Agility started in 1978 at Crufts, and the first demonstration was by a few enthusiasts who used a combination of Working Trials and Show Jumping equipment, and a little Obedience. It was so popular that it returned to Crufts in 1979 as a formal competition.

• Agility is now the fastest growing canine sport, reflecting its huge popularity.
• There are approximately 9,000 dogs taking part in Agility in the UK.
• The fastest time for a dog to weave between 60 poles is 12.14 seconds by a German Shepherd Dog.
• World record for the highest jump cleared by a dog is 167.6cm/66 inches achieved by a Greyhound.

At the International Agility Festival 2007…

• There are 2,168 dogs taking part at the Festival
• There will be 150 classes giving 150 first place winners
• There will be a total of 12,750 runs with 3,000 rosettes and 400 trophies to be won
• 22 countries will be competing: 
  • England
  • Denmark
  • Australia
  • Croatia
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Lithuania
  • Netherlands
  • S Africa
  • Switzerland
  • USA
  • Wales
  • France
  • Scotland
  • Italy
  • Jersey
  • N Ireland
  • New Zealand
  • Russia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
• The smallest breed competing at the IAF 2007 is the Papillon from the Toy group 
• The most popular breeds of dog competing at the International Agility Festival are the Border Collie and the Working Sheepdog
• An average jumping class will be completed in 30 seconds, with up to 20 obstacles
• There are 3 different levels of jumping heights; large dogs 65cms, medium dogs 45cms, and small dogs 35cms.

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