How to Choose Your Next Agility Dog
When you’re hooked on dog agility, it’s only natural to start thinking about getting your next dog, especially one that’s purpose-bred for the sport. While many people start with a family pet or rescue dog in agility, those looking to excel often seek out a dog specifically bred for performance. But how do top handlers choose their next agility dog? In this article, we’ll break down the key factors to consider, from selecting a breed to working with breeders.
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Understanding Your Commitment To Agility Dog
One of the first things to think about when choosing a new agility dog is whether the breed fits your lifestyle, not just your agility goals. Agility is a demanding sport, but it’s only a small part of the dog’s life. It’s important to ask yourself if you’d be happy with a particular breed even if agility wasn’t part of the equation. While some breeds excel in agility, they may come with other characteristics that don’t align with your everyday life.
For example, some high-energy breeds might be amazing in the agility ring but require constant physical and mental stimulation at home. If something happened to prevent your dog from competing in agility—whether due to an injury or unforeseen circumstances—would you still be content having that dog in your household? It’s essential to ensure that the breed’s temperament, energy level, and overall needs are a good fit for you and your family, beyond just the agility course.
Start Your Search For An Agility Dog Early
When you’re serious about finding a dog for agility, timing and planning are critical. Getting a dog from a reputable breeder takes time, so it’s important to begin your search well before you’re ready to bring a puppy home. Establishing a relationship with a breeder is a process that shouldn’t be rushed. Breeding is complex, and puppies from desirable agility lines are often in high demand.
Start by researching breeders who specialize in the breed you want. Reach out to them, not necessarily to get a dog right away, but to build a connection. Let them know your goals, your preferred timeline, and what you’re looking for in an agility dog. By starting early, you increase your chances of being considered when the right litter becomes available, and you can stay informed about upcoming breedings.
Focus on Lineage and Traits
Once you’ve decided on a breed, the next step is to focus on specific lineages that produce the traits you’re looking for. When selecting a dog for agility, many handlers research a dog’s family lines extensively. This includes looking at the parents, siblings, and even extended family like cousins or aunts, to understand the traits that run in those lines. If a particular dog stands out to you on the agility field, finding out where that dog came from and learning about its breeding can help you track down a litter with similar potential.
A repeat breeding — when a sire and dam that previously produced successful agility dogs are bred again — is often a great option for getting a dog with known qualities. While not all puppies in a litter will have the exact same traits, a repeat breeding offers a level of predictability based on past results.
When looking at potential litters, it’s essential to examine the parents for agility-specific qualities such as speed, athleticism, and structure. In some cases, you might need to dive deeper into the lines to find the specific traits you want, such as exceptional jumping ability or fast reaction times. Handlers often choose lines known for excelling in certain aspects of agility, so taking the time to do this research can significantly improve your chances of finding the right dog.
The Importance of Relationship Building with Breeders
A key part of getting a top-quality agility dog is building a strong relationship with the breeder. Some breeders have a reputation for producing dogs that excel in agility, while others may focus on other traits such as herding or conformation. The right breeder will understand your goals and work with you to find a dog that aligns with your needs.
When developing this relationship, communication is essential. Let the breeder know what you’re looking for in a dog, what your agility goals are, and how you plan to train and care for the dog. A good breeder will also take the time to understand whether you’re a good fit for the dogs they produce, as they want to place their puppies in homes where they will thrive.
Breeders often have different methods for matching puppies with buyers. Some prioritize placing puppies in homes where they’ll achieve high levels of success in agility, while others may prioritize factors such as size, temperament, or other personal preferences. Be clear about what you’re looking for, and be open to the breeder’s advice on which puppy might be best for you.
Avoid Common Pitfalls When Selecting Your Next Agility Dog
One common mistake that many agility newcomers make is rushing the process by putting down deposits on puppies without doing proper research. While deposits can secure a spot in a litter, they can also lock you into a situation that may not be ideal. If you’ve set your heart on a specific breeding because of the traits in that particular cross, be sure to confirm the details before placing a deposit. Some breeders will transfer deposits to future litters if the current one doesn’t work out, but that next litter may not have the qualities you’re looking for.
It’s important to recognize that not all dogs from agility lines will turn out to be perfect agility competitors. Health issues or unexpected temperament traits may arise. Even with careful research, you should be prepared for the possibility that things won’t go exactly as planned. However, by focusing on finding a dog that fits your life beyond agility, you’ll still have a loving and loyal companion.
What Matters Most in an Agility Dog?
Ultimately, top agility handlers prioritize certain traits based on their own experience and goals. For some, athleticism and speed are essential, while others focus on qualities like trainability or livability. The key is to know what you value most in a dog.
Jumping ability, for instance, is often a deal-breaker for experienced handlers. It’s a challenging skill to teach and refine, so many handlers look for dogs whose lines have a strong history of successful jumpers. Others might be willing to sacrifice a bit of speed for a dog that is more trainable and easier to live with day-to-day. Your preferences should reflect both your performance goals and your home life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your next agility dog is a significant decision, one that goes beyond just picking the fastest or most athletic dog. It’s about finding a balance between performance, temperament, and compatibility with your lifestyle. By researching the breed, focusing on the right lines, and building a relationship with a breeder, you can improve your chances of finding a dog that excels on the agility field while being a joy to have at home.
Take your time with this process. With careful planning and thoughtful consideration, you’ll be well on your way to finding your perfect agility partner
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single “best” breed for agility, but some popular breeds for agility include Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, and Belgian Malinois. The best breed for you depends on your goals, experience, and lifestyle.
Temperament is critical. Agility dogs need to be focused, eager to learn, and able to handle the excitement of the agility environment. A high-energy dog can perform well, but only if they can stay controlled and responsive to commands.
Both puppies and adult dogs can be trained for agility, but starting with a puppy allows you to shape their training from an early age. Adult dogs may come with pre-existing habits but can still be successful if they have the right temperament and physical abilities.
Yes! Many rescue dogs excel in agility. While their background may be unknown, a rescue dog with the right temperament and physical condition can become an excellent agility dog with proper training.
While you can’t predict a puppy’s full potential, traits like curiosity, confidence, and an eagerness to interact with people and toys are positive signs. Look at the lineage for any history of agility success.
Yes, any breed can participate in agility. However, certain breeds may have natural advantages due to their physical traits, like speed, agility, and responsiveness. Smaller breeds or less athletic dogs may need modified training.
Some of the largest and most recognized agility organizations include the American Kennel Club (AKC), United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC), and Canine Performance Events (CPE). Each organization offers different types of competitions and rules.
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