Imagine walking on your favorite road with your cute dog when a car alarm suddenly catches your attention. The next second, you glanced at the commotion, and your furry best friend shook violently and pulled the belt from your hand. By the time you turn around and start running, the dog is already halfway through the block, and you realize you might need a bike or even a car to catch up, depending on the breed.
This situation may be a nightmare fuel for some people, but almost all pet owners will encounter this situation at some point. This makes it all the more important to understand the breed of a dog before taking on the responsibility of caring for and training dog friends.
Usually, dogs that can run at high speeds were originally bred for hunting and herding, including border collies and Anatolian shepherds, both of which excelled in agility and speed, requiring strenuous exercise to expend additional energy.
Consider this: The top speed achieved by humans is 44.26 kilometers per hour, which was achieved by Olympic athlete Usain Bolt in the record-breaking 100-meter dash in 2009. That's about the lowest speed a dog can make this list – we went from the Boston Terrier with a top speed of 44.26 km/h, and finally the famous running breed, the Lingti, which had a top speed of 72.42 km/h. These dogs can run faster than humans.
We used data from the American Kennel Club, Vetstreet, and World's Fastest Dogs to rank 23 dog breeds at top speed to help better understand your energetic companion.
- Maximum speed: 44.26 km/h
This small, friendly breed with a playful and energetic personality is known as the "American Gentleman". The Boston Terrier is considered directly related to the English Bulldog breed and is well suited for canine sports – especially those that involve speed.
- Maximum speed: 43.45 km/h
Originally raised as a hunting companion and for pest control, the rat terrier is considered a rare species. They are sociable, intelligent, easy to train, and especially suitable for younger children, making them an excellent choice for first-time pet owners with families.
- Maximum speed: 45.06 km/h
The Siberian husky has historically endured harsh conditions, making this breed an iconic choice for sled dogs. Despite their physical fitness, Siberian huskies are considered child-friendly due to their gregariousness and high energy. However, this breed requires special care and adequate exercise, and they are considered escape artists.
Giant schnauzers are docile animals with timid personalities, but they are known to become defensive when they encounter new people or situations. Their history as farm and shepherd dogs trains them to be fast and playful, providing them with a vibrant and loyal nature. Giant Schnauzers are known to be easy to train and loyal to their owners.
- Maximum speed: 45.06 km/h
The Anatolian Shepherd is an ancient breed that dates back 6,000 years, where they withstood high temperatures and demonstrated speed while protecting livestock from bears and mountain lions. As such, its potent and defensive nature can make it one of the few breeds for master training – a breed that must be socialized in order to properly train them as companion dogs.
- Maximum speed: 48.28 km/h
Border Collie is considered very intelligent, raised for herding livestock, known for its energy and athleticism, and often exhibit impressively fast movements during dog sports. This breed is only recommended for owners who are able to keep up with their active lifestyle, which is known to be demanding.
Boxers are a kind and loving breed that shows the utmost loyalty to their owners, patience and protection for children, making them ideal family dogs. The breed's name is thought to derive from their tendency to stand on their hind legs and push their front paws forward – similar to the movements of a boxer.
The Belgian Marino is considered one of the most dynamic dog breeds, which also means they require a lot of attention and exercise. The breed is used for work tasks in military and police operations, requiring them to detect odors that may pose a threat. They are most notably used for White House defense.
It is widely believed that the ancestors of the Great Dane originated from a dog breed in ancient Greece. As depicted in Greek art, the Great Dane looks a lot like hunting wild boar. Despite its formidable stature, this gentle giant is friendly and patient, rarely exhibiting aggression or hostility. Dogs of this breed are recommended for families as long as they are raised from an early age and socialized appropriately.
- Maximum speed: 53.11 km/h
Poodles are known for their beauty and intelligence. The poodle is most commonly used as a show dog, and has been named the third most intelligent dog breed by Vetstreet, showing great agility and obedience. The breed is usually shy about new friends, but when socially good enough, it quickly expresses love and playfulness.
