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If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.
Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.
One thing to take into consideration is that some dogs are more agile than others – able to perform tricks, jumps and tasks others would balk at.
These breeds are the ones that often appear in the winners lists of dog agility competitions, where pups are challenged to complete complex obstacle courses.
Here are the 13 most agile breeds of dog.
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1. Border Collie
The ultimate dog when it comes to agility has to be the Border Collie. They have been bred to herd sheep and the same skills - along with their extreme intelligence - mean that they will tear around an agility course without a second thought. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are particularly good at the growing sport of flyball - where dogs race over a line of hurdles to collect a ball before running back to their owners. It's another intelligent herding breed that has no problem coping with complex commands. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken
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3. Australian Kelpie
The Australian's love of sport seems to extend to their canines. The Australian Kelpie is another dog from Down Under that excel at agility sports - being athletic and having a deep need to please their owner. | Canva/Getty Images
4. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most energetic breeds of dog you can find - seemingly impossible to tire out. It makes them a natural fit to whizz around agility courses, with their tiny frames meaning there's plenty of room for them to squeeze through the tightest of obstacles. | Canva/Getty Images