20 dog breeds with the most impressive jumping ability

Anyone who has ever watched their dog fly over the yard fence will know that jumping comes quite naturally to the canine species.

The Guinness World Record for the highest jump by a dog is 191.7cm (75.5in) by a female greyhound named Feather. An Australian Kelpie named Nimble has scaled an even greater height – a 2.95m (116.14in) wall – a different challenge to the high jump, which measures a straight-up vertical jump with no external aids.

Like Feather, the highest jumping dogs tend to be those blessed with athleticism and power – as well as a bit of height – similar to how human high jumpers are built.

However, tenacity and spring also come into it, so don’t dismiss the small dog breeds, several of whom will courageously launch themselves at a 6ft fence. No one ever told the terrier breeds how diminutive they are, and many of them have extraordinary jumping ability, particularly in comparison to their size.

Let’s take a look at 20 athletic dog breeds that are particularly gifted in the high-jumping department.

Highest jumping dogs

1. Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie has broken records for its ability to scale jaw-dropping heights. Their hallmark of this herding breed is to jump on the top of the backs of sheep as they organise the flock.

But hopping onto a sheep’s back is small fry to this impressively powerful jumper, which also excels in agility and high-jumping competitions – anything that emphasizes their extraordinary athleticism and tireless work ethic.

2. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois are both smart and exceptionally agile. Often trained for search and rescue work or military and police dogs, they think nothing of scaling a wall or jumping incredible heights in the name of duty.

They were bred originally to look after flocks and herds and were accustomed to jumping over obstacles in their path. With their powerful hindquarters, athleticism, and courage, jumping high is second nature.

3. Border Collie

The Border Collie is a natural athlete and can jump both high and wide. They are known for being extremely capable jumpers, and when you combine this with a rocketing energy drive and a tendency to get bored without sufficient challenges to occupy them, their high spirits can explode – upwards!

They need more than the average garden fence to contain them. They may also jump up and down to get attention.

4. German Shepherd

The German Shepherd has impressive strength and agility, which makes jumping, both high and wide, a doddle. They are naturally athletic, with powerful hindlegs to give them the leverage to soar upwards.

Bear in mind, this talent can become something of a habit, as they may jump up obsessively – and obnoxiously, given their size – if they are seeking attention.

5. Greyhound

The ultimate speedster of the canine kingdom, the greyhound is also gifted in the high jumping department.

A greyhound holds the Guinness World Record as the dog documented as jumping the highest unassisted height (that is, without a ramp or wall) – a lofty 191.7cm.

6. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier might be one of the best small dog breeds on the planet, but in their heart, they are convinced they are a big dog.

Plucky, adventurous, and as bouncy as they come, their little legs are like dynamic pistons that can propel them high into the air.

7. Australian Shepherd

In common with many of the pastoral breeds, the Australian Shepherd is an athletic dog with high energy levels. He is well capable of jumping up to five feet high, which may be in the course of their work as they negotiate obstacles while herding their flocks.

However, if they use this ability out of excitement in greeting people, it’s not such an admirable trait.

8. Vizsla

A super sporty and muscular breed, Hungary’s best hunting dog is an athlete par excellence. With their natural inclination to hunt and retrieve, they will willingly hop over anything crossing their path.

Watch out for the Vizsla’s sky-high energy levels, as they may jump up and down on the spot to the point of obsession if they don’t have plenty of opportunity to burn off their energy.

9. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, aka the Gray Ghost, is strong, sleek, and muscular, giving him both the power and the aerodynamism that can propel him up to great heights.

They are also a fairly large dog breed, which helps to reach impressive levels. With plentiful natural energy, Weimaraners do have a natural tendency to jump, often motivated by their high prey drive.

10. Whippet

It’s no surprise that the greyhound’s diminutive cousin, the whippet, is also gifted in the high-jumping department. It’s true that a greyhound has recorded superior heights, however, size for size, the whippet outperforms its larger counterpart in relative terms.

Light as a feather, athletic, with fantastic levers for hindleg propulsion, the little whippet is an extraordinary athlete.

11. Shetland Sheepdog

A Sheltie’s favorite pastimes are running, jumping, and playing, and with his natural agility, it’s easy to see why this relatively small dog has a huge jump.

They excel at agility, where they find the height of the poles an absolute breeze. Giving them an outlet for their abundant energy, intelligence, and enthusiasm is essential.

12. Boxer

Boxers are both playful and athletic and frequently launch themselves off their powerful hindlegs into the air – reaching impressive heights. As they were originally bred as hunting dogs for large game, their energy and athleticism are hallmarks of the breed.

While these traits were useful in the hunting field, they often manifest themselves in the home as exuberant bouncing, so it’s best to give them more appropriate ways of letting off steam.

13. Springer Spaniel

You’d be forgiven for thinking that these spaniels are expert jumpers due to the “spring” in their name. However, while they are bouncy and athletic, the “springer” title is for their ability to “spring” game from a hunting covert.

But they’re no back marker in the jumping department, being full of energy and natural sportsmen. There’s almost nothing happier than witnessing a springer bouncing his way through a cornfield, ears flapping.

14. American Staffordshire Terrier

“Am Staffs” are a wonderfully playful and energetic breed, which often comes out as an excitable leap.

They are powerful and have a habit of jumping up at people, which can be a little alarming given their reputation, so training them not to use this particular talent is a must.

15. Rat Terrier

Like most of their type, rat terriers seem to be unaware of their diminutive stature. They are known to be exceptional jumpers with an innate drive to run and jump and are capable of leaping up to heights around five times their own size.

They are indefatigable, athletic, and extremely bouncy!

16. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinschers are remarkably powerful vertical jumpers, quite capable of jumping over a six-foot fence. However, they aren’t rule-breakers and tend to understand what a boundary means.

Physically, they are a fairly large breed with great coordination and strongly developed muscles, particularly in the hindquarters, which gives them their exceptional spring.

This physique also gives them the explosive power needed for vertical jumping ability. Finally, their sleek and glossy coat provides super-smooth aerodynamics.

17. Papillon

For their small size, papillons are super little jumpers with natural agility and boundless energy. While they might not reach the giddy heights of some of the larger breeds, they can jump several times their own size.

Leggy and light, they excel in agility classes, where they combine their intelligence with enthusiasm and athleticism. This is a little dog with a lot of jump.

18. Siberian Husky

A Siberian Husky is a natural escape artist – they aren’t great respecters of boundaries, and if they size up a high fence and think they can clear it, they will.

They are adventurous explorers blessed with both athleticism and power, which gives them impressive ability in the high-jumping department

19. Basenji

The Basenji has its roots as a hunting dog in Africa, where it would leap over anything in its path in pursuit of prey. Their jump has a unique hover at its apex, which is believed to have enabled them to leap up in the tall elephant grass and take a split second to scout out game.

As a working dog, they are impressively athletic with high energy levels – which typically equates to jumping prowess. Their African name “M’bwa m’kube M’bwawamwitu” means “the jumping up and down dog”, a sure pointer to their ability.

20. Lurcher

Strictly a cross-breed between a sighthound and another dog, lurchers are typically capable of jumping the sort of heights you would expect of his genes. Lurchers are often part herding dog, and these types are usually superb and energetic jumpers, so their ability is an inevitable outcome of such a pedigree.

Add to that the fact that lurchers tend to have a high prey drive and an independent streak, and it’s clear that most boundary fences are insufficient to deter them. They are physically, mentally, and spiritually born to jump!

Loved exploring these breeds? Next, check out the smartest dog breeds

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.