Dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and companionship, but some breeds are also known for their impressive speed. In the past, certain breeds were selectively bred to be working dogs and needed to have a high top speed to perform certain tasks.
Nowadays, many of these breeds are more commonly seen as pets, but they can still surprise you with how fast they can run. From the elegant Greyhound to the energetic Jack Russell Terrier, there are many breeds that can reach impressive speeds.
You are reading: Top 11 Fastest Dogs
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 11 fastest dogs according to, as well as other sources, and explore what makes them such efficient runners.
Top 11 Fastest Dogs
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a large, athletic breed of hunting dog known for its sleek appearance and impressive speed. They are often considered one of the world’s fastest dog breeds, capable of reaching top speeds of around 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). This makes them exceptional sprinters, and they can quickly cover a lot of ground when they are in full stride.
Originally bred in Germany for hunting deer and wolves, Weimaraners have a natural instinct for chasing and capturing prey. Their speed and agility were essential for keeping up with the game and bringing it down. While they are now more commonly seen as family pets, their hunting heritage is still evident in their athleticism and energy levels.
Weimaraners have a strong, muscular build and a deep chest, which allows for efficient oxygen intake during high-intensity exercise. This, combined with their long legs and flexible body, contributes to their impressive speed and endurance.
However, it’s important to note that individual dogs may vary in their speed depending on factors such as age, health, and training.
Whether they are participating in dog sports, such as agility or flyball, or simply enjoying a run in the park, Weimaraners are sure to impress with their speed and grace. Just be prepared to keep up with them, as they are always ready for a good sprint!
Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthound or Russian Wolfhound, is a large breed of hunting dog that was originally bred for wolf hunting.
Here are some key characteristics of the Borzoi:
Appearance:
– Borzois are large, lean dogs that can stand up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
– They have long, narrow heads and a silky coat that can come in a variety of colors.
– Their coat is flat and can be wavy or slightly curly, with a soft undercoat that thickens during colder months.
Temperament:
– Borzois are known for their calm and agreeable temperament.
– They are gentle and affectionate with their families, but can be reserved or aloof with strangers.
– They have a strong prey drive and may chase smaller animals, so they should be supervised around cats and other small pets.
Physical abilities:
– Borzois are swift and agile runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
– They have excellent eyesight and are able to spot prey from a distance.
– Due to their hunting background, they may have a high prey drive and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Overall, the Borzoi is a beautiful and elegant breed with a rich history as a hunting dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy.
Whippet
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Whippets are a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in England and are known for their speed and agility. Here are some key facts about their speed:
– Whippets can reach top speeds of up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) .
– They are often considered one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, and are the fastest dog breed in terms of their speed to weight ratio.
– Whippets were originally bred for hunting small game, such as rabbits, which required them to be able to run quickly in short bursts.
– While they are capable of impressive speeds, they may not be able to maintain their top speed for long periods of time.
– Whippets have a unique running style, known as the double suspension gait, which allows them to cover ground quickly and efficiently.
Overall, whippets are impressive runners and are often used in dog sports such as lure coursing and racing. However, they also make loyal and affectionate pets, and are known for their calm and gentle nature.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are a unique and recognizable breed of dog known for their distinctive black and white spotted coat. They are also known for their high energy levels and impressive endurance, which made them excellent running companions for horse-drawn carriages in the past.
But how fast can Dalmatians run? According to multiple sources, including, Dalmatians can reach top speeds of around 37 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour). This puts them in the same speed range as other fast breeds like the Weimaraner and Borzoi.
Dalmatians are also known for their stamina and can run for long distances at a slower pace, making them excellent endurance athletes. However, it’s important to note that individual dogs may vary in their speed depending on factors such as age, health, and training.
Irish Wolfhound
According to various sources, Irish Wolfhounds are a large and athletic breed of dog that are capable of running at impressive speeds. Here are some key facts about their speed:
– Irish Wolfhounds can reach top speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64.4 kilometers per hour) .
– They were originally bred for hunting wolves, which required them to be fast and agile runners.
– While they are capable of impressive speeds, they may not be able to maintain their top speed for long periods of time.
– The exact speed at which an Irish Wolfhound can run will depend on various factors, such as their age, health, and conditioning, as well as the terrain and environmental conditions.
– On average, adult Irish Wolfhounds can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour).
Overall, Irish Wolfhounds are a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history as a hunting dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is a breed of dog that originated in the Mediterranean island of Ibiza. Here are some key facts about this unique breed:
Appearance:
– Ibizan Hounds are a medium-sized breed that can stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
– They have a lean and muscular build, with a long and narrow head and large, upright ears.
– Their coat can come in a variety of colors, including white, red, and tan, and is short and smooth.
Temperament:
– Ibizan Hounds are known for their independent and intelligent nature.
– They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be reserved or aloof with strangers.
– They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so they should be supervised around cats and other small pets.
