Which breed for agility trials?

[gonzorogers]

My husband and I are looking for a dog that would be good for agility training. Can anyone suggest a good breed that is not aggressive?
Thanks

[kiska171]

Yep i can ... Border collies not only are they good agilities dogs but they are sweet smart cute and loyal! I had one (but i would suggjest gettin a girl i think you might know why) But on animal planet they have a agility show and Border collies are on there alot!

[RachelJ]

If you're interested in a smaller dog, poodles are exceptional. A recent agility trial I saw had two of the tiniest yorkshire terriers who were aces in agility. They actually flew around the course.

[This message has been edited by RachelJ (edited April 07, 2001).]

[AdoreMyDogs]

Border collies are alot of dog. You have to be really experienced with handling and behavior to attempt a border collie. They are by far the best in agility no doubt about it. They out-smart and out-run every other breed in agility but they also out-smart the inexperienced handler. If you are very proficent in dog handling, behavior, body signals, then a border collie might work perfect but they are more dog then any breed I can think of. I love border collies, don't get me wrong, but even with all the experience I have with dogs and dog training, I still don't think I know enough about dog psychology to attempt getting a border collie. I have TONS of respect for those people who are proficient with that breed.

It's not a breed to be taken lightly. They must have constant stimulation, excersise, and challanges, otherwise they may be very difficult house dogs. And no matter how much stimulation you give some border collies, there are some that simply can't be house dogs, no matter how much stimulation they recieve. You have to be careful where you get the pup and make sure the parents are comfortable being house dogs, some are bred for working dogs only and just CAN'T be happy as a pet.

So if you do get a border collie, expect it to be an excellent agility dog, but also make sure you are well aware that they are more of a challange then most breeds.

[Sudilar]

As I observe our agility classes, I also find that Border Collies are excellent at agility. I agree that they are very, very active dogs the rest of the time, too. They need a lot of exercise and work to keep them happy! There are a lot of Goldens in the classes, too. My GSD is a slow-poke at agility. She'd rather go look for me in the crowd and then go back and do the course!
Sue

[Karen]

Why not go to your local shelter, and check out the dogs there, especially young ones who might have been given up for being "too active" or "too destructive" - that way you rescue a dog that probably has great agility potential, and save a life!

"Too destructive" is practically a code for "smart dog who is bored and understimulated."

[ilovehounds]

I agree with Karen 100 % any dog can be a good agility dog given the time and training, I have a beagle who loves and is good at agility, she is quick and willing to learn anything I have taught her everything myself we just do it for fun and excersice. I would check out yourlocal shelter. :0)

[I Love My Aussie]

I recommend a herding breed. Australian shepherd, an Australian cattledog, or a border collie would be my choice. Poodles are very smart along with retrievers.

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*Get a Grip Get an Aussie*

[strawberry_puff13]

Almost any dog can be good at agility--but I would recomend a Rottweiler or German Shepherd. If trained well, neither are aggressive with their owners.

[Rottie]

The border collie rules the agility ring!

But, if they don't have enough exercise, they can be trouble!

[Sophies Daddy]

Papillons are the small dog to have in agility. They excel in the sport and enjoy the challenge tremendously. As odd as it seems because paps are relatively obscure, I am willing to bet that any agility center that you visit will have a papillon photo on the wall (provided that they put photos of their and their student's dogs on the wall).

Have fun, intelligence, and companionship all in one package: get a papillon!

You can get to the papillon rescue page by visiting www.papillonclub.org/rescue . Becoming the forever home for one of these wonderful souls will certainly be a rewarding and uplifting experience! (Aside from the fact that they just love people who aspire to do good things with their rescues.)

[Sophies Daddy]

By the way...

Papillons, while high energy outdoors, are relatively low energy indoors. This is something else to think about considering that most of the other agility breeds are high energy indoors and potentially destructive if they don't get their daily exercise. Generally, destruction is not a problem with paps as they are usually perfectly content to just be near you (if not in your lap).

[Logan]

You're beginning to sound like a salesman, Sophie's Dad!!! You know I'm teasing. I think you are giving great advice on your breed of choice.
Actually, I think that any enthusiastic, energetic dog will do. I have a fast, enthusiastic Golden Retriever....but I have learned through agility training....this only works in our own backyard and on Honey's terms. She has completely failed at agility. Her tail stays between her legs and she refuses many of the agility props, especially the tunnels and chutes. I've decided I'd better accept her like she is, and just keep her here, and anything we achieve is progress.
Good luck with your choice!
Logan

[Sophies Daddy]

I came across an interesing list of statistics that should be of interest to anyone interested in an agility or obedience dog. I got this information courtesy of Deb Jones & Copper (her Papillon) :

I was looking through the year 2000 AKC statistics and thought people might
be interested in titles earned by Papillons. People were pretty busy this
past year!

260 Champions
46 CD (Companion Dog)
18 CDX (Companion Dog Excellent)
7 UD (Utility Dog)
1 UDX (Utility Dog Excellent)
3 OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion)
(only one other toy dog earned an OTCH last year -- a Chinese Crested)
1 TD (Tracking Dog)
64 NA (Novice Agility Standard)
45 OA (Open Agility Standard)
23 AX (Agility Excellent Standard)
14 MX (Master Agility Standard)
70 NAJs (Novice AgilityJumpers)
41 OAJ (Open Aglity Jumpers)
26 AXJ (Agility Excellent Jumpers)
18 MXJ (Master Agility Jumpers)
7 MACH (Master Agility Champion) (the only toy breed to earn this title!)

Deb Jones & Copper
U-CDX Dewdrop's I'mtoosexyformyears, CD, OA, OAJ, CGC

[TollSettFK]

THE PERFECT dog for that would be the Irish Setter!!!! They can run all day, are sooo effectionate, thier not agressive in the least,thier competitive, and thier also beautiful! They would be THE PERFECT dog.We used to own two, and I have to say, they are high strung, but they have so much a gility, they could run all day!