Browse ›
A black, white and tan Cocker Spaniel stretches up to lick the nose of a tall chestnut horse in a farmhouse entry. 2 / 36

Penny the Cocker Spaniel Stood Tall to Give a Horse a Big Wet Kiss

AI imagecocker spanielchestnut horsefarmhouse

In a bright farmhouse entryway, with jackets on the hooks and shoes in a basket, a parti-color Cocker Spaniel has got up on her hind legs. Her long black and white ears swing, her tongue is out, and she stretches as high as she can to lick the soft nose of a chestnut horse who has lowered his head just enough to oblige. The horse's big dark eye looks gentle, almost sleepy. The Cocker is Penny and the horse is Copper.

Cocker Spaniels were bred as sporting dogs, and they are cheerful, gentle, and eager to please. They like to be involved in whatever their family is doing, and many are especially sociable with other animals. Their long, feathery ears are prone to trapping moisture and dirt, so regular ear checks and cleaning are part of good care, and your vet can show you how to do it safely.

Horses are sensitive animals, and many enjoy a friendly sniff or lick from a dog they trust. Still, a dog and horse should be introduced carefully. Dogs that jump or bark may startle a horse, and a horse's hooves can injure a small dog by accident. Always supervise and keep things calm until both animals have shown they are comfortable.

Penny is giving it everything she has, and Copper is patient enough to let her finish. It is a polite and tender greeting.

More from this collection

All 36 →
A cream Pomeranian trots down a gravel path with a chestnut horse walking behind and a second small dog farther back.A Tiny Pomeranian Led the Way, and a Very Big Horse Followed AlongA white and tan Jack Russell Terrier curls up asleep in front of a chestnut horse lying down near a wood stove.Pepper the Terrier Fell Asleep First. The Horse Followed Soon After.
A blue and tan Yorkshire Terrier and a halter-wearing chestnut horse sniff the plants in a raised-bed vegetable garden.Two Garden Inspectors, One Tiny Yorkie and One Very Big HorseA black and white pied French Bulldog sits on a lawn looking up as a chestnut horse lowers his head toward him.The French Bulldog Looked Up, and a Very Tall Horse Looked Back DownA black and white Border Collie sits in a heap of fallen leaves while a chestnut horse lowers his nose to sniff them.A Border Collie Dove Into the Leaf Pile, and a Horse Went to InvestigateA fluffy white Samoyed lies on a wooden floor with a small chestnut horse resting across its body.The Samoyed Became a Cloud, and the Little Horse Climbed On to Nap