to a horse. Other dog breeds like German Shepherds and Dobermans are so large and strong that they can be quite intimidating to a horse.
Some dogs have a very friendly personalities and they just want to play with the horse. But even the friendliest dog can startle a horse if it comes up too close or jumps on it. So, it’s always best to supervise any interactions between horses and dogs, just to be safe.
Having said horse owners who are looking for a companion for their horse will often look for animals like dog, donkeys or goats. Goats can be helpful because goats can help calm down a horse.
Donkeys and dogs can provide companionship but they can also help protect the horse. For instance, horses are afraid of coyotes because they are predators. But a donkey or a dog can help keep coyotes away from the horse. But the added advantage of having a dog is that the dog can be a companion for the horse as well as the horse owner.
Final Thoughts
So, are horses scared of dogs? Most horses are not scared of dogs. Young horses or foals, if they have never seen a dog before might be wary of it at first. But if the dog is used to horses, a horse and a dog can bond fairly quickly.
Dogs can not only be companions to horses but if the dog is a guard dog and is well trained it could even help protect the horse.
Horses can be scared of dogs that are aggressive, large and intimidating. In such cases, simply keep such dogs away from your horse.
