Building a Strong Bond Through Agility: Tips for You and Your Canine Partner
Reviewed and fact checked by Bruce Whittle, DVM
Welcome to Agility! A thrilling sport where both dog and owner work as a cohesive unit to maneuver through a course of 14-20 obstacles. Agility competitions have been on the rise over recent years, and it’s not hard to understand why once you have seen one in action. Like any good sporting event, a venue holding an agility competition tends to be packed with onlookers waiting to cheer on their favorites. A good laugh is also to be expected when inevitably one dog decides to go rogue or prefers to leisurely meander through the obstacles instead. It’s a great time for all involved, whether in the ring or in the audience.
What attributes should I look for in an agility dog?
The wonderful thing about agility is that it welcomes all dogs! This inclusive sport allows the purebred or the designer breed, the short or tall, and the energetic or the not-so-energetic. However, just because the sport is welcoming doesn’t mean that you should be running to enter your dog into any upcoming trials. Making sure your canine companion has the right attributes to compete will determine how successful your team is in the ring.
An elite agility dog will not only be agile and energetic, but they must also be fast, focused, intelligent, and in excellent health. You and your dog will be expected to move quickly with high accuracy through a unique course, so it's important to make sure that you are both up for the challenge.
How do I get started on agility training for my dog?
Before you consider if agility is right for your dog, it’s important that they have the drive and the socialization skills to compete, and that you have the time to dedicate to their training and continued practice. Your success will be based on how well your dog has been trained and whether you are confident that they can follow your directions without hesitation. Always remember, this is supposed to be fun for both you and your dog.
There are several options available for training your dog in agility. At-home kits that you can set up in your yard are easily found online. Depending on how advanced the kit is, you should look for ones that include tunnels, wave poles, a seesaw, a dog walk, an A-frame, and tire, wall, and bar jumps. If you don’t have the space to set up your own course, try your local dog park, as you might find some of the equipment there for public use. Other options would be either to find a local agility trainer or a training facility that has the equipment available. Make sure to also confirm eligibility requirements such as age, registration, and veterinarian care documentation.
Which dog breed is the best at agility?
As mentioned earlier, agility is a sport that is welcoming to all breeds. However, it would be unlikely to see breeds like the Bulldog, the Mastiff, or the Pekingese competing in these trials due to their lack of speed and athleticism. Breeds like the Belgian Malinois, the Labrador Retriever, or the German Shepherd are commonly seen in competition, but don’t always rank at the top of the leaderboard. Here is a look at 10 high-ranking agility breeds
1. Border Collie
Honestly, it’s not surprising for the Border Collie to be at the top of another list. Renowned as the smartest breed of dog, the Border is incredibly agile, fast, and their stamina can outpace several other breeds. This herding breed has the determination and a strategic mind to make them an excellent choice for agility competitions.
2. Australian Shepherd
Robust energy, mental prowess, and athletic ability make the Australian Shepherd a top choice. Not only does this herding breed have the right attributes to be an agility dog, but their friendly and playful personalities make them great trick dogs.
3. Shetland Sheepdog
Another herding breed, to add to the list of best agility dogs, is the Shetland Sheepdog. Also known as the Sheltie, this small breed was developed to handle the rugged terrain of Scotland’s Shetland Islands. They were bred to be alert, athletic, intelligent, and hard-working. Their graceful movements and critical thinking skills are a joy to watch as they maneuver through a course.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
Compact and full of spunk, the fearless Jack Russell Terrier might just wear you out before they even slow down. This little ball of energy has the stamina to make it through any obstacle course but also has the mental sharpness to follow commands when provided proper training. Their grit and playful attitudes will have them learning to fly through tunnels and jumping over bars in no time.
5. Papillon
For anyone who has ever known a Papillion, it’s probably not a surprise to see them on the list. Though small in size, the elegant Papillion is swift, enthusiastic, playful, and friendly. Not only is this breed willing to show you just how smart they are, but they are often vocal about it as well.
6. Poodle
More than beauty and grace, the Poodle is an athletic wonder. Ranked as the second most intelligent breed, they were originally developed as a sporting dog and a water retriever for hunters. They were developed to be sleek, fast, and agile. This talented breed also excels as a trick dog.
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
What the Pembroke Welsh Corgi might lack in height, they more than make up for in spirit. The PWC is a strong and athletic breed that is faster than it looks, and they can fly over hurdles with the best of them. Their spunk and fearlessness make them ideal agility competitors.
8. Golden Retriever
The charming Golden Retriever might be a surprise to see on this list. While they are known for their easy-breezy personality, they are also a sporting breed at heart. While they may not enter into an agility competition with the same drive as a Border Collie, you will never doubt that they had a blast doing it.
9. American Eskimo Dog
While not widely publicized as an agility dog, it is not surprising to find an American Eskimo Dog listed as a top-ranking competitor during trials. Known for their beautiful and fluffy white coat, this breed is clever of mind, always friendly, and considered one of the easiest breeds to train. The Eskie is a versatile breed that is both fun-loving and athletic.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It might come as a shock to know that the ultimate lapdog is also great at agility. The Cavalier is a Spaniel, and therefore, the sporting gene can be found at the core of this delightful breed. Not only is this playful breed quick and agile, but they’re also smart and devoted. While the Cavalier is not considered a highly driven breed, you’ll find that they do quite well in competition due to their athleticism and their ability to easily follow commands.
