Instructions
How to Choose an Agility Puppy
Discuss your desire for a new puppy with someone who is actively involved in agility. A good mentor will be able to discuss the sport in depth with you and help you decide what qualities you want in your dog.
Make a list of all the traits you want your puppy to have. Most successful agility dogs are highly intelligent, very fast and able to maneuver quickly around the ring. Short-faced or otherwise brachycephalic, or pug-nosed breeds do not do as well in competition due to their inability to take in as much air.
Decide what breed of dog you wish to compete with. The most successful agility dogs are herding breeds such as border collies, Australian shepherds and Shetland sheepdogs. They are focused, fast and flexible, allowing them to excel in the sport. Other breeds can also be used in competition, as long as they are healthy and well trained.
Talk to agility competitors in your chosen breed to find out what breeder they would recommend. Reputation travels quickly among canine competitors and good breeders will be frequently mentioned.
Contact breeders you are interested in to discuss the possibility of purchasing a puppy from them. Let them know of your desire to become involved in agility and they will let you know if they have any puppies available.
Ask to see health records of any potential puppies and their parents. Agility is a very stressful sport and is hard on the dog’s body. You want a puppy from lines with no known genetic conditions or current illnesses.
Visit potential puppies in person to properly evaluate them. You should choose a puppy that is outgoing and bold, as an agility dog needs to be willing to tackle strange obstacles on the course. A meek or timid puppy will not generally be bold enough to properly compete on the course.
Expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000 for an agility prospect, depending on how rare your chosen breed is. More common breeds such as border collies are often more affordable than a rare breed such as Norwich terriers. Do not base your puppy decision on price, as a good agility prospect is well worth the cost.
How to Choose an Agility Puppy
Agility is by far one of the most popular dog sports. It is a fast-paced event in which dog and handler navigate a carefully constructed course of obstacles. The dog must jump over hurdles, run through tunnels and climb over contact obstacles faster than the other dogs in order to be presented with an award. Selecting the correct puppy as a partner is an important step in the agility process, and can be difficult without proper research. Knowing exactly what you want in a prospect will lead to future agility success.