It’s no surprise that a lot of dogs have a great deal of energy and stamina. They can easily spend hours darting around a yard chasing one of their favorite toys. Most breeds can easily outrun a person. However, have you ever wondered what the fastest dog breeds are? Believe it or not, some can reach speeds of over 40 mph. That’s not a typo! Keep reading to find out more!
10 Dogs That Are Incredibly Fast
- Greyhound
- Vizsla
- Saluki
- Jack Russel Terrier
- Dalmatian
- Borzoi
- Weimaraner
- Whippet
- Doberman Pinscher
- Border Collie
1. Greyhound
It should be no surprise that this breed tops our list. After all, Greyhounds are commonly used for racing. However, you might be surprised to learn that this breed reaches speeds around 43 mph. That’s incredibly fast!
2. Vizsla
Although they’re not as quick as a Greyhound, Vizslas still make quite a name for themselves when it comes to their speed. This breed is capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 mph. Next time you’re driving your car at this speed imagine a furry friend going just as fast as you. Now that’s impressive!
3. Saluki
This is definitely a breed that has a unique look. However, their uniqueness only adds to their beauty. On top of having a one of a kind appearance, these dogs are also extremely fast. Their legs can get them moving to speeds of around 40 mph. Simply put, it’s a foot race you’ll lose every single time.
4. Jack Russel Terrier
You may not think that this breed would be very fast when looking at their small size, but it’s important to remember that looks can be deceiving. There’s a reason why Jack Russell Terriers excel at agility sports such as flyball. Believe it or not, these little guys are able to reach speeds around 38 mph. Imagine how fast those little legs have to chug along.
5. Dalmatian
Topping out at around 37 mph, this energetic breed loves to run and put their strong legs to good use. Dalmatians never disappoint with their speed, stamina, and agility. Not only do they love to run, it’s necessary when it comes to curving negative behaviors and rambunctiousness at home.
6. Borzoi
How would you like to be able to run 36 mph? Well, Borzois can achieve this speed with ease. Their genetics and body type make them excellent runners. Originally used to hunt wildlife, it’s no surprise that this breed has relentless stamina and the desire to burn off some excess energy.
7. Weimaraner
This is a breed that likes to impress with their looks as well as their speed. They’re beautiful dogs and they can run for days. With the ability to reach 35 mph, it’s really important to make sure they have a large yard to run around. Of course, the park is also a great place to get those legs moving.
8. Whippet
Being part of the sighthound family, it’s not really surprising that these fur babies can move. Whippets can easily reach speeds of approximately 35 mph. Speed isn’t the only thing they have to offer though. This breed also has an incredible amount of endurance which allows them to run, run and then run some more.
9. Doberman Pinscher
If you’re looking for the ultimate guard dog, you’ve found it right here! Doberman Pinschers are muscular, built for endurance and have incredible agility. Reaching speeds of 30 mph, this breed can chase an unwanted intruder far away in the blink of an eye. This likely has something to do with the fact that this breed is commonly used in police and military forces.
10. Border Collie
Border Collies have made quite the name for themselves as working dogs. Herding and completing other farm activates requires speed and agility and the Border Collie definitely has what it takes. Reaching speeds of 30 mph, this breed can easily corral even the quickest of cattle. Combine their speed with their intelligence and you wind up with the perfect working breed.
It’s incredible to think about how fast these breeds really are! Even the world’s fastest athletes wouldn’t be able to keep up with any of the dogs on our top 10 list.
If you’ve been thinking about bringing home a new BFF but prefer a breed that’s more on the agile side, you’ve definitely got some great options to choose from above. Just make sure your new family member gets plenty of exercise so they can burn off some of that energy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog is the fastest in the world?
Greyhounds are well known for being the fastest dogs in the world. Believe it or not, a Greyhound named Fanta was once clocked at an astonishing 50.5 mph. Most dogs from this breed will have no problem reaching speeds of 45 miles per hour or faster.
What is the best food for greyhounds?
Greyhounds should be provided with a balanced diet containing protein, vegetables, fish oil, and kibble. Typically speaking, most Greyhounds should consume between 250-300 grams of meat per day. The amount of meat required in their diet can vary depending on the size of the dog.
What is the second fastest dog breed?
Salukis hold the title for the world’s second fastest dog. They can easily reach speeds of 42 miles per hour or higher. It should be no surprise. After all, it’s easy to tell when looking at this breed that they were designed to be incredibly fast.
Why can dogs run so fast?
Muscle structure, body design, and size are all major contributors to a dog’s speed. For example, Greyhounds are tall, lean, and have strong muscles. These things combined help them take long and powerful strides, maintain endurance, cut through the air, and accelerate very quickly.
How fast can a dog accelerate?
How quickly a dog accelerates varies between different breeds. Typically speaking, you can expect your furry friend to hit their top speed in a short period of time. Surprisingly, Greyhounds require only six strides to hit a shocking speed of 45 mph or higher.
How do I make my dog run faster?
It’s important to remember that each dog breed has their own top speed. It some cases, you may not be able to get them to run faster. However, if your four-legged friend isn’t meeting their full potential, there are simple methods you can use to help them improve their speed. For starters, you’ll want to make training fun for them by incorporating a favorite toy or treats. You’ll also want to keep training sessions short as this will prevent frustration or boredom. Cheering your dog on is also helpful. Lastly, a nutritious diet and regular exercise are greatly beneficial.
Is running good for dogs?
Just as running is a healthy exercise for humans, your fur baby can also benefit from it. It’s actually important when it comes to their health and happiness. Also, running with a dog could be the motivation a person needs to get more exercise. Skip the boring solo jogs and go for a trot with your favorite four-legged friend instead.
Can I run with my dog everyday?
Absolutely. Daily exercise is very important for dogs and running is a fast and fun way for dogs to keep themselves happy, lean, and healthy. However, when it comes to older dogs, fur babies with health issues, and four-legged friends with joint problems, a different type of exercise would be a better option.
