The Best Dog Breeds for Agilty & Obedience

Agility and obedience are two popular competitions that dogs compete in with their handlers. Obedience trials involve demonstrations of the dog's steadfastness and ability and willingness to obey commands. Agility trials involve feats of physical prowess and demonstrate the dog's ability to navigate complex obstacles and take directions from their handlers. Any breed of dog can participate in both types of event, but certain breeds excel due to traits they possess.

  1. Shetland Sheepdog

    • Shetland Sheepdog

      Shetland sheepdogs resemble miniature collies in many respects. They are intelligent and very easy to train. Intense devotion to their handler is a hallmark of the breed. They are friendly but may become shy around strange people. Dogs of this sure-footed and agile breed have earned the nickname "Shelties." According to the American Kennel Club, the sheltie "is one of the most successful obedience breeds, but also excels in agility, herding and conformation."

    Border Collie

    • Border Collie

      Border collies are frequent competitors in agility and obedience trials and are often heavily represented among the winners of these competitions. The American Kennel Club describes them as the "workaholic of the dog world," and this breed rarely ever disappoints. Known for being phenomenal sheep herders, border collies are intelligent, keen and quick-footed. They possess a natural agility and ability to reason. Their ability to work without direction from their handler makes them a natural for agility and obedience competitions.

    Australian Shepherd

    • Australian Shepherd

      Fondly referred to as "Aussies," Australian shepherds are intelligent and active dogs that often dominate agility and obedience competitions. Their name is misleading, as Australian shepherds actually originated in the Pyrenees Mountains. They were breed for herding livestock and are often still used for that purpose. Australian shepherds are the embodiment of a working dog. They are active and agile, and according to the American Kennel Club, this breed "lives for his job" and needs a "sense of purpose to be truly content." These characteristics make the Australian shepherd a perfect fit for agility and obedience.

    Pyrenean Shepherd

    • Pyrenean shepherds, like Australian shepherds, originated in the Pyrenees Mountains. They love to work and are often referred to as "Pyr Sheps." According to the American Kennel Club, the Pyrenean shepherd is a "supurb canine athlete who excels at agility and other dog sports."

    Australian Cattle Dog

    • Australian Cattle Dog

      Australian cattle dogs are the premier dog for herding cattle. These dogs need plenty of room to run. Their intelligence and agility make them a natural for obedience and agility competitions. They are devoted to the task at hand and will rise to meet the challenges they face. They have won American Kennel Club titles in both agility and obedience.