Survey results: Hoopers for small dogs
In October-November 2025 Happy Hoopers and Tiima Dogs Sport conducted a survey for small dog handlers about their experiences with hoopers. The survey was available in both Finnish and English. A total of 360 responses were collected.
This is the first part of a series of articles on hoopers with small dogs. This article presents a summary of the responses on the survey and is divided into seven parts:
Please note that in most of the countries represented in the responses, there are no separate competition classes for small dogs. So all dogs compete in the same category. This context influenced some of the answers.
Respondents
A total of 126 people responded to the survey in Finnish, and 234 to the English version. In total 360 responses were received from 18 different countries. Some respondents answered on behalf of more than one dog.
Finland 126
France 44
Germany 42
Denmark 29
Great Britain (inc. England, Scotland and Wales) 35
The Netherlands 20
Czech Republic 13
Hungary 10
Slovenia 9
Italy 8
Belgium 5
Canada 5
Slovakia 5
Switzerland 4
Estonia 3
Sweden 2
Spain 2
Australia 1
The range of breeds among respondents was broad. The most frequently mentioned breeds were Shetland Sheepdogs, mixed breeds (X-breeds), and various sizes of Poodles.
Below is a list of all breeds that were mentioned more than once:
Shetland Sheepdog 58
X-breed 47
Poodle (all sizes) 36
Miniature American Shepherd 18
Papillon 17
Parson Russell Terrier 15
Cocker Spaniel (including working lines) 12
Jack Russell Terrier 12
Border Terrier 9
Welsh Corgi (Cardigan / Pembroke) 8
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 7
Mudi 6
Miniature Pinscher 6
Chihuahua 6
Pyrenean Shepherd 6
Danish-Swedish Farmdog 6
Miniature Schnauzer 5
Kleinspitz 6
Cairn Terrier 4
Dachshund (including miniature) 4
Prague Ratter 4
American Hairless Terrier 3
Coton de Tuléar 3
Bichon Havanese 3
Boston Terrier 3
Spanish Water Dog 3
Chinese Crested 3
Kooikerhondje 3
Pomeranian 3
German Spitz 3
Schipperke 3
Shiba Inu 3
Italian Greyhound 2
Japanese Spitz 3
Kromfohrländer 2
Mittelspitz 2
Patterdale Terrier 2
Pumi 2
Smooth Fox Terrier 2
Tibetan Terrier 2
West Highland White Terrier 2
The following breeds were each mentioned once among the respondents: Beagle, Bolognese, Brazilian Terrier, English Springer Spaniel, Icelandic Sheepdog, Keeshond, Lagotto Romagnolo, Lancashire Heeler, Swedish Vallhund, Löwchen, Mallorcan Ratter, Pug, Norwich Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Phalène, Portuguese Podengo (small) and Yorkshire Terrier.
Experience with hoopers
The majority of respondents had been practicing hoopers for more than 18 months. In Finland, there were proportionally more participants who had been involved in the sport for a shorter period compared to other countries.
Suitability of hoopers for small dogs
Most respondents felt that Hoopers is very well or well suited for small dogs. Approximately ten percent of respondents were unsure or felt that the sport is not suitable for small dogs.
Hoopers is very well suited for small dogs:
“Since my 2 other dogs were Border Collies and x is now my 1st little dog, I can clearly see the difference. The small dogs need more time to train the distance. Once the distance from device to device and also the distance to the farthest device. Here I had to proceed very carefully and in small steps.”
“I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t do hoopers with a small dog. Sure, bigger dogs are often easier to teach to work far away from the handler, but I think it’s more about drive, motivation and focus than size.”
Hoopers suits small dogs well:
“The activity itself suits any kind of dog. However, if talking about pace and competitions , small dogs are naturally put more into difficulty: what takes 4 steps for a running border collie takes about 15 steps for my dog. Distance à a lot to do with the notion of steps for a dog which corresponds to efforts.”
“In my opinion, the sport itself suits small dogs just as well as larger ones.”
Uncertain about suitability for small dogs:
“Small dogs breeds do not have the same distance work than big breeds basically are not shepards.”
“Courses are more built for dogs with a higher speed, longer pace, than small dogs have. Therefore it is more difficult for smaller dogs.”
“It feels like getting my dog to work that far away from me requires a lot of training, and the dog is already 8 years old.”
Not suitable for small dogs:
“Height 29 cm, one step of a larger dog is at least 3 steps of a smaller one.”
