The Fastest Dogs in the World – 15 Breeds
The speed of a dog is affected by its anatomical features – the length of its legs, the streamlined shape of its body, the volume of its lungs, etc. The record holders in speed are, first of all, hunting and herding dog breeds. These animals were bred to catch game and manage herds. And in this business, you can’t do without the ability to move quickly.
The Fastest Dogs
Our article presents a list of 15 breeds. These pets are capable of developing high running speeds. For example, the fastest dog in the world is the greyhound, these dogs can accelerate to 72 km/h, so they regularly participate in competitions.
Italian Greyhound – 40 km/h
Country of origin: Italy
Height: 33–38 cm
Weight: 2.5–3.6 kg
Age: about 14 years
The Italian Greyhound is a hunting dog breed, also known as the Italian Greyhound.
This small dog, despite its size, is capable of developing quite a high speed. The dog has developed muscles, its limbs are long and strong.
Traditionally, these dogs were used to hunt hares and rabbits. When hunting, this small dog could quickly accelerate and catch up with the animal on its own.
Italian Greyhounds are very active and passionate. Nowadays, these pets actively participate in dog racing. Such competitions help to awaken the natural instincts of animals.
Giant Schnauzer – 45 km/h
Country of origin: Germany
Height: 59–70 cm
Weight: 32–35 kg
Age: 11-12 years
The Giant Schnauzer is a dog that was originally used as a guard or shepherd.
All types of cattle dogs are capable of moving at high speed. This feature is necessary for them to prevent the herd from wandering across the field. Representatives of this breed also periodically had to drive away wolves.
The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful and muscular dog. Its limbs are strong and powerful. It moves quickly and swiftly.
Deerhound – 45 km/h
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Height: 71–81 cm
Weight: 35–40 kg
Age: 8-10 years
The Deerhound is a sighthound bred specifically for deer hunting. These dogs have a strong build and well-developed muscles. The limbs are long and slender – ideal for fast running.
Deerhounds are natural hunters. Such dogs can pursue an animal for a very long time without giving any signal to the owner. As soon as the dog finds itself on rough terrain, it instantly increases speed and catches the deer, knocking the animal off its feet. Only after the prey is caught, the dog calls its owner.
Nowadays, these dogs take part in sports such as racing and coursing.
German Shepherd – 48 km/h
Country of origin: Germany
Height: 55–68 cm
Weight: 25–40 kg
Age: 8-10 years
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Initially, it was used for herding sheep. Nowadays, the dog is completely universal – it is used as a guard, guide, service dog, search dog.
Without proper training, not every dog can become a record-breaker in running. To do this, it is necessary to conduct regular endurance training.
With proper training, German Shepherds can be good partners for morning jogging or cycling. Such dogs are capable of covering distances of up to 25 km at a time.
Border Collie – 48 km/h
Country of origin: Germany
Height: 50–56 cm
Weight: 25-30 kg
Age: 12-14 years
Border Collies are incredibly active dogs. They literally cannot sit still.
Border Collies have a very unusual way of running – they seem to never lift their paws off the ground, while developing a very decent speed. The animal’s gait is very quiet, so it seems like the dog is sneaking.
The ability to move quickly and react instantly to danger is a must for all shepherd dogs. When they herded flocks in ancient times, this ability helped protect sheep and cows from wolves.
Doberman – 51.5 km/h
Country of origin: Germany
Height: 65–69 cm
Weight: 30–40 kg
Age: up to 14 years
The Doberman is a dog with an athletic body type. Due to this feature, such a dog is able to develop very high speed. In addition, it can instantly change the direction of movement.
This animal has everything it needs to run fast – long, strong legs, a muscular, streamlined body. The weight of an adult is relatively small – about 40 kg, while the height at the withers can reach 69 cm.
The preferred gait for a Doberman is the gallop. The movements of such a dog are always energetic and free.
Whippet – 55 km/h
Country of origin: England
Height: 41–50 cm
Weight: 12.5–13.5 kg
Age: up to 14 years
Whippet is a small hound of English origin. Initially, these dogs were used to hunt hares and other small game. Representatives of this breed could catch a wild animal on their own. Later, these dogs began to be used as ratters.
In modern conditions, these hounds are most often used as companions. In addition, whippets successfully participate in dog racing.
They are the fastest runners of the small breeds.
When moving, the whippet moves its front legs far forward, while its back legs help the dog push off well.
