How Fast Can A Dog Run? The answer is that the German Shepherd is 48 km/h, and the Greyhound is 72km/h. Have you ever wondered how fast can a dog run?
When your regular household chihuahua is chasing a butterfly throughout the yard, this idea might have crossed your mind several times.
Dogs, by their breed, are great runners by nature. An average dog can run faster or slower based on its size, health, exercise, breed, and some other details.
If you are interested in getting a dog that can win the next Canicross for you, our article will lead you to a useful conclusion. Our guide today includes which breed of dogs runs fast and what’s the reason behind them.
Table of Contents
Breeds That Run Fast/ How Fast Can A Dog Run?
Greyhounds have been raised as racing dogs for half a century. Their official record speed is 45 miles/hour at the beginning of a decisive run, which is more than half the speed (70 mph) of a cheetah. Here, we suggest some high-protein dog foods for retrievers.
Their incomparable speed in the world of dogs makes them the fastest of all bred dogs. If there is any other breed that can beat the Greyhounds by a little, that would be the Saluki. They run at a speed of 42.8 miles per hour; almost close to the Greyhounds.
Other breeds, such as Jack Russel Terriers, Dalmatians, and Borzoi, can reach speeds of 35-40 miles per hour. Most of these dogs are tamed and trained for hunting, and some can be easily adjusted to race as well. However, they are excellent runners when accompanied by hunters.
Dogs cannot retain the consistency of their speed all the time of a journey. However, Siberian huskies, in this case, should be given the credit. They can maintain a constant speed of 10-12 mph participating in Iditarod for days. Their excellency should be given proper credit.
However, some dogs, like your household buddies, like bulldogs, toy poodles, pugs, and basset hounds, are meant to run slower than other dogs. They cover a speed of 5-10 miles per hour.
They may seem energetic and joyful and start with an explosion of energy. However, they can never maintain consistency and be fit enough for a race.
Why Do Some Breeds Run Fast?
Dogs run fast based on their physical structure, leaping gait, and their fitness, and breed. Some traits are common in breeds that run fast.
Some of these are properly balanced long legs, cavernous chests, slim physical structure, and strong lungs and cardiac arrangements. If your dog is a retriever check her food.
Here, we will highlight some of these points in detail:
Feet:
Racing has two excellent pairs of legs that help it run at a fast speed. Its paws are divided into several parts: digital and carpal pads, meta-tarsal pads, and meta-carpal pads, which help it have an adaptable and strong grip each time it lands.
Their nails help them maintain the surface’s traction. However, it is wise for runner dogs to trim their nails regularly to a medium level. This way, their nails won’t break, and the level of injury will be minimal.
Physical Structure:
Most runner dogs have an aerodynamic body. Aerodynamics refers to a composition that helps the dog pass through the air and its obstacles to maintain a high speed.
Gait:
Every runner dog has four steps of gaits (manner of running). They are walk, trot, canter, and single or double-suspension gallop. Gallop is the most efficient and fast achievement of gaits when all of the four legs are lifted above the ground.
Most dogs have a single suspension gallop, while other racing dogs, such as greyhounds or Salukis, achieve a double suspension gait.
Tail:
Tails help dogs maintain their direction of course. While running at speed, it will become hard to take an instant turn if dogs are not assisted by their tails.
The Fastest Dog Breeds
Here is a list showing how fast dogs can run. An average healthy dog can run at a speed of about 15-20 mph. However, dogs need quality food every day to maintain their strength and run fast.
See the dogs that run the fastest:
- Greyhound – Top speed: 45 mph
- Saluki – Top speed: 42 mph
- Afghan Hound – Top speed: 40 mph
- Vizsla – Top speed: 40 mph
- Jack Russell terrier – Top speed: 38 mph
- Dalmatian – Top speed: 37 mph
- Borzoi – Top speed: 36 mph
- Whippet – Top speed: 35 mph
- Doberman Pinscher – Top speed: 32 mph
- Border Collie – Top speed: 30 mph
- Poodle – Top speed: 30 mph
- German Shepherd – Top speed: 30 mph
- Scottish Deerhound – Top speed: 28 mph
- Giant Schnauzer – Top speed: 28 mph
- Italian Greyhound – Top speed: 25 mph
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Some Other Dogs Run Slowly
Most dogs run at an average of 19-21 mph. Dogs love to run, but not all dogs run fast. Some slower dog breeds are included here, along with their estimated speeds.
- French Bulldog (under 15-18 mph)
- Shih Tzu (6-8 mph)
- Pug (7–10 mph according to some sources)
- Toy Poodle (10-12 mph)
- Bulldog (under 15-17 mph)
- Bassett Hound (7–10 mph)
- Chihuahua (5–10 mph)
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi (under 10 mph)
- Pekingese (under 10 mph)
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi (under 10 mph)
- Japanese Chin (under 10 mph)
- Old English Mastiff (around 15 miles per hour)
Endurance runners
what about dogs who can for long-distance? Dogs with endurance are capable of maintaining their speeds over a longer time. The breeds tend to be excellent running partners for humans who like to run.
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Siberian Husky
- English Setter
- Standard Poodle
- Dalmatian
Dog vs Human: Who’s Faster?
Actually, who can be the first runner man or dog? Watch the video tutorial about How Fast Can A Dog Run? or Who? In a short sprint, dogs often outpace humans.
Their exceptional speed and agility, combined with a four-legged gait, give them the edge. However, in long-distance running, humans’ endurance prevails.
The comparison varies by breed, individual fitness, and distance covered, showcasing the unique strengths of each species in different scenarios.
Irish greyhound racing – Track race
The dog is our loyal friend. Every year, we can see an exciting dog race in different parts of the world. Irish greyhound racing, a thrilling track spectacle, sees these sleek canines dash around a circular track, chasing a mechanical lure.
The crowd roars as the agile greyhounds showcase their incredible speed and athleticism, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the pursuit of victory at the heart of Ireland’s racing tradition.
Final Verd
When it comes to dogs, most of us imagine fluffy and goofy balls of refreshment and enjoyment. However, your homey dog can hold the potential of being a race dog with proper training; unless they are completely small-sized dogs.
We hope our article was useful in explaining dogs’ speed. If you like it, share it and let others know about our guide as well.
