Best Dogs for Agility
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for agility in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for agility evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Border Collie
The Border Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from United States, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 40–65 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Scotland, this small-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 15–25 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Whippet
The Whippet earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from England, this medium-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 25–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Poodle
The Poodle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this medium-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 40–70 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from England, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 4–7 lbs and lives 11–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 11–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Germany, this small-sized breed from the Terrier group weighs 11–20 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Belgium, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 8–10 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from United States, this small-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 20–40 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Wales, this small-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 25–30 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$2000