Have you ever played fetch with your canine companion or taken part in dog racing?
Then this article on the fastest dog breeds is sure to be an interesting read. Read through to explore the fascinating world of the fastest canines.
So, what makes a dog fast? When you are looking to own a fast dog, what should you keep in mind? Dogs with long legs and lean body types tend to run faster than the short-legged canine pals. Here we share with you the list of 10 fastest dog breeds.
The fastest human Usain bolt can run at a speed of 28 miles per hour. However, our canines can pose a serious threat to our top athletes by running at an average speed of 45 miles per hour.
10 Worlds Fastest Dog Breeds
Read through our list of top runners starting from the fastest.
1. Greyhound – 45 MPH/72 KMH
This unrivaled position belongs to the majestic Greyhound known to race at a speed of 45 miles per hour. Long sturdy legs, deep chest, flexible spine, and slim build makes it an ideal breed for racing and coursing games. Weighs up to 80 pounds and has a height of 30 inches and is generally calm and easy-going but can be indifferent to strangers.
2. Saluki – 42 MPH/67 KMH
The second fastest dog in the world runs at a speed of 42 miles per hour. Some dog enthusiasts believe that it can outrun the fastest dog if trained for long distances. Primarily a sighthound breed as they hunt by sight rather than scent. Nomadic tribes used these long-legged companions for hunting animals.
3. Afghan Hound – 40 MPH / 64 KMH
This breed competes with the former in the speed of running and is known for its thick and silky coat hails from Afghanistan. Afghans bred it for its adaptability to the cold weather conditions. Known initially as Tazi in Afghan, it is one of the oldest breeds that date existence to the pre-Christian Era.
4. Vizsla – 40 MPH / 64 KMH
This golden coated dog breed belongs to the sporting dog group from Hungary and also makes for an exceptional companion. Known to run at a speed of about 40 miles, Per Hour makes it ideal for hunting and upland games. It also demonstrates good trainability, protective instinct, and fearlessness. The gentle-natured and affectionate canine is also a great natural hunter due to its excellent nose.
5. Jack Russell Terrier – 38 MPH / 61 KMH
Small and energetic canine buddy can run at around 38 miles per hour and traces its origin from England. The English used it for hunting foxes and also has the traditional now extinct White Harrier as its ancestor.
This short-legged and white-bodied breed requires a lot of physical activities and stimulation to keep it busy at all times. These dogs are very affectionate and lovable. However, we recommend it only for experienced dog owners due to its hyperactivity.
6. Dalmatian – 37 MPH / 59 KMH
This unique spotty companion is a known guard dog and can run at an average speed of 37 miles per hour. You can recognize this canine quite quickly due to its black or brown spots all over the body.
This dog breed stands about 19 to 23 inches at the shoulder makes it a medium-sized canine. Sometimes the puppies do not have the spots at birth, and they become more visible at around the 3rd or 4th week of birth. These breeds of dogs also do not have a nasty smell like other breeds and are relatively clean companions to own.
7. Borzoi – 36 MPH / 57 KMH
Also known as Russian wolfhound, believed to be brought to Russia seems to have its origin in Central Asian countries. Initially bred to hunt wolves, this sighthound dog can run at a speed of 36 miles per hour.
The name Borzoi is the synonym for fast in Russian. These large dogs stand at least 28-30 inches at the shoulder and can weigh up to 105 pounds. Impressively beautiful with long and silky hair and the grace with which it carries itself make it nothing short of the aristocratic breed. Great to own as a lovable swift companion, but make sure you have plenty of in-house fenced running space for it to exhaust its energy.
8. Whippet – 34 MPH / 54 KMH
Medium-sized canine runs at a speed of 34 miles per hour. It has earned it a nickname of being a poacher’s best friend due to its speed and agility. It can chase and get hold of small rabbits while you are hunting for small animals.
However, restrictions imposed on the use of these dogs in hunting made it a popular choice for dog racing. They are also great at the fly ball; lure coursing and killing rats. A unique physique and friendly nature make it an exceptional canine companion. Some of these breeds recording a speed of 40 miles per hour has made it the fastest accelerating dog in the world.
9. Doberman Pinscher – 32MPH / 51KMH
Originally believed to be from Germany as trained guard dogs, these fearless and compactly built dogs can run at an average speed of 32 miles per hour. This sleek yet powerful breed is known for its exceptional physique and intelligence. Long muzzle and glistening coat have earned a royalty kind of reputation for this particular breed.
People often train it for guarding and personal defense. It is also used in more serious purposes as war dogs and police dogs. Own this magnificent breed if you are looking for an average runner but also a great personal guard as it is sure to deter the toughest intruder.
10. Border Collie – 30 MPH / 48 KMH
These medium-sized herder dogs are quite athletic and well known for their herding eye. This amazing workaholic dog can run at a speed of 30 miles per hour. Rather furry and muscular appearance might mistake you into believing it to be a timid and more snuggly friend.
However, owners who do not have adequate ways of engaging this four-foot can find it challenging to have him. The intense gaze in his almond eyes is that of intelligence and boundless energy. Trainability, agility, and excellent at tasks make them a favorite among another canine breed. Owners can settle down to cuddle them only once they have had an enjoyable workday.
Conclusion
While considering the dogs that are fast runners in our list, we have also looked at the criteria of adaptability and trainability so that they become ideal companions for a lifetime. All these top breeds are, for sure, highly energetic and would also want their owners to give them all the opportunities to keep them busy always.
