Top 10 Fastest Dog Breed in the World

When we chase after our dogs to retrieve a stolen shoe or put them in their crates for the night, they appear to be attempting to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. However, most of the world’s fastest dog breeds aren’t only attempting to outrun us: They were specifically bred for hunting, vermin detection, and competitive coursing ability testing.

The fastest dog breeds on this list easily average 30-40 mph, and six of the top seven are sight hounds, who use their excellent eyes and sprinting talents to hunt or course. They share long legs, sleek aerodynamic bodies, deep chests for more lung space, and tucked-in waists as a breed.

Although most puppies can run quite quickly, there are several breeds that are specifically associated to fast running and may be your perfect running companion.

To find your fastest dog breed, check out this article.

Top 10 fastest dogs

1. Greyhound

It’s no surprise that the Greyhound is the fastest dog on the planet. They were bred to hunt hares, foxes, and deer. Greyhound racing honed the breed into the world’s fastest dog. They are thought to have originated in Egypt and have long been prized by royalty. Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance runners, and they prefer to spend the majority of their time snoozing.

The Greyhound is the fastest dog on the planet! They are incredible movers, and their lofty size creates a stunning image as they rush by at 45 mph. They are one of the gentlest breeds imaginable and are equally content chasing their favorite tiny animal as they are lying by your side.

Fastest speed: 40–45 mph

You’ve undoubtedly surmised that this graceful creature can outrun us all, especially in a sprint, but did you also know that greyhounds can maintain a speed of roughly 35 mph for up to 7 miles?

They also have a 270 degree field of vision. Their dedicated, placid demeanor and ease with youngsters make them excellent family dogs. It is believed that all sight hounds should be left to run freely in a wide, gated area at least once a day a 10-minute stroll around the block is simply not enough but that greyhounds are perfectly content to be couch potatoes for the rest of the day.

2. Saluki

The Saluki is a close second; with a top speed of 42 mph. This sight hound was bred to chase rabbits, but they are also content to be a family pet. Take them running or swimming. The Saluki, like the Greyhound, is one of the oldest dog breeds.

The Saluki, also known as the Persian Greyhound or the Gazelle Hound, has long been considered one of the most ancient breeds. This is supported by recent genetic findings. Scientists believe Salukis and other ancient breeds descended from the first canines and travelled the world with their nomadic owners. Egyptian tombs from 2100 B.C.E. have depictions of dogs resembling Salukis, with a Greyhound-like body and feathering on the ears, tail, and legs. Carvings from the Sumerian empire (7,000-6,000 B.C.E.) show dogs that have a striking resemblance to the Saluki.

Salukis were hare and gazelle hunters. Egyptian pharaohs mummified them, and Muslims treasured them as a gift from Allah.

Fastest speed: 40-43 mph

The saluki, a suitable canine companion for busy humans, is hot on the tail of the greyhound. This African dog breed, formerly valued by pharaohs, is a free thinker, almost catlike in her ability to mix love for you with cherished alone time. She benefits from continuous socialization and positive reinforcement training, and she enjoys incentives like long walks on warm beaches and safe, contained settings where she can play lightning-fast fetch.

3. Afghan hound

The Afghan hound is another 40-mph mover. But this one has its fur flapping in the wind as it races past you. This tall and graceful pup moves as swiftly pursuing small game as they do running to the couch. The Afghan hound originated in Afghanistan, where it hunted in the deserts and mountains. It needed its long, flowing coat to keep warm. Afghan Hounds, another old breed, have a strong independent attitude and can be tough to teach. They are a clownish breed that requires a lot of maintenance to keep their flowing locks of hair from getting matted. Afghan Hounds are escape artists and, due to their speed, can be extremely difficult to catch. They have a strong attachment to a single person.

Fastest speed: Speed: 40 mph

Because of his ability to track game over vast distances, an Afghan hound was the first choice hunting hound for Asian and English nobles. His attractive looks necessitate frequent maintenance, as well as diligent training. Although he is free-spirited, he is intelligent and forms strong ties with solitary pet owners who keep him cognitively and physically active.

