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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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5. German Shepherd
There's very little German Shepherds don't excel at, from being brilliant guard dogs and police dogs, to being wonderful family pets and guide dogs. You can add agility to the list, with the breed more than making up with their comparative lack of speed with a dedication to perfection. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Belgian Malinois
Powerful yet incredibly nimble, Belgian Malinois possess explosive acceleration, impressive jumping ability and outstanding body control. Their athleticism allows them to tackle demanding agility courses with precision. Good dog. | Canva/Getty Images
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7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
They may not look particularly sporty, but Pembroke Welsh Corgis have won many of the world's most prestigious agility competitions. They are incredibly fast for pups with such a short stature and are utterly fearless in the face of obstacles. | Getty Images
8. Whippet
Whippet good! Built for speed, Whippets combine powerful acceleration with exceptional flexibility and balance. Their streamlined bodies allow them to change direction quickly while maintaining impressive momentum. They are fairly lazy generally though, so expect a long nap after any exertion. | Getty Images