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13 Dogs That Can Jump Higher Than You’d Expect

13 Dogs That Can Jump Higher Than You’d Expect

Certain dog breeds are renowned for their impressive jumping skills, effortlessly clearing fences and obstacles.

These dogs are not just athletic but also energetic and lively, making them ideal partners for active families.

In this list, we’ll showcase the top jumping dog breeds, each with its own special traits and abilities. Get ready to discover these remarkable canines and their incredible leaping talents.

1. Basset Hound

Basset Hound
© elmer_the_basset

Could a dog with such short legs possibly jump high? The Basset Hound surprises many with its jumping prowess. Despite its adorable droopy appearance and stumpy legs, this breed can leap with surprising agility.

Originally bred for hunting, their strong hindquarters give them the boost needed to clear obstacles. In a playful outdoor setting, a Basset Hound might just take you by surprise with its enthusiastic jumping ability.

These hounds bring laughter and joy, proving that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to jumping skills.

2. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier
© DogsBestLife.com

Jack Russell Terriers are small yet highly energetic dogs, famous for their impressive jumping abilities.

Despite their size, they can leap several times their own height, demonstrating incredible agility, which makes them popular in dog sports and as active companions.

Their high energy demands regular exercise and mental challenges, so activities like fetch or agility courses are essential to keep them occupied.

Without proper outlets for their energy, Jack Russells may develop mischievous habits.

Their strong prey drive often leads them to chase smaller animals, so training focused on recall and impulse control is important to manage this instinct.

3. Border Collie

Border Collie
© Chewy.com

Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and agility, making them outstanding jumpers.

Their boundless energy and enthusiasm make them perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities, especially in sports like agility and frisbee, where their leaping abilities shine.

To stay happy and healthy, Border Collies need regular exercise to keep both their bodies and minds engaged; without it, they can become bored and develop undesirable behaviors.

Their quick learning abilities make them top contenders in dog sports, excelling in various challenges.

Owners of Border Collies should be ready to provide both physical and mental stimulation, as they thrive in environments that let them use their natural herding instincts.

4. Whippet

Whippet
© Merci Isle Whippets

Whippets are known for their speed and elegance, making them exceptional jumpers.

With their lean frames and powerful legs, they can effortlessly clear obstacles, earning them the nickname “miniature Greyhounds” due to their athleticism.

These dogs need regular exercise to stay in top physical condition and love sprinting in open spaces or taking part in agility courses.

Despite their active nature, Whippets are calm indoors and make great companions for both families and individuals.

To keep them happy and healthy, it’s important to provide them with opportunities to run and jump, while training should focus on recall to manage their instinct to chase moving objects.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherd
© Chewy.com

German Shepherds are celebrated for their versatility, intelligence, and impressive jumping abilities. Their strength and agility make them ideal for roles like police and military work, where these traits are crucial.

Known for their loyalty and protective instincts, German Shepherds are great family companions, though they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom.

Activities such as agility courses are perfect for channeling their energy in a positive way. With their trainable nature, German Shepherds excel in obedience and protection training, making them well-behaved and reliable pets.

6. Papillon

Papillon
© Dogster

Despite their small size, Papillons are incredibly agile and skilled jumpers, showcasing their talents in dog sports.

With their lively personalities and boundless energy, they excel in activities that keep them engaged, such as agility courses and trick training.

Daily exercise is essential for these dogs to avoid boredom and remain happy. Fearless and often unaware of their size, Papillons may need supervision to prevent injury during more active play.

Their friendly nature and intelligence make them wonderful companions for owners who are willing to engage with them regularly.

7. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd
© Riverview Grooming

Known for their high energy and impressive jumping skills, Australian Shepherds excel in activities like frisbee and agility courses.

Their athleticism makes them perfect for active households, where regular exercise and mental challenges are essential. Quick learners, they thrive in dog sports thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please.

While their strong herding instinct may lead them to herd people or pets, proper training can help channel this behavior positively.

These dogs are happiest when they have plenty of opportunities to engage both physically and mentally.

8. Vizsla

Vizsla
© DogTime

With their athletic build and powerful legs, Vizslas are known for their remarkable jumping abilities.

Their lean bodies allow them to clear obstacles effortlessly, making them perfect for active households and outdoor activities.

These dogs form strong bonds with their owners and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They excel in dog sports like agility and field trials, where their jumping skills are put to good use.

Training that focuses on positive reinforcement helps keep their minds engaged, and their affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions for families.

9. Pug

Pug
© itsdougthepug

Who knew the compact and curly-tailed Pug could leap so high? Known for their playful nature, Pugs often showcase unexpected jumping talents.

Their muscled hind legs, though small, can propel them to impressive heights, especially when they’re excited or training for agility courses.

This charming dog’s jumps are not only impressive but also entertaining.

Next time you see a Pug, imagine it bouncin around with joy, showing off its surprising vertical capabilities. It’s sure to bring a smile to any observer’s face.

10. Kangaroo Dog

Kangaroo Dog
© Network Ten

The Kangaroo Dog, or Australian Greyhound, is famous for its impressive jumping abilities.

Originally bred for hunting in the Australian bush, these dogs are built to leap great distances with their athletic frame and powerful hind legs.

To stay healthy and content, Kangaroo Dogs need regular exercise and enjoy running and jumping in open areas. Training should focus on recall and impulse control to manage their instinct to chase moving objects.

Loyal and strong-willed, these dogs form close bonds with their families and thrive in environments with plenty of space to explore.

11. Rat Terrier

Rat Terrier
© The Spruce Pets

Spirited and full of energy, Rat Terriers are known for their impressive jumping ability. Their agility allows them to clear obstacles with ease, making them great contenders in dog sports and backyard fun.

To keep them happy, regular exercise is essential, as they thrive on activities like fetch and agility courses. Without enough stimulation, Rat Terriers may become restless and develop undesirable behaviors.

Training that emphasizes recall and obedience helps manage their strong prey drive, while their intelligence and eagerness to please make them responsive to consistent, positive reinforcement.

12. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
© CitizenShipper

Renowned for their agility and jumping skills, Belgian Malinois are highly athletic dogs often selected for police and military roles.

Their intelligence and drive demand regular mental and physical exercise, making activities like agility courses and advanced obedience training essential.

Known for their strong work ethic and loyalty, these dogs form deep bonds with their owners. To keep them happy and balanced, consistent training is necessary to manage their high energy levels.

With proper guidance, Belgian Malinois become exceptional companions and highly capable working dogs.

13. Great Dane

Great Dane
© Wamiz

The enormous Great Dane might seem too large to jump with grace, yet it defies expectations. This gentle giant, despite its size, can leap great heights when motivated.

Their long legs are not just for show; they provide strong support for powerful jumps. Whether playing in an open field or participating in dog sports, a Great Dane’s leap is a spectacle.

These dogs teach us that size doesn’t always dictate ability, and their soaring jumps are a testament to their surprising agility.