This is the 926th most frequent Dutch word.
dier
Animal.
Here, 'dier' is used as a general noun to indicate any creature in the animal kingdom.
Ik houd van ieder dier dat ik zie.
I love any animal I see.
In this sentence, 'dier' refers to a specific type of animal, namely a horse, and is used for classification.
Het paard is een sterk en nobel dier.
The horse is a strong and noble animal.
The word 'dier' is used here to express a preference for a type of animal.