Who Runs Small Dogs In Dog Agility

Teacup Dog AgilityWe posed the question awhile back about who runs small dogs in dog agility and we got a ton of responses.  It is so much fun to read everyone’s stories and to see how many different breeds love to take part in our great sport.  Here is a sample of the replies we got.  If you run small dogs we would love to hear your stories as well.

I do agility with my Boston Terrier, Max. We have done several CPE trials and just finished our last “Q” we needed for the entire level 1 and received our first “Q” in level 2 Standard. Max loves agility. He is very fast and it is hard to always keep up with him. Our biggest problem is he periodically wanders a bit before taking the next obstacle. Oh, and another big problem, if he gets the opportunity, sees his leash, he runs right to it and proceeds to run all over the course with it! He is known as the class clown and some people have called him turbo Max at the trials. These two things are frustrating to me because he knows how to do all of the obstacles. We just started doing trials this April. – Rexene

I am just starting agility with my Chihuahuas. My first dog, Rosie, just finished basic, and is now in intermediate. She took to it right away, but she loves doing tricks, so I think the light bulb came on early. She seems to really enjoy it and is going into her first trial May 3rd. So many people with tiny dogs don’t ever do anything with them…and they just live inside and sleep on couches and beds. My friend just got a rescue Chihuahua who is 1 1/2, and had never been on a leash, never been outside AT ALL (used piddle pads in an apartment), and is now learning agility! When she got this dog, it never left it’s bed unless you picked it up…such strange behavior for such a young dog. Just didn’t know there was a whole world of fun out there. It is fun watching the transformation of a scared little dog to one confidently jumping over the jump or going through the tunnel.

I do agility with my Boston Terrier (we are still in training) and love cheering on the “other black and white agility dog”s out there, despite also running a border collie and one day I hope my new baby GSD will be one of those larger breeds burning up the course. – TeamBlue

I do agility with my Bichon Frise. Our biggest obstacle is having people take us serious when we show up at a trial. People who have not seen my speed demon wild child run a course before they give us side way looks. I have even had people asked us if we were at the trial to watch. Jokes on them! My little guy may be adorable but he is a hard core athlete who loves to run, jump and weave!!! – Flying Bichon

I have two small long-haired female dachshunds and both have tried agility classes. One girl is very athletic and we continue with her classes, which are just for fun and not competition. The other girl doesn’t have the aptitude or interest, and we decided she would be the agility “mascot.” (The one obstacle she loves is the tunnel, though, probably because it was the first thing that I introduced to her.) – Kathleen320

well i do agility in the uk and i do it with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Chihuahua – roxiesagilitydogs

My (very stubborn) long-hair mini daxie does agility. Not competition, but for fun. Of course, he doesn’t really do it well, but he can do it. The biggest challenge I have with a small dog is making sure they don’t crawl under the jump. (He kept doing this for the longest time, and still will when he gets bored with it!) All you have to do is take a blanket and toss it over the bar. It worked for Bowser, but I’m not sure if another dog would figure out he could push through it. – NCIsraeliSpeed

A great big “High Five” for all you out there that don’t let sterotypes keep you and your small dog away from competitions.  And if you are looking for a start into this great sport with your small dog be sure to click on over to our website, www.affordableagility.com and check out our full line of practice and competition Teacup Agility Equipment.