- Maximum speed: 56.33 km/h
Pharaoh Hounds are confident and self-reliant, but require special training that does not involve disciplinary action. Although the variety's DNA is not directly related to Egypt, some believe it resembles the variety depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, which may support the myth that the Phoenicians brought the variety to Malta more than 2,000 years ago.
- Maximum speed: 56.33 km/h
Weima is considered a versatile dog with characteristics that meet many specific needs for hunting small games and sports, including speed and a sharp nose. The breed is considered energetic and sociable, but when left alone, they tend to be anxious and unruly.
The Doberman is a strong-willed, grumpy breed known for its graceful tendency to walk and stand, rather than with its paws. Because of its appearance, the breed is generally considered intimidating, including the practice of trimming the tail and ears. Thankfully, some countries have begun to outlaw the practice.
- Maximum speed: 56.33 km/h
This ancient variety is thought to predate recorded history and is almost indistinguishable from its ancestors. Scottish deer retrievers are known for being outstanding deer hunters – they chase them at speeds of 35 miles per hour. While they may not be the fastest in the race, some believe they are faster than their peers when it comes to natural habitat.
- Maximum speed: 57.94 km/h
Whippets are often used as athletes in a variety of dog sports, including racing and hare racing, as the breed exhibits impressive speed and agility, especially when properly trained. The breed is described as quiet and timid, and probably spends most of the day resting happily. However, Whippet dogs may be overly sensitive and may react when startled or touched.
Borzoi, whose Russian name translates to "fast," lives up to its name and is capable of running at full speeds of 57.94 kilometers per hour. Due to its slender figure, silky smooth fur, and quiet and independent nature, the breed is often seen in dog shows and athletics competitions. Wolfhounds are selective learners who require patience and persistence from their owners to train.
- Maximum speed: 59.55 km/h
The Dalmatian dog is famous for its appearance in Disney's "One Hundred and One Spotted Dogs" and for its reputation on the U.S. Fire Brigade. Fire, because they are one of the few breeds that can keep up with horses. To this day, the breed remains the mascot of firefighters and Budweiser Clydesdales.
- Maximum speed: 62.76 km/h
Due to their natural desire to work, German Shepherds have traditionally been used as guard dogs and service dogs. German Shepherds used for police service enjoy performances so much that it is known that they become upset when they are unable to sniff out dangerous objects, which requires breeders to set up dangerous items on a regular basis for dogs to find.
- Maximum speed: 64.37 km/h
Vizslas was bred as hunters and hounds – historically, the breed brought poultry to its owners after the bird was shot. The breed requires a lot of attention and affection, sometimes whimpering when it feels overlooked. Like most dogs used for hunting, vizslas require a certain level of exercise, so be prepared to be active.
- Maximum speed: 64.37 km/h
The Afghan Hound is considered the dominant breed at the dog show because of the long, sweet fur that the owner can accentuate its silky appearance by grooming. While the breed is a popular competitor in the show, it also boasts extraordinary speed, which makes it a worth a try in the agile sport.
The Ibiza Hound is designed to entertain its owner with overactive antics and endless energy, as they often escape crates and jump over high fences. This breed has a natural tendency to run when unrestricted, so owners are advised to be vigilant when their dogs are off their leash. The Ibiza Hound also has a protective effect and barks only when necessary – a trait of good guard dogs.
- Maximum speed: 69.20 km/h
The Salukis were visual hunters, using keen vision to spot prey at a distance and hunt down smaller prey with extraordinary speed. Although not considered the fastest dog in short distances, it is believed that salukis are able to speed faster over long distances.
- Maximum speed: 72.42 km/h
Greyhounds are tall and slender, bred specifically for greyhound racing, making them the fastest dogs with a top speed of up to 72.42 km/h. Unlike other dogs, this breed is designed to increase speed rather than endurance and does not require much exercise. Greyhounds are usually content to wander around the house and are known for their independent and gentle nature. However, without proper exercise, they can become overactive and even destructive.