I have ridden with Standard Poodles since I started
endurance in the 80’s. I grew up with Standard poodles because I
have allergies and asthma and they were one of the few breeds that could be
housedogs in my home. They have all done very well, kept up with the
horses and are pleasant companions on the trail. We keep our dogs clipped
short all over during ride season (even their ear flaps) so they look sort of
like crush velvet labs with pointier noses J
They are very smart (all went to obedience classes) and very
dependable. They are high energy but that is an advantage in our house
where they are always on the go with us. They can be protective, which I like
when I am alone.
My training partner has a Queensland Heeler (picture a blue
heeler type dog but with longer legs and bigger) that does great with us on rides
and has the advantage of running annoying cows off the trail.
Another friend I ride with has a Wiemeraner/Lab cross that
outruns the horses!
You have to be careful with any breed of dog when it is
hot. They do not cool anywhere near as efficiently as horses and can have
heatstroke and convulsions if overheated. We plan rides in the cooler
part of the day and make sure we are taking routes we can get the dogs
wet when it is really hot. If that is not possible the dogs stay home in
the kennel (and cry their hearts out because they can’t believe we are
leaving them).
