Loyal companion to Lamar, Mo., farrier Chris Gregory, Blueberry is a 9-year-old Australian Cattle Dog who enjoys cleaning up hoof scraps and riding in the plane with Gregory.

The Dog of the Year contest is meant to both have a little fun and honor the important bond between farriers and their dogs. Photos of Blueberry and 11 other top dogs are featured monthly in a 2025 calendar, downloadable for free here.

1. What’s the story behind your dog’s name?

He was bred for me by the breeder, so I was able to come see him when he was born. He was almost all white with one little blue spot on his rump. It looked like a blueberry, so he got his name.

2. When and where did you get the dog?

I had a full brother that got killed, so the breeder bred the same couple again so I could have another. They were shoeing customers that lived up the road.

When you’re working, does the dog come into the barn or stay in the truck? Does it vary among barns and specific horses?

He stays wherever I tell him but has been everywhere with me since we got him. Gets along well with other dogs but is a one person dog.

Do you have liability or insurance concerns when taking your dog on the road?

No.

Does your dog help you clean up by eating those extra-nutritious hoof scraps at the stops where you work?

Yes, that has given him a little extra around the middle.

Food Motivated

Lamar, Mo., farrier and founder of Heartland Horseshoeing School Chris Gregory prefers four eggs, six pieces of bacon and two tortillas in the mornings. Blueberry, on the other hand, isn’t as picky. He’ll eat almost anything, according to Gregory.Image Courtesy of Chris Gregory

What’s the craziest thing your dog has ever done while on the road with you?

He has flown with us to a lot of places, and he has tried to climb into the front seat of the plane in bad turbulence. That can lead to trouble.

If you could have dinner with anybody in the hoof-care world, who would it be?

Danny Ward.

How long have you been shoeing and how did you get started?

Since 1987. Out of necessity as a young rodeo cowboy.

What type of shoeing or trimming do you specialize in?

Mainly western.

How many different horses have you worked on in the past 12 months?

Drafts, mules, minis, donkeys and all sorts in between. We run a school.

Do you normally have another person in the barn when trimming and shoeing (your dog doesn’t count)?

Yes. Always.

What brand, model and year was your first farrier truck, and how many miles and years did you drive it?

1976 Jeep Wagoneer. Backseats removed, plywood floor and shelves to make a rig. Drove it until it was laying in the driveway with its wheels in the air.

What has been the major key to your success as a farrier over the years?

Surrounding myself with quality people.

What one piece of advice would you have for someone just graduating from farrier school?

Don't let anyone stop you.