When it comes to playing frisbee with your dog, it’s not just about the perfect throw or the highest quality disc — having the right four-legged partner can make all the difference. And some dogs are certainly better than others when it comes to agility and retrieval.
So, which are the best frisbee dog breeds?
The best frisbee dog breeds, in no particular order:
- 1. Jack Russell Terrier
- 2. Rat Terrier
- 3. Whippet
- 4. Border Collie
- 5. German Shepherd
- 6. Australian Shepherd
- 7. German Shorthaired Pointer
- 8. Belgian Malinois
- 9. Australian Cattle Dog
- 10. Golden Retriever
- 11. Labrador Retriever
- 12. Weimaraner
- 13. American Pit Bull Terrier
- 14. McNab
- 15. Dalmatian
- 16. Standard Poodle
- 17. Vizsla
Skills That Make Good Frisbee Dog Breeds
Though most us think of our dogs as our companions and not our employees, all dogs were originally bred to help humans work in some way or another. Herding dogs like Shepherds and Sheepdogs were bred to herd livestock, for example. Hounds were bred for hunting. More specifically, their job involves finding game to hunt with their powerful senses of smell.
Similarly, sporting dogs like spaniels, retrievers, and pointers were also bred for hunting. However these dogs assist hunters in retrieving game after its been shot. Terriers like Jack Russells and Pit Bulls were initially bred to kill vermin, believe it or not.
So, which dogs were bred to catch frisbees? Well, none actually. But the game of frisbee does require a set of skills that overlap with traits typically found in dogs bred for chasing game, running long distances, and agile task-oriented work. Therefore, we can identify a number of dog breeds that are well suited for catching (and returning) a frisbee, due to the jobs they were historically used for.
Training for Frisbee Dog Breeds
Nevertheless, there is no dog that will automatically catch a frisbee in mid air and bring it back to you on the very first try without any proper training. Having a frisbee dog requires patience and consistency not only on the part of the dog, but even more so on the part of the dog’s owner. Training your dog, especially from a young age, is crucial. Even if your dog is on this list of best frisbee dog breeds.
Don’t forget, though, that training is fun! Teaching your dog to retrieve a frisbee is a great way to spend time with your dog. Not only does it provide exercise for your dog, you get a bit of a workout as well! Like most outdoor sports, frisbee has a lot of great health benefits for you and your pup.
But it doesn’t have to stop there. The frisbee Dog World Championship brings dogs and their owners from all over the globe to compete on the big stage (well, field). Who knows, maybe you and your future frisbee pup are champions in the making!
A Word of Caution
A word of caution: In 2014 the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom discontinued “the highest frisbee catch” and the “highest biggest catch” categories at the Scruffs Dog Show. This is because jumping high (well actually, landing after a high jump) can be dangerous and cause injury. We suggest learning how to properly throw a frisbee low to the ground before playing fetch with your dog.
Also, hard frisbees can damage your dog’s teeth and gums over time. Opt for a soft frisbee made of soft rubber to keep your dog’s mouth injury free. (We’ve heard the Kong Flyer is the best dog frisbees on the market.)
Read on to learn about the 17 best frisbee dog breeds for disc fetch. Note that this list is in no particular oder. And, you most certainly do not need a full bred dog to achieve your goal of frisbee champion stardom! A rescue dog or a hybrid dog that has one or more of these breeds would work just as well. In fact, a Whippet / Border Collie mix named Sailor made headlines in 2021 for a record-breaking 109 yard frisbee toss at a Calgary Stampeders football game!
1. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russel is a British terrier that was originally bred by a man named Jack Russel (go figure!) for fox hunting in the early 19th century. Chasing a fox requires lightening-fast reflexes and boundless energy: two traits that make Jack Russel Terriers one of the best frisbee dog breeds. Adjusting their trajectory mid-air? No problem! They are eager and tireless, and their intelligence makes them quick earners on the field.
One of the smaller breeds on this list, the Jack Russel is a classic-looking dog that’s had its fair share of the silver screen. Whether the star of the TV series Wishbone or the heroic Milo belonging to Jim Carry’s character in The Mask, Jack Russel’s have a knack for acting (likely due to their intelligence.) In fact, the Jack Russel on the long-running sitcom Frasier is reported to have received more fan mail than any other character on the show!
