Flyball

Discover the excitement of Manchester Terriers dominating the flyball arena.

Flyball is an exciting and fast-paced sport that’s gaining popularity among Manchester Terriers. This thrilling activity combines racing and retrieving tennis balls, making it perfect for energetic dogs. In a Flyball relay, teams of dogs race over four hurdles, triggering a ball from a specialized Flyball box. The sport is fun, action-packed, and full of energy, providing both mental and physical stimulation for you and your Manchester Terrier. We encourage more Manchester Terriers to get involved and experience the excitement!

More about Flyball

The British Flyball Association (BFA) and the UK Flyball League (UKFL) oversee the sport. Starter classes are available for dogs beginning at 12 months of age. However, dogs must be at least 18 months old to participate in BFA or UKFL-sanctioned tournaments.

The race is won by the first team whose fourth dog crosses the finish line, with each heat typically determined by the best of three runs. If a run is not completed properly—such as a dog dropping the ball—the dog must run again.

The relay race features teams of four dogs and their handlers, along with a designated ‘box loader’ and a few reserve dogs. Competing in parallel lanes, two teams race against each other. Each dog must sprint over four hurdles, activate a Flyball box to release a tennis ball, retrieve the ball, and race back over the hurdles to cross the starting line. Only then is the next dog in the team released to continue the relay.

Clubs providing Flyball training can be found on the Kennel Club, UK Flyball League, and British Flyball Association’s website.