4. Vizsla

What if you had good beauty, brains, and speed all bundled into one dog? The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a rock-like build. This slender yet muscular dog can point, retrieve, swim, or simply be your closest friend. You can ask them anything and they will gladly comply. The Vizla, which is tied with the Afghan Hound as the third-fastest dog, was designed in Hungary to be both a pointer and a retriever. They worked closely with hunters, and that personality feature has carried over into current times, earning them the nickname “Velcro Vizsla” for their proclivity to keep close to their favourite person.

The Vizsla is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise to keep it from becoming destructive. Because they are so connected to their people, they are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for an extended period of time. They would make an excellent companion for older children but are definitely too rowdy for younger children.

Fastest speed: 40 mph

Many people who are interested in the fastest dog breeds are taken aback when they discover about the enigmatic Hungarian Vizsla pronounced as VEESH-la or VEEZH-la. The “V” also stands for “Velcro dog” because her favorite position is by your side and she’ll follow you wherever. To live her best life, experienced and active pet parents understand that she needs to run, sniff a lot, and learn interesting activities like agility and fly ball.

5. Whippet

Averaging 34 miles per hour with a top speed of 40 miles per hour is a piece of cake for the Whippet. This medium-sized dog has a large-scale charming personality, but be quick with the hugs before they flee. This dog enjoys chasing and was bred to hunt small rodents. They are the quickest accelerating dog in history.

The Whippet, which was smaller than its brethren, was dubbed the “poor man’s Greyhound” and was most likely used for rabbit poaching. The Whippet has a strong prey drive and may not get along with cats or other small animals. If the Whippet is not contained by a tall fence, it is advisable that they be leashed. This is primarily due to the fact that they will chase after everything that moves, regardless of how well-trained they are. Whippets make good family pets if they receive adequate exercise and enjoy cuddling.

Fastest speed: 35 mph

The whippet generally sets records in any professional dog competition that involves quick acceleration. This medium-sized English lovebug excels in CAT races, such as Reas, who won the 2022 Fast CAT 100-yard dash in just under 6 seconds at approximately 35 mph! But she has the potential to be a beauty queen like Bourbon, who won the AKC National Championship in 2020. Whippets are tender-hearted sweeties who love to cuddle after a brisk walk outside when they are not earning ribbons.

6. Jack Russell Terrier

Do you plan on getting a little dog? Do you require a fiery buddy who can run like the wind? The Jack Russell Terrier could be your best choice. Most hunters who require a companion dog can travel at 38 miles per hour.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a relatively new breed when compared to many of the other breeds on this list, having been bred by Parson Jack Russell to be the ideal fox hunting dog. They have boundless energy and a self-sufficient outlook. They despise boredom and can cause problems if their intelligence isn’t channelled. If you have the time and patience to train a Jack Russell and provide him with enough of exercise, he may be a wonderful companion and succeed at a variety of dog sports.

Fastest speed: 30–35 mph

The Jack Russell terrier is thought to be the fastest of the three Russell terriers in the world, the Parson Russell terrier, the Russell terrier, and the Jack Russell terrier, since the Australian breed with English origin is still an active working dog. The Jack, who is dedicated to burrowing after rodents and sussing them out, lends new meaning to the term “rat race.” This gorgeous, feisty, and clever dog won’t stop working until the job is done, so keep him busy with exciting activities like agility courses.

7. Dalmatian

This antique breed from the 1600s is an expert at being a trusted companion and protector. Take a second look and consider that puppy as a wonderful addition to your household. Given its well-known history, this breed should come as no surprise on our list. Dalmatians have an extraordinarily high activity level since they were raised to sprint alongside carriages for several kilometres at a time to fend off highway robbers. They are also susceptible to deafness.

Approximately 8% of Dalmatians are born entirely deaf, while 22–24% is born with hearing in only one ear…Some people believe that deaf dogs can make just as good pets as hearing dogs if they are trained with hand signals and vibrations to avoid being startled. If you are thinking about adopting a deaf puppy or older adult dog, do your homework on the issue and the particular care requirements of living with a deaf dog before you go through the heartache of taking the dog in and not being able to properly manage his care.

Fastest speed: 35 mph

Running alongside fire vehicles demands both speed and stamina, which Dalmatians possess. She’s a great playmate for kids because she’s quick on her feet but low-key in her demeanour. In fact, she can be apprehensive about new people and settings therefore employ positive reinforcement conditioning to help her become less apprehensive. “Dals” are extremely sweet and, when properly taught and socialised, make excellent therapy dogs.

