Phenix City, Ala., farrier Bryan McElwee’s loyal companion, Cid, a 2-year-old Red Heeler, loves to keep himself entertained on the job — and enjoys a good pup cup once and a while.

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 Cid 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?

I’ve always had a truck dog. I lost my last one 6 months before getting Cid. He was named by a client. After the last 2 dogs I had, Cinch and Deuce hints the way Cid is spelled.

2. When and where did you get the dog?

I got Cid 2 years ago from a couple I knew after being tagged in a Facebook post.

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

Cid is everywhere. Everybody knows him as a wild man. He runs around playing and checking water levels in all the water troughs. He keeps himself entertained all day.

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

I try not to let him eat too much, but he manages to get his fair share.

Food Motivated

Cid and Phenix City, Ala., farrier Bryan McElwee share the same favorite fast-food restaurant: Chick-Fil-A. Cid prefers a pup cup (They know him by name) and usually manages to steal some of McElwee’s chicken biscuit, as well. Image Courtesy of Bryan McElwee

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

Cid is wild. He runs from one water trough to another. He might come running up with a bell boot he found in the pasture or dragging a limb bigger than him.

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

There’s too many to narrow it down to one.

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

I’ve just started my 25th year. It was suggested one day in the hayfield. Thought it would be better than the hayfield.

8. What type of shoeing or trimming do you specialize in doing?

The majority of my work is English horses with a few barrel horses.

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

The majority of my barns have someone there.

Download Your Farrier Dog of the Year Calendar!

We are excited to present the Farrier Dog of the Year Calendar, showcasing the 12 finalists from our Dog of the Year Contest that earned the most votes and captured the hearts of the farrier community. Each month features a different winning dog, and is a wonderful keepsake for each day of the coming year.

Download Your Free Copy!

Hemp for Horses and Hounds! Doesn't just about everyone who has a horse have a dog? We worked on perfecting Hemp for Horses pellets for years, but have always made products for dogs. We make everything right here on the farm. No middleman ever! We are not selling anything that we have not given to our own animals that we love. We handle everything from "Farm to Stable" and "Soil to Oil"!

Fun fact: We made our dog Macey (who was hit on the road years ago) CBD treats before we even made our first batch of horse pellets! From arthritis to calming, everything CBD does for horses, it can do for your dog.

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

I had a 1999 Ford F-150 with an aluminum body that I put nearly 500,000 miles on before I sold it. Cole Harmon is still running the body.

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

Finding good mentors.

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

Find the absolute best mentor you can then get in the truck with anyone that will let you. Everybody has something to offer even though it might be what not to do. And learn to say no.