Flyball is a head to head relay race with 4 dogs per team. The course consists of a starting line, 4 hurdles spaced 10 feet apart, and a spring loaded box. Each dog jumps the hurdles and steps on the box causing it to shoot out a tennis ball. The dog catches that tennis ball and then runs back over the 4 hurdles. When that dog crosses the starting line the next dog takes his turn. The first team to have all 4 dogs run without errors wins the heat.
Because the height of the jumps are set 5” lower than the smallest dog’s withers (7” minimum, 14” maximum), small dogs are commonly found on each team. A team usually consists of 3 large dogs and 1 small dog. Purebred or Mix-breed dogs are both welcome.
NAFA (North American Flyball Association) is the governing body of flyball rules, regulations, and titles in North America.