Dogs are known for their agility, athleticism, and speed. Have you ever wondered how fast your furry friend can run compared to other dogs? Well, you’re not alone. The speed at which a dog can run largely depends on its breed, body composition, age, and health. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how fast dogs can run, which breeds are the fastest and slowest, and what makes dogs such good runners.
Average Dog Speeds
On average, healthy adult dogs can run at speeds ranging between 15 and 20 miles per hour. This is the general speed range for most dog breeds, but some canines are much slower or faster than this average. For example, dogs with short legs and stocky bodies, such as French Bulldogs and Basset Hounds, are much slower than the general average. On the other hand, long-legged and sleek-bodied breeds, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, are much faster and can outrun other dogs with ease.
How Fast Can Greyhounds Run?
Greyhounds are known for their impressive speed, agility, and endurance. They can run at speeds of 40 to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Greyhounds were bred for hunting and coursing game in England, and their incredible speed and stamina made them a popular choice among the nobility. Greyhound racing became popular in the United States in 1919, and the breed was further developed for this sport.
Fastest Dog Breeds
While Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed, several other breeds come close in terms of speed. Here are the top 15 fastest dog breeds and their top-recorded sprinting speeds:
1. Greyhound: 45 mph
2. Saluki: 42 mph
3. Afghan Hound: 40 mph
4. Vizsla: 40 mph
5. Ibizan Hound: 40 mph
6. Jack Russell Terrier: 38 mph
7. Dalmatian: 37 mph
8. Borzoi: 36 mph
9. Whippet: 35 mph
10. Weimaraner: 35 mph
11. Doberman Pinscher: 32 mph
12. Border Collie: 30 mph
13. German Shepherd: 30 mph
14. Great Dane: 30 mph
15. Poodle: 30 mph
Dogs With Speed and Endurance
While Greyhounds and other sighthounds are known for their speed, some breeds excel at maintaining good speeds over longer distances. For example, Siberian Huskies, German Shorthaired Pointers, English Setters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Weimaraners are breeds known for their endurance and speed. These breeds are well-suited for activities such as long-distance running, hiking, and endurance competitions.
Slowest Dog Breeds
While some dogs are sprinters, others are much slower and better suited for leisurely strolls. Here are the top 10 slowest dog breeds and their approximate running speeds:
1. Basset Hound: 5-10 mph
2. Bulldog: 5-10 mph
3. Chihuahua: 5-10 mph
4. Dachshund: 5-10 mph
5. Japanese Chin: 5-10 mph
6. Pekingese: 5-10 mph
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi: 5-10 mph
8. Pomeranian: 5-10 mph
9. Pug: 5-10 mph
10. Shih Tzu: 5-10 mph
What Makes Dogs Such Good Runners?
Dogs are excellent runners due to their anatomy and physiology. For example, their paw pads provide excellent grip and traction, enabling them to run on different surfaces with ease. Their claws also provide better traction and help them change direction quickly. Additionally, dogs have disconnected shoulder bones and lack collar bones, allowing for a greater stride length and more flexibility. Dogs also have a flexible spine and strong abdominal muscles, which gives them better propulsion and speed.
Furthermore, some breeds, such as Greyhounds and Whippets, have a double-suspension gallop, which produces even more speed and distance covered as they run. A genetic mutation has been found in some Whippets that increases muscle mass and enhances their racing performance, a condition known as Bully Whippet Syndrome.
Closing Thoughts
Dogs are incredible runners that come in different sizes and shapes, with various degrees of speed and endurance. While some breeds are built for racing and sprinting, others are better suited for leisurely strolls or endurance activities. Understanding your dog’s breed characteristics can help you tailor their exercise and training to meet their specific needs. Overall, it’s important to take proper care of your furry friend’s health, nutrition, and exercise routine to ensure they are healthy, happy, and active.
