Are you looking for a pooch to keep you company on your bike rides or trail runs? Here are the fastest dogs in the world (along with the other fastest dog breeds).
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What are the fastest dog breeds?
When it comes to natural athleticism, many dogs seem to have some advantages over us two-legged humans. They can leap high fences with ease, detect thousands of smells, and hear things we cannot. However, finding out which dog breeds are the fastest isn’t as easy as it seems. There are some dog breeds that can run at incredible speeds (30 mph Great Dane, anyone? ), but some of the best runners are also some of the laziest. Running is great exercise for both humans and dogs, and running together can be a great way to bond. A high-energy dog can make a fantastic addition to your family if you’re willing to give them (and you!) the exercise they need to be happy and healthy. It isn’t necessarily the fastest dogs that make the best running partners, but those with the most endurance who make the best running buddies.
How fast can a dog run?
The average dog can run about 15 to 20 miles per hour for a short distance. Dogs with long legs and deep chests (meaning big lungs) tend to run the fastest, between 25 and 45 miles per hour. Sighthounds and collies move forward quickly because of their long strides and small mass. However, small breeds with short legs, such as Shih Tzus, and huge breeds, such as St. Bernards, tend to be slower due to their short gaits and their mass. In other cases, dogs are incapable of running fast because they are simply unable to breathe well enough. Pugs, bulldogs, and Basset Hounds are brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dogs with a short snout. Getting an adorable pug mix can help even out their genetic problems if you love these squishy pooches. Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute are the longest-running dogs. As sled dogs, both are strong, have plenty of stamina, and can run at a steady pace for hours at a time.
It’s important to consider your dog’s shape and age (as well as the weather) when determining what type of exercise will be appropriate for them. It’s healthy for your dog to use up their energy by hiking, playing games, or romping with other dogs!
Fastest dog in the world: Greyhound
45 mph is the top speed
As the fastest dog breed in the world, Greyhounds stand up to 30 inches high at the shoulder. Cheetahs run in a double suspension gallop, meaning their bodies contract and extend as they run, with all four feet leaving the ground at once. Greyhounds run with their feet touching the ground only 25% of the time! What is the maximum speed of a Greyhound? One of the fastest dogs in the world can reach top speed within six strides, up to 45 mph. The Greyhound is more of a snoozer than a sprinter: They’re 45 mph couch potatoes who sleep as much as cats-about 18 hours a day! Greyhounds are strangely ideal apartment dogs despite their size and speed because of their ability to just chill out. Just take the fastest dog in the world out on a daily walk and let them tear around the park a couple of times a week, and they should be fine.
Second fastest dog: Saluki
Top speed: 42 mph
An ancient breed of hunting dogs from the Fertile Crescent, Salukis are native to the Middle East. Throughout history, kings used them to hunt speedy game like antelope, and they have maintained their sprinting abilities. With long, feathered, floppy ears and a gentle temperament, Salukis are similar in appearance to Greyhounds, with a small waist and deep chest. Greyhounds and Salukis are both sighthounds, dogs that hunt primarily by sight rather than smell. Therefore, they have a high prey drive. Among the fastest dog breeds, Salukis have better endurance than Greyhounds and may make better running partners.
Third-equal fastest dog: Vizsla
40 mph is the top speed
Vizslas (pronounced “Veeshla,” also known as Hungarian Pointers) are all-around athletes who can reach speeds of 40 mph. A great hunter, retriever, swimmer, and agility athlete, Vizslas are smart and energetic. Their graceful gait and immense stamina make them ideal running, hiking, or cycling companions, and they tend to bond closely with their owners. To prevent injury, Vizslas’ tails are often docked a third of the way down, although the necessity for this operation is disputed. Vizslas make wonderful outdoor companions, regardless of their breed.
Third-equal fastest dog: Afghan Hound
40 mph is the top speed
Is there a common theme among these fastest dog breeds? It’s amazing how fast these long-legged hounds can run! While Afghans look more like supermodels than sprinters, their thick, silky coats and large paws enable them to keep up and keep warm on the rocky hunting grounds of their Central Asian homeland. Afghans make wonderful, sensitive companions if you commit to grooming their coats. As a running partner, they are also great! Due to the fact that they were bred for hunting all day long, these hounds have great stamina and can definitely keep up with their owners.
