What is the fastest dog breed in the world? Today RichUpdates bring you a fascinating list! Would you like to know what the fastest dog is? If yes, then come with me as we show you the quickest dog breeds.
In this world, we have different breeds of dogs with their different morphologies, temperaments, characteristics and different qualities and distinctiveness that diversify each breed among themselves.
Most of the dog breeds we are going to mention here are distinguished based on their reputation for being faster than others and also their hunting prowess or sprinting prowess, which makes them best sprinting dogs(they are great sprinters).
Regarding the sprinters, Greyhound breeds are known to be the fastest dog breeds because they are dolichocephalic (narrow and elongated heads), and this gives them an edge over other dog breeds, they have a high-resolution vision and a good memory.
Scientists explained that the high-resolution vision as skill allows them to see very well and capture where they will step in the following strides to reach their goal faster, this makes the Greyhound the fastest dog in the world.
Though humans can technically run up to 40 miles per hour, we have many records of humans and it has been noted that many humans run at a speed of 10 miles/hour. The fastest human speed ever recorded was accomplished by Olympian Usain Bolt, he ran at a speed of nearly 28 miles/hour.
However, when it comes to speed, how do we compare the dogs? Here we have prepared a list of the world’s speediest types of dogs.
List of the World’s Fastest Dog Breeds
Here is the list of the world’s fastest dog breeds;
- Greyhound – 45 Miles Per Hour
- Saluki – 42 Miles Per Hour
- Afghan Hound – 40 Miles Per Hour
- Vizsla – 40 Miles Per Hour
- Rat Terrier – 38 Miles Per Hour
- Dalmatian – 37 Miles Per Hour
- Borzoi – 36 Miles Per Hour
- Whippet – 34 Miles Per Hour
- Doberman Pinscher – 32 Miles Per Hour
- Border Collie – 30 Miles Per Hour
- Poodle – 30 Miles Per Hour
- German Shepherd – 30 Miles Per Hour
- Scottish Deerhound – 28 Miles Per Hour
- Giant Schnauzer – 28 Miles Per Hour
- Italian Greyhound – 25 Miles Per Hour
- Great Dane – (Bonus)
What are the fastest dog breeds?
Below is a well-detailed list of the world’s fastest dog breeds;
1. Greyhound – 45 Miles Per Hour
Greyhound is the fastest dog in the world, as I have mentioned earlier, the Greyhound can reach up to a speed of 45 miles per hour. The origin of the Greyhound is believed to be traced back to the ancient Celts in Eastern Europe; there are many breeds of greyhounds.
Ever since then, this great breed has been specially bred for sighthound and also used for hunting and racing.
2. Saluki – 42 Miles Per Hour
Saluki is the 2nd fastest dog in the world, which can speed up to 42 miles per hour. It is also believed that it is another species of Greyhound that stands out for its speed, one of the oldest known dogs in the world.
Some experts even assume that the Saluki can sustain high speeds for a longer distance than the pure Greyhound (i.e., the Saluki doesn’t get tired easily). Some images Saluki dog breed have been found on ancient Egyptian tombs dated as far back as 2134 BC. This breed is a sighthound usually used for hunting, historically has hunted gazelle, fox, and rabbits.
3. Afghan Hound – 40 Miles Per Hour
The Afghan hound from Afghanistan, as its name implies, made it to the third place for its running pace of up to 40 miles/hour. These dogs are usually very present in agility competitions. In addition to having an indisputable beauty, they are very fast.
The Afghan hound is considered a basal breed; this means that its DNA is less mixed, unlike the modern breeds and also, it is one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. The Afghan hound is related to the Saluki. Traced to Afghanistan, where it was specifically bred to withstand the cold temperatures of high mountain altitudes.
It was used for hunting, although today it is kept as a pet and its speed is tested in agility.
4. Vizsla – 40 Miles Per Hour
The vizsla – in the image that heads this article – is a medium-sized but strong-built dog that comes from Hungary. It has the capacity of reaching a speed of 40 miles per hour, shares the 3rd place with the Afghan hound in our list of the fastest dog breeds.
The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer is a very energetic dog, an ideal companion on hiking trails and other sports since it has a very resistant musculature and quite a lot of strength.
Although during the Second World War, the breed was on the verge of extinction, thanks to a few specimens that survived, it was well preserved.
The vizsla is known for its protective instincts, pointer-retriever hunting skills, and high level of energy.
5. Rat Terrier – 38 Miles Per Hour
This is one of the fastest dogs in the world since it can exceed 38 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour). It is considered the 4th fastest dog in the world. However, its origin is American; the British used it for hunting hares and squirrels for many years, a custom that later persisted over time in US territory.
The Rat Terrier is a medium-sized dog, sturdy, and highly energetic dog breed used for hunting for a long time by its great tracking instinct.
The latest version of this breed can be traced back to 1795 when fox hunters in England stated the need for an all-white dog, which could easily be distinguished from the game. The ancestor is the English White Terrier, now extinct.
Today they are ideal dogs as pets, as they are very adaptable and loving animals, capable of being happy in any environment.
6. Dalmatian – 37 Miles Per Hour
The 5th fastest dog in the world is the Dalmatian, able to reach speeds of around 37 miles per hour. Dalmatian is a popular breed used as a pet and easily recognized by its appearance, which is mainly white with black or brown spots. The first notable record of this dog dates back to painting in Croatia in 1600.
Historically, Dalmatians have been used as a companion guard dog as they are usually running beside carriages to protect against robbery.