Physical abilities:
– Ibizan Hounds are fast and agile runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64.4 kilometers per hour).
– They were originally bred for hunting rabbits and other small game, which required them to be able to run quickly and efficiently.
– Ibizan Hounds are also known for their endurance and can run for long distances at a slower pace.
Overall, the Ibizan Hound is a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history as a hunting dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Afghanistan and is known for its unique features, including its thick, fine, silky coat and a tail with a ring curl at the end.
Here are some key facts about this breed:
Appearance:
– Afghan Hounds are a medium-large and slim breed of dog that can stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
– They have a long, narrow head and large, upright ears, and their coat can come in a variety of colors.
– Their long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming.
Temperament:
– Afghan Hounds are known for their independent and intelligent nature.
– They are loyal and affectionate with their families, but can be reserved or aloof with strangers.
– They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals, so they should be supervised around cats and other small pets.
Physical abilities:
– Afghan Hounds are fast and agile runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64.4 kilometers per hour).
– They were originally bred for hunting large prey, such as leopards, which required them to be fast and courageous runners.
– Afghan Hounds are also known for their endurance and can run for long distances at a slower pace.
Overall, the Afghan Hound is a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history as a hunting dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a medium-sized breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting in 9th-century Hungary. Here are some key facts about their speed:
– Vizslas are fast and agile runners, capable of reaching top speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64.4 kilometers per hour) .
– They are often considered one of the fastest dog breeds in the world, and are known for their muscular and lean bodies that allow them to run efficiently.
– Vizslas are also known for their high energy levels and stamina, which make them excellent running and hunting companions.
– While they are capable of impressive speeds, they may not be able to maintain their top speed for long periods of time.
– The exact speed at which a Vizsla can run will depend on various factors, such as their age, health, and conditioning, as well as the terrain and environmental conditions.
Overall, Vizslas are a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history as a hunting dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Greyhound
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The Greyhound is a breed of dog that is known for its speed, grace, and athleticism. Here are some key facts about this breed:
Appearance:
– Greyhounds are tall, muscular, and sleek dogs with a short, smooth coat.
– They have a narrow head, long legs, and a long, slim tail.
– Greyhounds come in a variety of colors, including black, white, fawn, and brindle.
Temperament:
– Greyhounds are known for their friendly and gentle nature.
– They are typically good with children and other dogs, but may have a high prey drive and should be supervised around small animals.
– Greyhounds are intelligent and independent dogs that can be sensitive to harsh training methods.
Physical abilities:
– Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dog and can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour).
– They were originally bred for coursing and hunting, which required them to be fast and agile runners.
– Greyhounds have a unique running style, known as the double suspension gallop, which allows them to cover ground quickly and efficiently.
Overall, the Greyhound is a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history as a hunting and racing dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Saluki
The Saluki is a breed of dog that originated in the Middle East and is known for its speed and endurance. Here are some key facts about their speed:
– Salukis are fast and agile runners, capable of reaching top speeds of up to 42 miles per hour (68 kilometers per hour) .
– They were originally bred for hunting small game, such as rabbits and gazelles, which required them to be fast and efficient runners.
– Salukis are also known for their remarkable stamina and can cover long distances at a slower pace.
– The exact speed at which a Saluki can run will depend on various factors, such as their age, health, and conditioning, as well as the terrain and environmental conditions.
Overall, Salukis are a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history as a hunting dog. They make loyal and affectionate companions, but require plenty of exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are fast and agile runners, capable of reaching top speeds of up to 38 miles per hour (61 kilometers per hour). They are often considered one of the fastest small dog breeds and were originally bred for fox hunting, which required them to be fast and efficient runners.
While they may not be as fast as some of the larger breeds, they are still impressive runners and have a lot of energy and stamina. It’s important to note that individual dogs may vary in their speed depending on factors such as age, health, and conditioning.
FAQS
1. What is the fastest dog breed in the world?
The Greyhound is widely accepted to be the fastest dog breed, with a top speed of up to 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) .
2. What is the second-fastest dog breed?
The Saluki is often considered the second-fastest dog breed, with a top speed of up to 42 miles per hour (68 kilometers per hour) .
3. What is the fastest small dog breed?
The Jack Russell Terrier is the fastest small dog breed, with a top speed of up to 38 miles per hour (61 kilometers per hour) .
4. What is the fastest large dog breed?
The Greyhound is the fastest large dog breed, with a top speed of up to 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) .
5. Can all dogs run at high speeds?
While many breeds are capable of running at high speeds, individual dogs may vary in their speed depending on factors such as age, health, and conditioning. Additionally, some breeds are better suited for running than others, and may have a higher natural ability for speed and endurance.
6. What are some activities that fast dogs can participate in?
Fast dogs may enjoy participating in activities such as lure coursing, racing, agility, and flyball, which allow them to utilize their natural speed and agility.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: DOGS
