Home Dog Care Behavior

What breeds tend to make the best agility dogs?

(1.37MB)

What breeds tend to make the best agility dogs?

Listen

At dog agility trials, a dog must negotiate a series of obstacles on a prescribed course, moving through the course as quickly as possible. The arrangement of the obstacles is different with every run, so the dog relies on its handler to direct its path. A good agility dog must be quick, agile, hard working, and energetic.

All breeds can compete in agility, but not all are equally suited to this demanding activity. Various herding dogs tend to get the best results—shetland sheepdogs, border collies, australian shepherds, and pembroke welsh corgis. These breeds have the right stuff to excel—natural athleticism, built-in agility and stamina, and a willingness to focus and follow commands while working off-leash.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

Top