“Unfortunately, long distances are not very suitable for square breeds, the conditions have adapted to shepherds and sheepdogs, which no one expected at the beginning. It was supposed to be a sport for everyone, especially for handicapped dogs.”
“The size of the hoops are too high and large for small dogs. The distances should be smaller for small dogs than for large dogs in the same category.”
“Distances, stride length, and other factors are significantly more challenging for a smaller and slower dog. Hoopers is branded as suitable for everyone regardless of speed, but I’m not sure I agree. It would be great if in lower levels certain lines, angles, and/or distances were adjusted.”
“My motivation to continue in the sport has been steadily declining because larger dogs progress significantly more easily than smaller ones.”
Discontinuing the sport or competing
While the majority of respondents find hoopers meaningful and enjoyable with small dogs, the journey does not continue indefinitely for everyone, at least not in the competition ring. Some handlers have stopped competing altogether or are considering giving up the sport. The most common reasons include course dimensions and their better suitability for larger dogs. Long distances between obstacles can pose not only technical challenges but also affect the dog's confidence.
“I haven't stopped, but I've been thinking about it since we moved up to level 2. The courses are designed for large dogs; I'm constantly having to push my dogs back, which breaks the flow and makes it less fun.”
“I haven’t stopped training but I have stopped competing because it is too difficult. Too much distance between obstacles, my dog can do the distance 20m if there are 3 hoops but if there are only 2, she struggles…”
“Because he lost confidence and I couldn’t find a way to get it back.”
“We didn't stop Hoopers but do not do competition anymore”
“Every time I go to a competition, I feel like quitting. The distances are SO long. My little one is afraid to be left behind at the start.”
Challenges in hoopers with small dogs
Although hoopers was generally seen as a suitable sport for small dogs, respondents highlighted several recurring challenges that can make training or competing more difficult with a smaller dog. Most of these challenges relate to course design and how small dogs move. Four key themes emerged from the responses: obstacle spacing, distance from the handler, maintaining focus and staying on the intended line, and difficulties understanding tasks when obstacle spacing is long.
“A very long distance between the hoops is more often a problem for smaller dogs because they have shorter legs, and therefore have more steps, they often change direction instead of staying in the direction (out).”
“I think that small dogs should finally be taken seriously in this sport. Unfortunately, there are so many hoopers training centres that only know about typical large breeds. Training small dogs is not everyone's cup of tea, but what bothers me most is that the distances to the equipment are not adjusted for small dogs.”
“Maintaining the line over long obstacle distances and further away from the handling area. The dog has a strong agility background and works independently well, but whereas in agility I could support the line with my movement, in hoopers the tools are more limited. With a larger dog, this problem doesn’t occur the same way, as they don’t take over ten strides between obstacles.”
“Long distances between obstacles allow many small strides, and with each one comes the chance to change direction. The dog is also not naturally inclined to work far from the handler and often turns to ask for guidance. The dog relies heavily on physical movement cues from the handler rather than verbal ones. Mistakes also tend to reduce confidence easily.”
Successes and insights in hoopers with small dogs
Many respondents shared how hoopers has brought joy into their daily lives, not only as a hobby but also by strengthening the relationship between dog and handler. Four key themes emerged from the responses: the dog’s growing independence, increased confidence, a deepened bond between dog and handler, and the shared joy of training together.
"Wonderful shared activity, more use of verbal cues in everyday life, deeper trust, and the dog’s listening skills have improved tremendously."
"Nothing has come for free, and when I compare our current skill level to where we were a year ago, the difference is huge. I remember when just sending my dog around a barrel from one meter away was hard. It's wonderful to see the dog now running eagerly from one obstacle to another when the task is designed to match their confidence level and they know they can succeed. And I find comfort in knowing that there will never be a shortage of things to train: we have an endless to-do list."
“The distance work we’ve learned in hoopers has also improved the dog’s confidence and independence in agility.”
"With hoopers, I can activate my dog through short and quick training sessions without physical exhaustion, because working at the edge of confidence and focus is mentally demanding."
“The dog is still young, but he has become much better at listening to what I ask of him and has gained more confidence and autonomy in moving away from me.”
“Working my dog at a distance has built confidence. As my own mobility decreases with age and health problems, being able to work with my dog in an activity that doesn’t require running around myself has been great.”
Hopes for the future of hoopers from the perspective of small dog handlers
At the end of the survey, participants had the opportunity to leave open comments about the future of the sport and their own thoughts. Many respondents took advantage of this option. The open responses addressed topics such as course design, judge education, trainer expertise, the possibility to participate in the sport without competition goals, and how hoopers could be made more accessible for small dogs.
