A foal who was raised with dogs is now convinced that his parents are labradors and even learned several dog tricks, including chasing sticks along with the rest of the pack.

Sue Allery, manager of the Essex Horse and Pony sanctuary, said Rory, the foal, was taken to the sanctuary when he was only one day old because his mother had rejected him.

Staff at the sanctuary nursed the little foal back to health and allowed him to mix with the dogs. Since then, Rory developed some strange habits, such as chasing sticks and frisbees and drinking from a dog bowl.

The Ananova website quotes Allery as saying: "Because he was so small he got to know the dogs more than the horses.

"They all ran around together. My husband bought a frisbee and threw it across the yard. Rory went after it just like the dogs. He even started picking up twigs and sticks for us to throw.

"He loves the dogs. Because they are the same size as him, he thought he was a dog. He'll eventually go out with the other horses and ponies."