Often called “drag racing for dogs,” Flyball is a relay race where two teams of four dogs compete head-to-head. Each dog races over four hurdles, triggers a spring-loaded box to release a ball, and dashes back over the jumps before the next teammate can start. Timing and teamwork are everything — if a ball is dropped or a pass is too early, the run has to be repeated.

What makes Flyball so exciting is that dogs of every size, shape, and breed over the age of 12 months can take part. To keep things fair, the height of the hurdles is set according to the ulna (foreleg bone) of the shortest dog on the team, meaning short-legged breeds like Corgis jump smaller hurdles than taller dogs. Jumps range from 18 cm to 35.5 cm, so everyone can compete. The atmosphere is electric — spectators are encouraged to clap and cheer for their favourite team, and many dogs actually run faster the louder the crowd gets!

Unlike traditional trials, Flyball runs as race meets. Teams are grouped into divisions based on speed, so everyone gets a fair go. The fastest compete in Division 1, while slower teams are placed in lower divisions, ensuring close and competitive racing for all. At big events, like the Australian Flyball Association’s (AFA) National Championships, there can be up to 10 divisions, along with special veteran (7 years and older) and open divisions. Racing here is handicapped to keep things balanced and competitive across all teams.

Flyball first came to Australia in 1982, starting in Perth. For years it remained a demonstration-only sport until the formation of the Australian Flyball Association in 1996, which established Flyball as an organised, national activity. Since then, the sport has grown rapidly, with clubs now active across most states. In 2019, Dogs Australia formally recognised Flyball as an official ANKC discipline, cementing its place as part of the wider dog sport family.

Over the years, advances in box design, training techniques, and safety practices have made the sport faster, more competitive, and safer for dogs. Today, Flyball is a truly international sport with competitions held in the US, Canada, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. While Australian teams mostly run outdoors on grass, overseas competitions are often held indoors on mats due to extreme weather.

For Corgis, Flyball is a natural fit — they’re fast, clever, and full of enthusiasm. It’s a sport that combines speed, teamwork, and fun, offering both dogs and handlers a chance to shine while celebrating the athletic spirit of our beloved breed.

✨🐾 For full rules and regulations, please see the Dogs NSW website.