“I also notice that many competitors have Border Collies; if nothing is done, these will become competitions specifically for Border Collies! That would be a shame, because hoopers is a fun activity for all dogs, but some people are abandoning the idea of competition and keeping hoopers as a recreational activity (which is also great). If we want to develop hoopers and competitions, it seems to me that it would be appropriate to revise the rules, creating categories and adapting the distances for small dogs.”
“I’m glad that a questionnaire like this exists because, unfortunately, I feel that small dogs are a bit overlooked in hoopers, at least in France. I would like them to be more recognized. I think they are even more deserving and motivated than large dogs because it really requires them to work at a long distance and take bigger strides to move away from their handler. Honestly, I think these small dogs have the mentality of large dogs: they cover much more ground and distance with their tiny paws than the big dogs do.”
“There has been a lot of discussion about the difficulty of courses for small dogs. In my opinion, many courses have indeed been more difficult for smaller dogs and easier for larger ones when course adjustments have been made between size categories. For larger dogs, the lines are more logical, and long distances make trap obstacles less of a threat. But with smaller dogs, there’s often a lack of foundational skills like focus, distance work, and staying in position, which also explains why there are fewer clean runs in the small category.”
“I would like to see separate courses, distances, and lines for small dogs considered in all classes. In addition, I hope for more variety in competitions and course types to keep small dog handlers motivated to compete.”
“I truly hope that owners of small dogs feel encouraged to join the sport so that we can maintain diversity in dog breeds. As I mentioned earlier, a clearer division into two size categories in the rules or even a separate category for the smallest dogs—would be helpful.”
“It’s nice to see when judges actually modify the course for small dogs and take size differences into account during course design. This could also be showcased more on social media for example, how dogs of different sizes run the same lines.”
“I hope that in Finland we continue to recognize small dogs and keep the sport motivating not only for large and easily independent dogs, but for all.”
“I don’t see hoopers as a sport that small dogs couldn’t enjoy. It’s definitely worth trying!”
Not all countries have separate size classes for small and large dogs, which is why issues related to speed and size categories were mentioned in many responses. Several handlers felt that time-based evaluation places small dogs at a disadvantage compared to larger and faster breeds. For this reason, some respondents proposed introducing three size categories (e.g., mini, medium, and large) to create a more level playing field for all dogs.
Such a division could improve fairness in competitions and encourage more small dog handlers to remain actively involved in the sport, including at the competitive level.
Summary
Based on the survey conducted in October-November 2025, hoopers is seen by many small dog handlers as an exciting, yet sometimes challenging sport. A total of 360 people from 18 different countries responded to the survey, representing a wide range of breeds.
The vast majority felt that hoopers suits small dogs either well or very well, but challenges were also clearly identified. Long distances between obstacles, working far from the handler, and the difficulty of tasks positioned at a distance can create difficulties for small dogs, especially in competitive settings. A small portion of respondents have already stopped competing or are considering leaving the sport altogether.
However, the responses also highlighted how much joy, success, and confidence hoopers can bring to both dogs and their handlers. Many respondents expressed hope that, in the future, the specific needs of small dogs will be more clearly acknowledged in course design, competition classes, and training practices. This would help make the sport more accessible for dogs of all sizes and support diversity within the hoopers community.
As the sport continues to grow, considering the needs of small dogs will be key to making hoopers truly inclusive for all breeds and sizes.
This was the first part of blog articles on hoopers with small dogs by Tiina Wikströmi ja Tiinamari Harjula. Second part will be published soon.
A huge thank you to you for taking the time to respond to the survey ❤️
Happy Hoopers - for hoopers handlers and coaches
Happy Hoopers is a site designed for hoopers enthusiasts and coaches. Here you’ll find information about the sport, ideas to inspire your training, and insights that go a little beyond hoopers itself. All with the goal of helping you and your dog enjoy the journey together.
The site was founded by Tiina Wikström, a hoopers instructor, coach trainer, and mental performance coach. Tiina is passionate about supporting handlers and coaches in creating positive, motivating, and enjoyable training experiences for both dogs and humans.
Whether you’re just starting your hoopers adventure or you’re an experienced trainer looking for fresh perspectives, Happy Hoopers is here to spark your creativity and keep your sessions fun and purposeful.
Learn more: www.happyhoopers.fi
