Put on your running shoes, and let's check them out before they take off!
If you have a dog and you haven't trained it yet, you'll know that the minute you open the gate, they're out of there as quick as their little legs can carry them. Most dogs love running! Just like people, running is a great way for dogs to burn off energy and de-stress.
Running regularly can keep your dog fit, happy, and healthy. And if you join your dog, you'll reap the benefits too! So if you're interested in adopting a fast furry friend or even trying out the competitive sport of canicross, this list is for you.
Some of the fastest dog breeds known to humankind
Although the Greyhound is one of the best running dogs and has the unofficial title of the fastest dog in the world, you may be surprised with some of the other dogs that made this list of the fastest dog breeds around:
#1 Greyhound
Known as one of the best racing dogs alive, the Greyhound was bred as a racing dog for many decades.
This super-swift breed leaves most other dogs in its dust. It can reach speeds of around 45 miles per hour: this is not far from the speed of a cheetah!
#2 Saluki
The Saluki is another one of the top 5 fastest dogs in the world. It is one of the skinny dog breeds like the Greyhound and the Whippet.
This breed only weighs around 50 lbs. The quick and lean Saluki can read speeds of close to 45 miles per hour (mph).
#3 Afghan Hound
The distinguished looks of the Afghan Hound have helped it make its mark in dog competitions worldwide. But, did you know it's also one of the fastest dogs in the world?
The Afghan Hound can maintain speeds of around 40 mph with ease.
#4 Vizsla
Like the Afghan Hound when it comes to speed, the Vizsla clocks in at about 40 mph.
These dogs were initially bred in Hungary for hunting and sport due to their quick speeds and take-offs and their excellent sense of smell.
#5 Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound has existed since 3400 BC. In the 8th Century, Egyptians would use their fast speeds and hunting abilities to catch rabbits. Is it any wonder they are still used today for hunting?
Chasing rabbits sounds pretty amazing in itself, and having the ability to run 25 to 45 mph is quite astonishing.
However, being one of the fastest dogs is not good enough: the Ibizan Hound can also jump up to 6 feet from standing. Leaping Ibizans!
#6 Whippet
Even this dog's name sounds like it was meant for speed! The whippet can take off at lightning speeds and whip around corners and across fields like a horde of zombies is chasing it.
This lean dog breed can reach speeds of 35 mph.
#7 Jack Russell Terrier
Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Jack Russell Terrier has a unique ability to hunt prey underground. It can catch whatever is scurrying underground quickly and effectively.
This little doggie can achieve speeds of up to 38 mph despite its short stature.
#8 Dalmatian
Before we invented cars, Dalmation's job was to run alongside carriages or coaches, protecting the coach occupants from anyone wishing to rob or hurt them.
Coaches can travel fast, so a Dalmation can run up to 37 mph.
#9 Borzoi
The Borzoi is a Russian wolfhound that has been around since as far back as the 17th Century.
There is no real data on this dog's ability to sprint, but most claim it can reach a speed at approximately 36 mph. And that in the snow!
#10 Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is built for speed and is also smart, brave, loyal, and confident. This means it's not only one of the fastest dog breeds but also excellent service dogs.
Doberman Pinschers can achieve speeds of around 35 mph.
#11 Weimaraner
Although a Weimaraner doesn't look very quick, this breed is speedy indeed! Despite its size, the Weimaraner can reach speeds of up to 35 mph.
Bred as a hunting dog for big game, this large dog can keep up with leaner breeds.
#12 Pharaoh Hound
Also raised for hunting, the Pharaoh Hound can sprint after small game at almost 35 mph.
Weighing in at approximately 50 lbs, with a height of only 24 inches, this skinny dog can almost keep up with the larger Weimaraner.
#13 German Pinscher
The German Pinscher can reach a top speed of about 33 mph. This is a super-smart breed that hardly barks for no reason. The German Pinscher is so quick on its feet, German households used it to catch rats! If you like this breed and have hamsters as pets, watch out!
#14 Border Collie
The hyper-friendly, active, and loyal sheep herding Border Collie needs to be quick to take care of sheep. Being able to run at speeds of 30 mph, those sheep don't stand a chance! Highly intelligent for a dog, the Border Collie is not as easy to train.
#15 German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is intelligent and can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. Often employed as police dogs, this mighty beast can not only run down a bad guy, but its strength is also something to be feared.
Sadly, German Shepherds are prone to dog leg injuries.
#16 Poodle
Trimmed and sheared to be a "pretty breed," the Poodle can run as fast as a German Shepherd at about 30 mph.
Another example of how good looks can be deceiving, this dog is such a good runner, duck hunters initially used it for duck hunting.
#17 Australian Shepherd
Another herding dog, the Australian Shepherd, has a ton of energy and needs a ton of exercise.
Thank goodness it can run at speeds of up to 30 mph, so it can get its fill of exercise!
#18 The Great Dane
One of the tallest dogs to make our list, and an excellent service dog, the Great Dane looks like it's too big to run fast.
This breed is around 32 inches tall and weighs about 150 lbs, but it can still sprint at an impressive 30 mph!
#19 Italian Greyhound
A smaller Greyhound, The Italian Greyhound is also super-fast. This breed is more likely to be curled up on the couch with pet parents.
But, when given the green light, this swift little dog kicks up the dust at almost 30 mph!
#20 German Shorthaired Pointers
Dating back to the 17th Century as a sporting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a unique look, with its spotted coat and confident stance.
It can also run at around 30 mph and is so lovable, it makes a great family pet!
#21 Siberian Huskies
When we think of dog sled races, the Siberian Husky comes to mind.
Built to pull a sled over long distances, this dog can not only run fast at 28 mph, but it can also cover long distances (125 miles per day).
#22 Rat Terrier
With a name like this, it's clear what this little doggie is good at doing. The Rat Terrier was bred for chasing rats.
Since rats can scurry rather quickly, the Rat Terrier's small size and ability to move at around 27 mph makes it perfect for the job.
#23 Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel clocks in at 25 mph and loves to swim.
Their speed and abilities in the water make the Brittany Spaniel a popular breed for sport hunting. We're wondering how fast it can swim!
#24 Pit Bull Mixes
Originally bred for fighting, the poor Pit Bull is misunderstood and has a bad rap as an aggressive breed. Those who love them (like Snoop Dogg) will argue that they are loving and loyal when trained.
Pit Bulls can also run between 25 and 27 mph.
World's fastest dog breeds
How fast can a dog run? Well, that depends on factors like the dog's health, diet, and genetics, and the breed. Of course, a Greyhound running a race will likely beat a Spaniel, but that doesn't mean the Spaniel is slow.
Surprisingly, some of the other dog breeds, like the Brittany Spaniel, and even the Poodle, are also pretty speedy! Overall, dogs are great running companions and thrive in a home where they get exercise.
Leave a comment (all fields required)