Russian Borzoi – 58 km/h
Country of origin: Russia
Height: 65–80 cm
Weight: 35–48 kg
Age: 10-12 years
The Russian Borzoi is a natural hunter. Its main task is to catch up with its prey. Another name for this group of dogs is catchers. Russian Borzoi are considered record holders in both short and long distance races. They are hardy and energetic.
Long legs and a light, streamlined body – all this helps the dog develop a very high speed. With a fairly high growth, the weight of such dogs is very small – no more than 48 kg.
Nowadays, representatives of this breed successfully participate in dog racing.
Azawakh – 60 km/h
Country of origin: Mali
Height: 60–74 cm
Weight: 15–25 kg
Age: 10-12 years
Azawakh is an ancient breed of sighthounds. Its homeland is considered to be Africa. It is distinguished by its exotic appearance.
This thin dog has increased endurance and energy. Such dogs are capable of chasing their prey for hours in sweltering heat.
Their body is very light. The muscles are dry and flat. The legs are long and graceful. The movements of the Azawakh are free and very energetic, but at the same time, almost silent. In this way, they are very reminiscent of the movements of wild animals. If such a dog gallops, it is always springy.
Dalmatian – 60 km/h
Country of origin: Croatia
Height: 56–61 cm
Weight: 32–42 kg
Age: up to 14 years
The Dalmatian is a dog with a long history of origin. In ancient times, such animals accompanied the carriages of noblemen to protect their owners from attacks by robbers. It is not surprising that the main difference of such dogs is their endurance, activity and ability to develop high speed. These dogs can be conditionally classified as racing breeds.
Dalmatians have a strong and muscular body and strong limbs. The movements of these dogs are graceful and rhythmic. The stride is very long. When running, the dog carries its front legs far forward, the back ones perform the pushing function.
Jack Russell Terrier – 61 km/h
Country of origin: England
Height: 25–30 cm
Weight: 5-8 kg
Age: up to 14 years
Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog with an elongated and strong body. These dogs are considered to be one of the fastest. Despite their rather short limbs, such pets can easily catch up with a car.
In ancient times, these terriers were used for burrow hunting for foxes and other small animals. Nowadays, they have become excellent companions for humans. Due to their small size, such dogs can be kept in city apartments.
Jack Russell Terrier is a very hardy and active animal. It needs a sufficient number of special toys, otherwise the dog will start to ruin things in the house.
Hungarian Vizsla – 64 km/h
Country of origin: Hungary
Height: up to 64 cm
Weight: up to 27 kg
Age: 12-14 years
The Hungarian Vizsla is a hunting dog breed that is distinguished by its excellent working qualities. It was bred as a gundog that is constantly at the hunter’s side and brings him prey when necessary.
Vizslas are distinguished by their increased diligence and endurance. These fast dogs cannot sit idle. They need regular active games outdoors.
The pet’s movements are light and free. The gallop of such a dog is continuous. During a jump, the animal can instantly change the direction of movement.
Hungarian Vizsla
Afghan Hound – 64 km/h
Country of origin: Afghanistan
Height: 60–74 cm
Weight: 25-30 kg
Age: 13-15 years
The Afghan hound is one of the fastest dogs. That is why you need to watch this pet very carefully when walking. If the animal speeds up, a person will not be able to catch up with it.
Due to their distinctive features, these dogs are actively used for hunting snow leopards, deer, wolves, antelopes and rams.
The body structure of this dog is very similar to other greyhounds – it is graceful and light. With a fairly large height, the weight of such an animal is no more than 30 kg.
Saluki – 68 km/h
Country of origin: Iran
Height: 51–71 cm
Weight: 20-30 kg
Age: up to 16 years
Saluki is a hunting dog breed that is characterized by increased activity. They are ready to chase anything that moves. These dogs are considered to be among the fastest. It is for this reason that they need to be closely monitored during a walk.
In ancient times, such animals were used to hunt various wild animals – gazelles, hares, foxes. Another name for this breed is Persian greyhounds. Salukis are distinguished by their increased endurance.
These dogs have long and strong limbs and a very muscular body. They perform well both over short and long distances.
Greyhound – 72 km/h
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Height: 62–72 cm
Weight: 24-35 kg
Age: about 16 years old
The Greyhound is considered the fastest dog. This fact is documented in the Guinness Book of Records.
Initially, these dogs were exclusively hunting dogs, but now they take an active part in such sports as racing and coursing.
Greyhounds are distinguished by their slender build and light weight. They have long and strong limbs and a muscular, lean body. These dogs show themselves best at short distances; they have difficulty withstanding long routes. They are not capable of pursuing game for a long time during hunting.
