Agility made its debut as a dog demonstration at Crufts in 1978. It is a sequence of obstacles which the dog has to negotiate against the clock. A dog that completes the obstacles correctly within the time set will achieve a "Clear Round". 'Faults' are awarded for errors just like showjumping. The winner is the quickest dog with the lowest number of faults.

Dogs of all different sizes can compete in their own class. Large Dogs are over 430mm at the withers, Medium Dogs are between 350mm  and 430mm  and Small Dogs are under 350mm. Dogs must be 18 months of age and fit to compete.

There are several levels of agility beginning at Grade 1  progressing to Grade 7 which then entitles that dog to compete in Championship classes.  The higher the grade the more complicated the course layout.

Generally speaking there are two types of course, Jumping and Agility. The difference is that Agility courses have 'contact' obstacles such as the A-frame and See-saw. Each obstacle must conform to the standards laid down by the Kennel Club,