8. Borzoi

The Borzoi, with his rapid speed and agility, is gaining popularity. While their long fur flutters in the wind, this pup can cruise at 36 mph. This lovely is a medium-sized pup with charm and superb looks. They enjoy sitting on the couch when they are not speeding around the yard.

The Borzoi was developed in Russia for hunting and coursing, with teams of three dogs pursuing rabbits, foxes, and wolves. They were well-liked by royalty. They, like Greyhounds, are content with moderate exercise and will happily spend the most of the day in bed. They dislike being alone and would rather be by your side as much as possible. The Borzoi is infamous for shedding and must be groomed on a regular basis.

Fastest speed: 36 mph

The borzoi pronounced as BOR-zoy is one of the tallest (up to 28 inches tall!) and fastest dog breeds. He was known as the Russian wolfhound in the United States until 1936, after being a favorite of the Russian aristocracy and capable of chasing enormous animals. The borzoi’s majestic stature is frequently depicted in art and literature, but he is far from aloof. All this peaceful, cold-weather-loving canine need is your consistent companionship and, of course, adequate daily exercise.

9. Doberman Pinscher

Because of its capacity to pursue down a criminal with speed and agility, the Doberman Pinscher has long been utilized as a security and police dog. A person on foot has no chance against the 32 mph they can reach without breaking a sweat. Their physical qualities are long, tall, and slim, yet their souls are filled with love.

While Dobermans were originally meant to be guard dogs, they may make ideal family pets if they are trained, socialised, and given lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They like being a member of a family and will instinctively defend those they care about.

Fastest speed: 32 mph

Once upon a time, in the late nineteenth century, there was a tax collector named Louis Dobermann who lived in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany. His profession as a money collector was perilous because there were robbers in the neighbourhood who could assault him as he went about his rounds. Because Dobermann was also the local dogcatcher, he frequently brought along a dog for protection. Dobermann began breeding dogs with the goal of creating a devoted friend and protector. The early Doberman Pinscher was the result of his breeding attempts.

10. Border Collie

Is 30 miles per hour fast enough for the task at hand? A Border Collie makes an excellent family pet or farm helper. This medium-sized dog is content to work or play. And their speed allows them to expend all of their internal energy. Please give this doggie plenty of exercise.

Fastest speed: 30 mph

Border Collies were bred to herd sheep and can run all day without tiring. They are incredibly bright and can adapt to almost any dog sport you can think of.

The Border Collie is a herding dog, which means he has an insatiable need to herd sheep. That flock could consist of sheep, children, cats, squirrels, or anything else that moves, including automobiles. This instinct to nip, nudge, and bark, as well as his energy, are unattainable. It must instead be directed. He needs a job, whether it’s herding sheep or competing in dog sports. A daily brisk stroll or game of fetch is insufficient for the Border Collie.

AKC America’s fastest dog

• Great Dane: Aria (Dynamic Danes’ Aria’s Razzle N Dazzle N FDC CA FCAT DN CGCA CGCU TKN ATT), owned by Kaitlin LeeAnn Cunningham of Rome, Georgia.
• Miniature Schnauzer: Joker (Jack “The Joker” Napier – Clown Prince Of Crime CA FCAT6 CGC TKN), owned by Brittany Carvalheria of Palm Coast, Florida.

The fastest way to get rid of fleas on a dog

• Bathe Your Animal.
• Using a fine-tooth flea comb, comb your pet’s hair
• Kill the fleas
• Spray Your Pet with an Apple Cider Vinegar Solution
• Conduct Regular Checks
• Allow Your Pet to Groom himself

How fast can the Greyhound, the fastest dog breed, run?

A Greyhound bus can achieve speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Their long legs and lean bodies are designed for quick and efficient movement.

What are the factors that contribute to a dog breed’s speed?

Breed genetics, physical structure, conditioning, and overall health are all factors that contribute to speed. Because of their responsibilities in hunting, herding, or racing, many breeds have developed to be faster.

Besides Greyhounds, which other dog breeds are popular in dog racing?

Due to their remarkable speed and agility, Whippets and Salukis are frequently used in dog racing with Greyhounds.

Are fast dog breeds also high-energy breeds that need a lot of exercise?

In general, yes. Fast dog breeds typically demand a lot of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. They thrive on running-related activities such as fetch or agility training.