Third-equal fastest dog: Ibizan Hound
40 mph is the top speed
Their long, slim legs and bodies are like those of other fastest dog breeds, which explains their top speed of 40 mph. Originally from the Catalan region of Spain and France, Ibizan Hounds were bred to hunt smaller game, such as rabbits. When properly socialized, smooth- or wire-coated red and white hounds make good family dogs.
Fourth fastest dog: Whippet
34 mph is the top speed
It’s true that the sleek Whippet looks like a smaller Greyhound! As both Greyhounds and Whippets are racing dog breeds, they are the fastest dogs of their size, reaching speeds up to 35 mph. Whippets, like Greyhounds, are gentle dogs that love to lounge and cuddle when they’re not sprinting. Due to their aversion to barking, they make great apartment dogs. Whippets make sweet family dogs when they receive regular exercise and sprints a few times a week.
Fifth fastest dog: Jack Russell Terrier
38 mph is the top speed
Originally bred for fox hunting in England, Jack Russell Terriers are stubborn, energetic, and fun. They may look like bouncing teddy bears, but they sprint onto the list of fastest dog breeds with a top speed of 38 mph. A Jack Russell is a great running companion: They have a lot of stamina and can run up to ten miles per day! Once your dog is comfortable with the distance, increase it slowly.
Sixth fastest dog: Dalmatian
37 mph is the top speed
In addition to being one of the most distinctive-looking dogs, the gorgeous spotted Dalmatian is one of the fastest dog breeds, clocking in at 37 mph. While you may picture them riding in a fire truck or carriage, Dalmatians are perfect for hikers, joggers, and outdoor enthusiasts because they have athleticism and stamina. As guard dogs, Dalmatians can be aloof with strangers and protective of their owners. Dals make wonderful companions when they are exercised regularly and loved a lot.
Seventh fastest dog: Borzoi
36 mph is the top speed
Borzoi, also known as Russian Wolfhounds, is a gorgeous, goofy, leggy hound who loves to sprint and lounge. Despite their large size, they make great apartment dogs. Borzois have gentle and happy personalities, showing little sign of what they were bred to do: hunt wolves. Borzoi owners will find their dogs to be graceful and rewarding, despite their long coats.
Eighth fastest dog: Weimaraner
35 mph is the top speed
In addition to its silvery-gray coat, floppy ears, and blue or amber eyes, the Weimaraner originated in Germany (hence the proper pronunciation of “Vy-ma-rah-na”). Weimaraner dogs are medium-sized, retriever-like dogs that require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. When the Duke of Weimar crossed Bloodhounds with French and German hunting dogs, these athletic pooches were created as all-round hunting dogs. As a result, we have created a wonderful family dog who is eager to participate in any adventure.
Ninth fastest dog: German Pinscher
33 mph is the top speed
These smooth, sleek dogs have those classically pointed Pinscher ears. As one of Germany’s oldest and fastest dog breeds, German Pinschers are intelligent, confident, and fast. Ratters by breed, German Pinschers make excellent guard dogs, working dogs, and family dogs. As a result, they need plenty of stimulation and exercise to maintain good physical and mental health.
Tenth fastest dog: Border Collie
30 mph is the top speed
One of the fastest breeds of dogs, the Border Collie is intelligent, energetic, and speedy. Did we mention energetic? You should be a time-rich and active person who can devote the time the Border Collie needs to fulfill its exercise and mental stimulation needs, if you are not already a farmer. Herder dogs were originally bred as agility dogs, and their skills translate well to non-farm dogs. If you’re training for a marathon, Border Collies make excellent running companions, especially if they’re intelligent and trainable. You may be the one trying to keep up with them because of their endurance.
Eleventh fastest dog: Siberian Husky
28 mph is the top speed
Despite being one of the fastest dog breeds (they can reach speeds of up to 28 mph), the Siberian Husky really shines in terms of endurance. The Chukchi people originally bred this ancient breed in northeastern Asia for use as family dogs and sled dogs. A husky can maintain a speed of 10 to 12 mph at all times. In the daytime. A long time. That’s why they make great running companions (as long as you don’t take them out in the summer). In addition to being smart, friendly, and fairly trainable, Huskies are pretty clean, with little dog odor. For them to be happy, they need a lot of exercise and engagement, otherwise they may escape from your yard. There are many fans all over the world of Huskies because of their wolf-like faces and beautiful blue eyes.