7. Borzoi – 36 Miles Per Hour
The Borzoi is the 6th fastest dog breed, also known as “Russian Wolfhound,” specifically bred to haunt wolfs. It can reach a speed of 36 miles per hour (58 kilometers). It is another type of greyhound that takes the medal at speed and it originates from Russia.
The Russian Borzoi is known for being calm and friendly, but it is not for this reason that it is calm when it comes to reaching high speeds. It is not only fast but sturdy as it can maintain the same running pace over a long distance.
Its name comes from a Russian word that means ‘fast.’ Its body thus allows it to be seen thanks to its slenderness and long legs.
8. Whippet – 34 Miles Per Hour
The Whippet is a descendant of greyhounds, making its body slender, tall, and with long limbs. Whippet is a cross between some Terriers and the Greyhound dog, so it is not surprising that it made it on this list.
Its maximum speed reaches 34 miles per hour, although some recorded up to 40 miles per hour, it was used in England for hunting small deer and rats.
Although other dogs perhaps achieve faster speeds, the Whippet stands out for its rapid acceleration.
The Whippet is considered the fastest dog of its size and is the fastest accelerating dog in the world. This breed can go from rest to its top speed in less than four seconds, amazing!
9. Doberman Pinscher – 32 Miles Per Hour
The Doberman is rated as the 8th fastest dog in the world, with a speed of up to 32 miles per hour. This Doberman was bred in Germany in the early 20th century, specifically to be a guard dog. But history has it that this dog breed has been used as war dogs, police dogs, and also for personal defense. The Doberman is the most intelligent dog breeds ever.
10. Border Collie – 30 Miles Per Hour
Are you surprised? Yes, the Border Collie is among the fastest dog breeds! Considered a herding breed, long used as a sheepdog as it was specially bred to herd livestock. Its genetics and athletic body have allowed it to be very fast as a result of years and years chasing and recovering sheep. It can run up to 30 miles/hour around 50 km/h, making it the 9th fastest dog in the world according to a general ranking. This dog is known to be greatly intelligent, loyal, and energetic, which also made it a perfect pet.
11. Poodle – 30 Miles Per Hour
The Poodle breed comprises of 3 size variations: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. Normally the Standard Poodle can reach speeds of 30 miles/hour and it shares the ranking of 9th fastest dog. With unclear origins, the Poodle was bred to retrieve water and also used for duck hunting. The Poodle is also an excellent swimmer and considered the 2nd smartest dog breed.
12. German Shepherd – 30 Miles Per Hour
Originally, the German Shepherd (GSD) is being used for herding sheep. Nowadays, this dog is often used as a police dog and also used for military work, as a narcotics and explosives detector, and in a search and rescue mission. It is the most generally used breed for work involving scent based on its sniffing ability. It can speed up to 30 miles per hour.
13. Scottish Deerhound – 28 Miles Per Hour
The Scottish deerhound also made it on the list of the fastest dogs in the world. As the name implies, the Scottish deerhound was originally bred to hunt deer. Some archaeologists have found pottery from the 1st century AD, which illustrates a large dog hunting deer. This is believed to be an ancestor of the Scottish deerhound. These Scottish breeds of dogs have been recorded to run 28 miles per hour.
14. Giant Schnauzer – 28 Miles Per Hour
Among our list of breeds of dogs, the Giant Schnauzer made it one of the fastest dog breeds which originated from the Bavarian region of Germany. Giant Schnauzer was specifically bred as a guard dog and livestock herder. It was once introduced to cities, used to protect businesses. Having the capacity to run up to 28 miles per hour (45 kilometers/hour) and is the largest Schnauzer variation.
15. Italian Greyhound – 25 Miles Per Hour
The Italian Greyhound, as its name implies, is a breed from Italy, it is a small dog breed that has the capacity of reaching a speed up to 28 miles per hour. The Italian Greyhound breed dates back to over 2,000 years ago to present-day Greece and Turkey. Specially bred as a companion dog and then later prized in Italy for its miniature size. Notably, several monarchs have owned Italian Greyhounds.
16. Great Dane – (Bonus)
If long legs are very proper when it comes to picking up speeds, the Great Dane should be on our list of the fastest dogs in the world. It is capable of exceeding 70 km/h, which must be a sight to see.
In addition, its character makes it a very suitable breed to have as a pet, although yes, you will need a large space for it. And of course, good doses of daily exercise for that agility to be maintained.
Conclusion on the fastest dog breeds
This has been our list of the fastest dogs in the world, which, in addition, are very suitable to have at home as a pet. Most of the breeds of dogs mentioned above are very fast for a short race while some are not so fast but could maintain a lengthy race.
Dogs are just like a human; kindly treat them as a family; they are adorable and called human best friends.
Recommended:
List of the World’s Fastest Dog Breeds
- 1. Greyhound – 45 Miles Per Hour
- 2. Saluki – 42 Miles Per Hour
- 3. Afghan Hound – 40 Miles Per Hour
- 4. Vizsla – 40 Miles Per Hour
- 5. Rat Terrier – 38 Miles Per Hour
- 6. Dalmatian – 37 Miles Per Hour
- 7. Borzoi – 36 Miles Per Hour
- 8. Whippet – 34 Miles Per Hour
- 9. Doberman Pinscher – 32 Miles Per Hour
- 10. Border Collie – 30 Miles Per Hour
- 11. Poodle – 30 Miles Per Hour
- 12. German Shepherd – 30 Miles Per Hour
- 13. Scottish Deerhound – 28 Miles Per Hour
- 14. Giant Schnauzer – 28 Miles Per Hour
- 15. Italian Greyhound – 25 Miles Per Hour
- 16. Great Dane – (Bonus)