Yorkshire Terrier

In a nutshell: Friendly, happy and loves attention, pretty smart and high on cute factor!

Known as: Yorkie

Description: Very beautiful, stunning really, long haired terrier with tail and bow on her head to help her see.

Temperament: Loves attention and will work well when she wants to. Loves people especially babies. Friendly and happy.

Advantages as an agility dog:

• Different breed and a joy to watch. Everyone stops to watch and must be the most photographed dog. 

• Very clever

• A clear on almost every course

• Good at contacts

• Reliable

• Easy to train

Disadvantages as an agility dog:

• Not enough competitions so has to run with larger dogs in her group and in junior competitions.

• Not the fastest of dogs.

Rating out of 10: Entertainment 10/10 – she’s very cute, Enthusiasm 7/10 – sometimes doesn’t feel like doing agility. Ability: 9/10 – excellent, reliable agility dog but is slow.

Examples of dogs that have done well in agility: Vanessa Hardin's Trent came third at Olympia in 1990 and won through to Advanced. In fact, he went clear at an Exemption show last week but the vet has advised due to his heart he really should stop agility now. He is 14!

What's it like to live with as a pet: Very nice to the other pets – puts the rabbit and the hamster before herself. Very entertaining and playful. Will give you comfort when you're sad and will play with you whenever you want. Very low maintenance. 

Would you buy another one for agility? No, we would only buy any dog as a pet. If they like agility, that’s a bonus.

Source: Karyn Simpson & Vanessa Hardin