Dogs have long enjoyed a connection with stables, probably from the time of equine domestication. It is probable that dogs were man's best back when horses were only considered a food source. So when the horse was removed from the dinner table and promoted to beast of burden the dog was right there at his side.

Today it is a rare horse barn that doesn't have a least one resident "barn dog". Over the years certain breeds have come to be particularly associated with horses. Hunting and herding dogs have a long tradition of being coupled with horses in a working relationship, as well as vermin catching terrier types.

A few breeds stand out when we think horses and dogs. It's not so much breed that matters, as temperament. Most barns get a certain amount of visitor traffic, so the barn dog should be non-aggressive, especially around children. But traditionally the barn dog is a useful canine, earning his keep in such capacities as herding, hunting or controlling vermin populations.

Australian Shepherds have long held up their end of the job as herders on farms and ranches in the western United States. Contrary to their name, the breed was actually developed in the American West.

They are bred for their working ability rather than type. Crossed with other herding breeds the Aussie is known for his intelligence, endurance, energy and strong herding instinct. They do not make suitable housedogs because they need plenty of wide-open space, attention and training. In fact many breeders note that this highly intelligent dog can outsmart his owners in many cases.

The Corgi is a favorite of horse folk. He's a short, long dog that is just as at home herding cattle or sitting on your lap in front of the TV. Welsh legend has it that the Corgi was a gift from the fairies. Little in statue, but big of heart the Corgi was a cattle dog, ratter and family pet to the ancient Welshmen. A stiff penalty was given to anyone who would dare to steal a family's Corgi because they were so important to the farmer.

Jack Russell Terrier is personal favorite, a little dog with a BIG personality. I met my first J.R. at a Saddlebred barn. It was love at first sight. Now I have "Barnie" in the family and there is never a dull moment around the house. At age seventeen he has slowed down a little, but still gets excited if I say, "Find the mouse", or even more so at the mere mention of a squirrel.

The Jack Russell has been around for about one hundred years, developed from a strain of fox hounds by a preacher in England named John (Jack) Russell. These dogs also have been bred over the years for work rather than type. They resemble the early foxhound, and come in a range of sizes and hair types. Most are spotted with brown or brown and black, with at least 50% of their coat being white.

They are great hunters with a never-give-up attitude. Author Stephanie Davis describes this dog perfectly as, "happy, bold energetic," and, " extremely loyal, intelligent, and assertive."

Dalmatians have been associated with coaching since ancient times. Since that time they have been guarding the coach and horses while the owners ran their errands. A dog with the stamina to keep up with horses, we remember them best for their affiliation with the fire station. Their job was to run ahead of the horse-drawn engine to warn pedestrians and other vehicles that they were coming through. This was before sirens. Owners of driving horses still enjoy the tradition of having a Dalmatian in their barn.

Whether your dog is one of these breeds or a "pound puppy" I am sure he makes life at the stables more interesting. Horses and dogs can be great friends, especially when you have only one horse. Being a herd animal, a single horse will enjoy the company of a dog while his human herd mates are gone. While making a wonderful companion a dog can help you catch your horse, catch mice as well or better than a cat and act as a security guard. All things considered, they work for very low wages.