If you’re considering adding a Jack Russel to your family, know that their prey drive that makes these dogs great at frisbee also makes them not so great with small animals like cats, guinea pigs, or bunnies. They require a lot of exercise (like all the dogs on this list), so an active lifestyle is a must. Lively, inquisitive, and charming, these dogs are entertaining family pets. With a touch of tenacity and an inclination to be mischievous, they keep the energy high both on and off the field, making them great playmates for active individuals or families.
2. Rat Terrier
If you couldn’t guess by the name, Rat Terriers were bred to exterminate rodents. An American original, Rat Terriers is a tough dog with a compact build. They come in two size variations: the mini and the standard. Who said small dogs can’t jump!
These muscled dogs are bred for a long day’s work and will certainly have the stamina for a long frisbee training session. Due to their intense prey drive, Rat Terriers are not good off leash, as they’ll chase just about anything. This is great news though if you’re in a fenced in yard or park, and “anything” actually means “frisbee.”
Rat Terriers aren’t necessarily people pleasers and can be quite stubborn. They’re professional hole diggers and infamous escape artists, so keep that in mind. The being said, these dogs are a hoot to live with. Their funny, feisty personalities make them entertaining all day long. You won’t ever be bored with a Rat Terrier!
3. Whippet
Closely related to the Greyhound, the Whippet is a British sighthound and one of the best known frisbee dog breeds. It’s the fastest running breed of its size, so you better be able to throw that disc far and fast! In fact, the name “Whippet” is derived from an early 17th-century word that means “to move briskly.” Whippets were bred for catching rabbits, coursing competitions, and racing, according to Victorian English writers. Extremely fast and agile, these dogs will have no problem catching up to that frisbee.
Despite their speed, Whippets are mellow and gentle by nature. They make great family pets, though have a tendency to develop separation anxiety if not properly trained to be left alone. They also don’t tend to bark much, which is great if you live in an apartment! But not so great if you’re looking for a watch dog.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie is the most classic of the frisbee dog breeds. Go to a canine disc competition and you’re bound to see a slew of them. Border Collies are famous for their extremely high intelligence, and have been known to outsmart their owners. Their smarts make them great candidates for obedience training and agility. They are very fast and agile, and are exceptional at chasing fast moving objects and running long distances.
Originally bred for sheep herding, these dogs love chasing after toys — and can easily do it for hours on end. If you’re looking for a serious frisbee fetcher, the Border Collie is a great choice. That is, if you can keep up with their high energy needs.
Border Collies require a lot of space to run and don’t do well with families who travel often or don’t have the time and space for vigorous exercise. After a long day’s work, however, the Border Collie will love crawling in bed with you for a good snuggle.
5. German Shepherd
Though large breeds are not often though of as agility dogs, German Shepherds can certainly be trained to be excellent frisbee dog breeds. These dogs are extremely intelligent and can be easily trained. This is why they’re such popular choices for jobs like search and rescue, service dogs, or police. Their love of learning new commands will make teaching your German Shepherd fetch a breeze.
This being said, German Shepherds are prone to a painful condition called hip dysplasia and should only be taught to catch a frisbee after they’ve grown full size – about 12 months. We recommend checking out this blog post all about safety playing with your German Shepherd to learn more.
6. Australian Shepherd
Often ranked among the top five frisbee dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd dog is highly energetic and loves playing for long periods of time. Bred to herd farm animals, these pups enjoy obeying commands and spending time with their humans. They’re happiest when they can run freely on open ground and would surely love a good long game of fetch. Australian Shepherds are also very fast and nimble, so it’s no wonder they do so well in frisbee competitions!
Despite the name, Australian Shepherds hail from California originally and have long been popular dogs among ranchers. Their popularity spiked, however, once they began showing up on the rodeo circuit. Not only can they guide bulls, Australian Shepherds are pros at entertaining a crowd with their agile tricks and maneuvers.
Aussie Shepherds are highly intelligent and are great with children and other animals. This makes them great family pets IF you’re willing to spend ample time exercising them. These dogs have a lot of energy!
