Effect of jumping style on the performance of large and medium elite agility dogs

9 Dog agility is a rapidly progressing sport worldwide. Consequentially, research and methods 10 to improve technique and performance are becoming highly sought after. Video data were 11 collected of elite agility dogs during a training session, with downstream analysis examining 12 differences in apparent topline angle and jumping speed of large and medium dogs as well as 13 collie breeds and non-collie breeds. The study further examined any correlations between 14 topline angle and jumping speed. Findings suggest that there is a difference between the jump 15 kinematics of large and medium dogs (P = 0.001) and between collie breeds and non-collie 16 breeds (P < 0.001) with collie breeds jumping faster than non-collie breeds (P = 0.013). This 17 information could be used to inform future training regimes and competitive strategies in a 18 breed and size specific way, with the aim to improve long-term health and welfare of canine 19 participants, whilst also ensuring that training and competitive expectations are within 20 biological capabilities. 21 22 Keywords; Agility; canine; biomechanics; welfare 23