Dogs often seem more loyal and protective of their owners than horses. One reason for this that according to history, dogs have been domesticated much longer than horses. Dogs will also willingly defend themselves and their “pack” from danger by standing their ground and even attacking.
Horses not only remember people who have treated them well, they also understand words better than expected, research shows. Human friends may come and go, but a horse could be one of your most loyal, long-term buddies if you treat it right, suggests a new study.
Whether it's due to science or something more emotional, dogs are some of the most loyal animals that we associate with. Their loyalty is part of what helps us form incredibly strong bonds with them and treat them like members of our families.
Horses are lifelong companions.
This is one of the reasons why horses are a better option over dogs for pet owners who want to invest in a long term friend. Your horse will have many years to learn and grow with you, building a strong bond and unique personal relationship.
Horses and Dogs are both intelligent animals, but they have different cognitive strengths. Horses excel in areas like navigational intelligence while dogs do better with social intelligence. Neither animal is smarter than the other, that's just what makes them unique!
Parelli's Answer: It's natural for horses to be afraid of dogs because dogs are predators. Some horses are comfortable around dogs because they were raised with them, while others are not as sensitive so the dogs don't bother them.
According to Svartberg's data (PDF), a pinscher, a Bernese mountain dog, or an English springer spaniel might be the most disloyal since each ranks very low on playfulness, with moderate sociability.
Looking to dog psychology for answers: dogs are pack animals
Dogs are also pack animals and long to belong to a pack. They are much like humans in that way – it is said that no man is an island and the same can be said for a dog. To your loyal dog, your family is their pack and they have adopted you as their own.
The truth is that all dogs are pack creatures and are devoted to whomever they see as their leader. So, while some breeds may seem more affectionate or willing to please their pet parent than others, all dogs are capable of being loyal.
Yes, they do. Very much so. And they have long memories for both the humans they've bonded with in a positive way and the ones who have damaged or abused or frightened them. The depth of the connection depends greatly on several things, not the least of which is the amount of time the human spends with the animal.
Dogs really are one of the best animals for humans. Loyal and sensitive to human emotions, dogs have gotten along with people throughout history.
It is common for horse owners to also own dogs, and the two companion animals can get along brilliantly with one another. However, this does not automatically happen without some effort, training, and integration of the two companion animals, who come from species with quite different natural tendencies.
Horses Trust You When They're At Ease Around You
Their bottom lip is tight. Their nostrils are tense. Their tail is moving quickly or not at all. Their ears are pinned back on their head, or alert and facing you.
Horses are very social and affectionate animals. They cannot verbalize “I love you” but they can communicate those sentiments through their actions. Not all horses show affection in the same ways though. Here are some things to look for in your horse's behavior to know he loves you.
It's very common for dogs of certain breeds to be 100% loyal, devoted, and attached to “their person”. They may be friendly and happy to be around different family members, but they always see that one relationship as elevated far above any other.
Horses are known for their strength, power and resiliency. When it comes to animal symbology, they represent stamina, wisdom, freedom, wildness, intellect, and loyalty.
Elephants may be the most protective moms on the planet. Herds of females and children usually travel together in a circle with the youngest member on the inside, protected from predators. If one child becomes an orphan, the rest of the herd will adopt him. Elephants also mourn their dead.
And when faced with snarling teeth, a horse will run. If those teeth close in, a horse will kick. I've watched my horses throw warning kicks at neighbor dogs, occasionally making contact. Most dogs learn quickly to stay away.
They found that, generally, horses and dogs seem to “understand each other” when it comes to play, and they adapt their behaviors accordingly.
This defensive instinct may explain why some horses kick when they become alarmed—such as when a person, dog, or another animal 'pops into view' behind the horse. Or if a piece of equipment comes loose and drags behind or alongside the horse, it may react by kicking at it.