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are versatile hunting dogs that were originally developed by Germans in the late 1800s. Their razor-sharp instinct to follow small game make them risky to have off leash — but ideal if you’re goal is to chase a frisbee in a fenced in area.
The boundless energy of the German Shorthair Pointer makes this breed excel at virtually any sport it lifts a paw at. They love all outdoor sports: swimming, running, long walks, anything to burn energy. Frisbee is no exception. And, a good game of fetch with a flying disc is a great way to wear out this excellent frisbee dog breeds.
It’s worth noting that GSPs are not the easiest breed to train as they can be easily distracted. They often require a professional trainer. That being said, there isn’t a breed that looks more noble than the German Shorthair Pointer.
8. Belgian Malinois
Related to the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is a popular choice among military and police forces all around the world. This is because these dogs are extremely smart and very easy to train. They’re also strong, tough dogs who would do just about anything for their owner. Teach this dog how to fetch a frisbee and he’ll bend over backwards (literally) to do it for you. That’s what makes the Belgian Malinois one of the most consistent frisbee dog breeds.
Because Belgian Malinois dogs are so loyal to their human companions, they can become quite depressed (and destructive) if they aren’t given tasks or feel they’re neglected. Also known as Belgian Shepherds, these dogs aren’t always the best choice for first time dog owners or dog lovers who don’t have a lot of time for obedience training.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
Like a lot of the other herding dogs on this list, the Australian Cattle Dog has a lot of energy and a lot of stamina, which is why they’ve earned their spot on this list of frisbee dog breeds. They’re happiest when they’re active and they don’t tire quickly, which is why frisbee might be the perfect habit to form with your Australian Cattle Dog!
Australian Cattle Dogs are actually related to Dingos, Australia’s famous wild dog. They are compact and muscular and were originally bred to herd cattle on Australian ranches. The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is loyal, friendly, and outgoing. They love spending time with their owners, and thrive when given a task.
10. Golden Retriever
As the name suggests, Golden Retrievers are hard wired to retrieve. They love just about any type of fetch game, which makes them one of the best frisbee dog breeds. Initially bred in Scotland as a gun dog, these powerful animals are built to retrieve waterfowl for hours at a time. Now, they’re popular breeds for hunting and field work, search-and-rescue, competitive events, and as guides for the blind.
It’s no surprise that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs in the United States. They’re gentle and sweet, and have a happy-go-lucky attitude that has become their hallmark. Good natured and great with kids, Goldens are the go-to for many families looking for a frisbee dog.
11. Labrador Retriever
Similar to the Golden Retriever in their zest for life, Labrador Retrievers are great frisbee dog breeds. Their intelligence matched with their athleticism makes them great candidates for frisbee training. Like most of the dogs on this list, Labs are very active and are happiest when they get a lot of daily exercise.
Labs were originally developed in the United Kingdom from fishing dogs imported from Newfoundland in present-day Canada. They were named after the Labrador region of the Newfoundland colony.
Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breeds in the USA, according to the American Kennel Club. And it’s not hard to see why. Their outgoing, friendly personalities make them simply a joy to be around. With thick luscious coats in chocolate brown, yellow, or black, Labs are ideal candidates for families of any size (human family members and pet family members alike).
12. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a high-energy breed with long legs, and they benefit from getting the opportunity to run at full speed. Weimaraner dogs originally hail from Germany, where they were bred as hunting dogs for large game like deer and bear. Sometimes referred to as the ‘grey ghost,’ these dogs are sleek and fast. Quick leaners and eager to please, the Weimaraner is one of the top frisbee dog breeds and will pick up the sport in no time.
Weimaraners actually tend to do best when paired with another dog. Since Weimaraner’s require a lot of attention, they are prone to anxiety if under stimulated. Giving your dog a best bud can alleviate some of this anxiety and take some of the pressure off of you. For more info about the Weimaraner and the Weimsky (Husky / Weimaraner Mix), see our post here.
