Of all the dog sports, dog agility is one of the most thrilling to watch in the arena. It’s all high speeds, plenty of obstacles, and one very excited dog. There are no dog treats or incentives, and the handler can only use voice or body movement to control the dog – requiring impeccable training and an excellent bond with the handler.
What is dog agility?
In competition, dogs navigate a course of obstacles, ranging from tunnels to seesaws, jumps to weave poles. The winner is the dog that finishes fastest with the fewest faults.
Some dog breeds are better at agility than others, with herding dogs and working dogs usually coming out on top. But there are some surprising breeds that are also high achievers in the agility field. Here are some of the best dog agility breeds that you’ll spot in the finals at major dog shows like Crufts.
Best dog agility breeds
Border collie
There’s a reason border collies win so many agility competitions at Crufts and the like. Their history as herding dogs gives them an innate ability to follow commands, work off-leash and learn quickly. Among the toughest dog breeds, Border collies have a strong work ethic, which makes them easy to train and develop skills. They are highly intelligent dogs and are naturally athletic, with high energy levels that require lots of activity. A recipe for success in the agility arena – and in sheepdog trials.
Did you know? Border collies are among the healthiest dog breeds and are one of the best active dogs for active people.
Shetland sheepdog
Herding dogs are generally easy to train and are eager to please, making them great competitors. Their speed and athleticism particularly help in agility, where dogs need to be able to run at high speeds and with plenty of accuracy. Shetland sheepdogs are world-class competitors in obedience, agility and herding trials, staying focused on their handlers which is beneficial during agility runs.
Australian shepherd
Originally used solely as a herding dog, Australian shepherds have excellent stamina and boundless energy to handle the physical demands of training and competitions. They have strong legs and hips, allowing for fast acceleration and high jumping.
Papillon
You might not expect a dog as small and beautiful as the papillon to be successful in the agility field, but these companion dogs are surprisingly athletic. Inevitably, they struggle to reach the top speeds of the bigger dogs, but their small size and agility help them excel in tight turns and more intricate agility courses.
Cocker spaniel
Working cocker spaniels are particularly good at agility competitions, having been bred for their working ability as gun dogs, with stamina, intelligence and eagerness to please their handlers. They are fast dogs with great accuracy, undertaking tasks with plenty of enthusiasm. Their relatively compact size helps them navigate tight turns and obstacles on a course.
Parson Russell terrier
Bred as fox hunters, Parson Russell terriers are a variety of the Jack Russell that are particularly strong competitors in the agility and flyball fields. These feisty and energetic dogs are particularly tenacious when at work, having been bred to chase foxes underground. Their nimble bodies help them navigate obstacles.
Poodle
All three sizes of poodle excel in agility, thanks to their intelligence and willingness to learn and be trained. Bred as water dogs, poodles respond to calls and are often used as service dogs due to their obedience.
Did you know? Poodles are one of the best family dog breeds if you're looking to find the right dog breed to suit your needs. They're also a hypoallergenic dog breed, because they don't shed hair.
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