6 best dog breeds for agility and training
Many dogs can excel at agility, however, Border Collies, Labradors and Jack Russell Terriers are among the breeds more commonly seen in agility competitions.
"There are a few behaviour traits that work nicely with agility such as a willingness to learn new skills. You can find these attributes in many dog breeds, however, there's a few who are generally known for these traits," Gemma Renwick, vet nurse at the PDSA, tells Country Living.
"It's handy for any prospective owners to keep in mind though, ultimately your dog's individual personality, experiences and training will determine if they enjoy agility or not, and this can vary across dogs of the same breed — no two dogs are the same."
What is dog agility?
Agility is a popular dog sport where the dog competes in an obstacle course. Dating back to 1970 in England, dog agility was first shown to an audience at the Crufts dog show in 1978.
It can be a nice hobby for dogs and their owners or can be taken more seriously at international competitions. Like any sport, agility can be physically demanding for dogs, so your dog must be healthy to take part.
How can your dog get involved with agility?
"There are lots of different ways to get involved with agility, but the most important thing to consider before you start is whether it will be fun for both you and your dog," says Gemma.
"Think about your dog's temperament. Do they like trying new things, or do they tend to be a bit nervous in strange situations? Do they enjoy learning? Agility involves using obstacles and can involve lots of new experiences for your dog - especially if you're thinking about competing.
"So think: is this something your dog is likely to find fun? If not, then agility might not be for you. Although there's no specific breed that won't enjoy agility, some breeds may struggle more with certain obstacles depending on their size or shape. Generally, breeds who love to learn and are naturally inquisitive are likely to find agility easier."
Take a look at the top dogs for agility and training below:
Border Collie
According to the PDSA, Border Collies are the top dogs when it comes to agility. No other breed participates in as many agility competitions around the world.
"Border Collies' high intelligence, paired with their natural exploration desire, tends to make them quite a high-maintenance breed to spend your life with, but also can make them perfect for training such as agility training," says Gemma.
"Originally bred to work with sheep and cattle, they love keeping mentally and physically active and usually require owners who can keep up with them."
Poodle
"Poodles are generally considered to be very trainable and keen to get involved in activities," says Gemma.
"They tend to be playful and adventurous, and also enjoy the company of their people, which all make for a great recipe for success when it comes to agility."
Labrador
Labradors, especially from working bred lines, do very well at agility.
"Having originally been bred as Gundogs, they require a good amount of exercise, scent work, and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy. Due to this, they might be a good breed for trying out some agility training with," adds Gemma.
German Shepherd
"A favourite breed for working dogs in the Police force, as they are intelligent and easy to train," continues Gemma.
"Due to their nature, they require a good amount of exercise, scent work, and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy, but can also make loving family pets. The breed has been known to form strong bonds with their people, which can also help them really shine when they get involved in agility."
Jack Russell Terriers
Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty breeds, best known for their speed and love of running.
Gemma says: "You're likely to find that your Jack Russell can’t sit still and prefers to be with you all the time, whatever you're up to, which might be the perfect combination for some agility training. Smaller breeds also get their own class when competing in agility."
Crossbreeds and other breeds
And finally, any breed can take part in agility. Excelling at agility isn't breed-specific: with any dog, success at agility comes down to a combination of the dog's individual personality and the type of training provided by their owner.
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