13. American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit Bulls love to play games—so with a little training, fetch could be his favorite activity. American Pit Bull Terriers are powerful, muscular creatures with a lot of stamina. They will truly benefit from a long game of fetch and though it may not be what their most known for, they could easily be one of the top frisbee dog breeds.
Despite their reputations, Pit Bulls are incredibly gentle. In fact, the American Temperament Test Society has ranked Pit Bulls as the 4th most gentile breed. But unfortunately, the characteristics that make Pit Bulls so tenacious in agility and obedience games also make them tough competitors in illegal dog fighting rings. We have dog fighters to blame for training Pit Bulls to be agressive, and not the breed itself.
American Pit Bull Terriers, when socialized normally, are great around kids and other pets, and they tend to retain a puppyish demeanor all through adulthood.
14. McNab
Though this breed isn’t officially recognized by any major kennel club, the McNab isn’t a frisbee dog breed to ignore. Sometimes referred to as the McNab Shepherd or the McNab Collie, this herding dog originated in Mendicino County, California. Bred to endure tough Californian conditions like heat, rugged terrain, and burrs, these dogs are rugged and athletic.
Though they at one time were used specifically by Mendicino ranchers, their population has grown across the United States in recent years. This is partly because many have found them useful not only as a working dog but also for disc dog competitions, dock diving, dog sledding, agility trails, and service work.
Unlike many other herding breads, however, these dogs are not hyperactive and will gladly rest on the couch with you as long as they’ve met their daily exercise requirements. Do note, however, that these dogs can be very assertive and demanding, so they’re best suited for firm owners with dog training experience.
15. Dalmatian
Most known for their iconic spotted coats, Dalmatians are perhaps the most easily recognized breed. They certainly make the list of top frisbee dog breeds, though their more likely known for their long history of helping firefighters. Their job was to run in front of the fire carriages to prevent other dogs from nipping at the horses.
Then in the 17th century, the English aristocracy used Dalmatians to run alongside their carriages to scare off robbers — and perhaps to add a touch of panache. Due to their ability to run long distances, Dalmatians are very athletic and energetic. Hence, their aptitude for frisbee games.
Dalmatians are very energetic and require families who can put in the time to exercise them. They can also be very independent and stubborn. For that reason, early obedience training is key. Positive reinforcement training works best.
16. Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are the largest of the three size variations of Poodle, standing more than 15 inches at the shoulder. Whatever pre-conceived notions you have about the Poodle, forget them now. Despite their prim and proper reputation, Standard Poodles are exceptionally smart, athletic, and eager dogs—making them one of the most versatile frisbee dog breeds.
Poodles are excellent family dogs. They’re gentle, patient, great with kids—and to boot, their hypoallergenic. They do require consistent grooming and will need to be taken to a groomer every month or so, unless you learn to do it yourself.
17. Vizsla
This red-coated gun dog hails from Hungary, where they were bred as loyal hunting companions. They are eager and graceful. And with the right training, could be one of the top frisbee dog breeds.
Vizslas tend to become very attached to their owners, making them fiercely loyal, but also prone to separation anxiety. Lively, affectionate, and gentle, the Vizsla can be a great furry friend for an active family.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dog that loves to play with dog toys, and more specifically, fetch frisbees, then you have plenty of fantastic options to choose from. If it’s a small size dog you’re after, Jack Russels, Whippets, and Rat Terriers are probably your best bets. The rest of the frisbee dog breeds on this list tend to be large to medium-sized dogs.
Once you’ve landed on your frisbee dog breed, be sure to do you research before you begin training your dog to catch a frisbee. Soft discs are safer than standard hard plastic frisbees. The best frisbees to use with dogs are light weight and made of soft rubber, which is less likely to damage a dog’s mouth. Start with throwing the disc a short distance to help build your dog’s confidence.
Also be sure to practice throwing the frisbee low to the ground so that you dog doesn’t need to jump too high to catch it. Landing from high jumps can be dangerous for your dog, especially if they’re still growing. And lastly, you’ll want to be consistent with your training sessions to not only provide your dog with good quality exercise, but to also work skill-building into their routine.
Fetch is one of the best outdoor activities to enjoy with your dog. If frisbee is your thing, than look no further then this list for your perfect playtime pup!