Speed, Chaos & Sighthounds: Why Flyball Isn’t Just for Collies

By Aces High Flyball Team

We’re Aces High Flyball Team—a competitive UK team from Kent and Lincolnshire, that’s had the privilege of representing Team GB at the Flyball Open World Championships this year, and being previous Crufts champions! We train hard, race fast, and (most importantly) we absolutely love what we do.

Our captain, Jeannette, has been a huge part of bringing Whippets and Whippet mixes into the Flyball world (If you haven’t seen our documentary ‘Hustle and Run’ on Channel 4 it’s worth a watch!), challenging the idea that only “traditional” breeds like collies belong in the sport. What started as something a bit different has now become something that you see in most flyball teams: sighthounds absolutely flying.

And honestly? It’s changed the game.

So, what actually is Flyball?

If you’ve never seen it before, Flyball is a fast, fun and LOUD dog sport.

Two teams of four dogs race head-to-head over a line of 4 hurdles. Each dog hits a spring-loaded box, grabs a ball, and sprints back to their handler as the next dog is released. Fast passes, tight timing, and zero room for hesitation.

At the top level—like Crufts or international competitions—you’re talking races decided by milliseconds. It’s crazy, it’s intense and once you’re in…you’re hooked.

“But sighthounds don’t listen…”

Let’s be real—that’s the reputation.

Sighthounds aren’t known for blind obedience. They’re independent, prey-driven, and very good at making their own decisions… especially if something more interesting is happening elsewhere… particularly food!

So why do they work in Flyball?

Because Flyball is, at its core, a chase.

And that’s exactly what they’re built for.

Why it actually works

It feeds their instinctsStraight lines, a visible target, and full-speed commitment—this is exactly what sighthounds are wired to do. When they lock onto the lane, everything else switches off.

Short bursts, maximum effortNo long-distance stamina needed. Just a few seconds of explosive speed. Perfect.

They choose the gameYou can’t force a sighthound to love Flyball. But when they decide it’s worth it? The drive you get is next level.

They bring serious paceThere’s fast… and then there’s sighthound fast. When they hit full stride, it’s effortless and ridiculously quick. They can completely change the final chapter of a race, if they wish!

The reality (because it’s not always smooth… we know!)

Training a sighthound for Flyball is not the “easy route…AT ALL”

Recall can be questionable. Motivation can come and go depending on which way the wind blows. And sometimes, they’ll just decide they’re done for the day. But that’s also what makes it rewarding.

You learn to build value in the game, keep sessions short, and make it something they genuinely want to do. When it clicks, it really clicks, particularly when you find their “want” or reward. In flyball lots of handlers reward using a tug, and of course the sighthounds adore anything that replicates their prey - rabbit skin, sheep skin… particularly if it’s crunchy - they love it!

What it looks like for us at Aces High

At Aces High, we’ve never been about forcing dogs into a mould.

With the amazing influence of Jeannette, we’ve seen first-hand how Whippets and sighthound mixes can thrive in Flyball (she is well renowned as queen of the whippets in the flyballing community). They might not look like your classic collie driven flyball team, which Aces started out with—but they more than earn their place.

Would your sighthound enjoy it?

If your dog:

• Locks onto movement instantly

• Loves a chase (on their terms…)

• Thrives on short, high-energy bursts

• And you don’t mind doing things a bit differently

Then Flyball is absolutely worth a go.

They might not be the most predictable teammate—but they might just be your fastest.

Watch Hustle and Run to get the full picture here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/hustle-and-run