What dog breed is best for agility?

Question

I have a cocker spaniel/dachsund mix, and I'm just wondering if she would be good at agility. (I doubt it, because she has realy short legs, but I'm still wondering.)

Answer 1

small shepherds and collies seem to take the national titles most often. All breeds can be trained and enjoy the sport though, It's great exercise for both you and your dog.

Answer 2

Since speed and agility are of an essence your dog may not win at agility, but you and she can still have fun at it.

Border collies are the most common agility breed. There are also Australian shepherds and Australian cattledogs that are excellent agilty dogs. There's a new designer breed (don't breed them!) that is a mix of the Jack Russell (Parson's) Terrier and a border collie. This is a HIGH ENERGY dog with a tenacious appetite for activity- some people are using them in agility and flyball, but you have to be willing to make that kind of dog your life.

Some mutts do well in agility. There is also small dog agility.

Your dog MIGHT do well in Earthdog trials. If it has enough of the dachshund to enjoy digging that might be a sport for you.

Answer 3

Generally herding breeds and some of the larger sporting breeds like retrievers are best. The most important thing, though, is good angulation of the front assembly (front legs and how they tie in to the body). Lack of angulation means there is no absorbtion of the impact when the body hits the ground. This can significantly impact the useful life of the dog leading to soft tissue injuries.
The most important attributes other than physical in an agility dog are a desire to please and be with you. Many breeds of dogs are not particularly driven to please people and many individual dogs are not driven to please or even driven by food. A lack of this will mean agility is a chore rather than the fun it should be. But, a motivated dog and handler can compete. if the dog has shorter legs, look into a 'preferred' program which gives allowances to dogs of certain conformation or allows extra time for the runs.
Here's a good discussion of the issues in agility with conformation: http://www.flyingdogpress.com/fluffyhup.html

Answer 4

For a dog to be good at agility they need to be trainable, fit and healthy and motivated. Generally medium sized dogs that come from a working line or have some working breed traits do best at agility in competition but if you are looking to take up agility with your dog for fun then any breed can learn.

There is no definitive "Top 10 best breed for agility list" and various groups have varying opinions as regards what breeds top the agility league table. Opinions vary from border collies to medium size mixed breeds to Jack Russell terriers. However it does seem to be that the Border Collie is the dominant agility breed.

The following breeds tend to have the speed, motivation and working ability to do well at agility:.

Collies, German Shepherd, Retrievers, Jack Russell Terriers, etc

Answer 5

I have seen Doxie's in agility! They may not be the top speed in their classes, but they can still participate and enjoy the sport all the same!

As for specific breeds, there are a few that really stand out in agility. Border Collies excel at it and I think the nation's top 4 agility dogs are BCs. Shelties, Golden Retrievers, Australian Shephards, Poodles all do really well in this sport too. Pretty much, any healthy and fit dog can do it. Great excercise and fun for both of you.

Answer 6

Border Collies are the ultimate agility dog. Other breeds can be ok but tend to burn out & don't have the high drive like collies. Poodles, shelties & jack russells are the favourite fast breeds for mini agility.

Answer 7

I have 10 dachshunds and they all have short legs...but they are really good with agility. Dachshunds can be better than most brees if they are tought correctly because they arent as big as other dogs so they can move faster. Dachshunds were originally bread to hunt an animal that was fast and switched directions at a fast pace so they are meant to be able to switch directions easily and at a fast pace as well, which is a good portion of what is required for agility. So if you train your dog well and stick to it, it should be very very good for agility!

Answer 8

Boarder Collies and basically any type of herding breed. Dogs with short legs can still do agility though. A lot of people have their Corgi's do agility and they have very little legs also. Your dog just has to be obedient and have a lot of energy.

Answer 9

The Border Collie

Answer 10

Honestly, any dog can be good with agility, from large to big, it all depends on the training. I would recommend looking into different training facilities in your area, and seeing what type of dogs they specialize in. Border collies or Aussies are more commonly seen, but I have seen dobermans, chihuahuas, all shapes and sizes in agility contests.

Answer 11

You sure could use her for agility. It'd be a great thing for her and you to do, great exercise for her body and mind. It will give you two a great relationship, too. She may not be great at competing, but it'd be great to keep her strong and fit. Try simple things at first, like sit, stay (for longer and longer periods) then possily go more into the agility, like jumping, weaving, tunnels and such. Some places also sell starter kits for agility. Good luck with her! :)