Do you have a need for speed?
If so, you may want to consider getting a dog from one of the fastest breeds listed below. These dogs are bred for speed and leave the rest of the pack for the dust!
Whether they’re sprinting after a frisbee or racing through fields, these dogs can showcase their exceptional athleticism, agility and speed that can rival even the quickest of animals.
In this article we “zoom” into the world of the ten fastest dog breeds, each renowned for their rapid reflexes and lightning-fast paws.
From the sleek, elegant Greyhound, to the surprisingly quick Jack Russell Terrier, we will explore what makes these dogs the speedsters of the canine kingdom.
List of the Fastest Dog Breeds
So, without further ado, here are the top ten fastest dog breeds:
- Greyhound: 45 mph / 72.4 kph
- Saluki: 42 mph / 67.6 kph
- Afghan Hound: 40 mph / 64.4 kph
- Vizsla: 40 mph / 64.4 kph
- Whippet: 36 mph / 57.9 kph
- Jack Russell: 35 mph / 56.3 kph
- Dalmatian: 35 mph / 56.3 kph
- Borzoi: 34 mph / 54.7 kph
- Malamute: 31 mph / 49.9 kph
- Border Collie: 30 mph / 48.2 kph
Greyhound – 45 mph
The Greyhound is the world’s fastest dog and can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. These dogs are used for racing and need a lot of exercise. If you’re looking for a fast dog to take on walks or runs, the Greyhound is a great choice.
Why are they so quick? The body of a Greyhound is very streamline, which enables them to be incredibly aerodynamic. This contributes to them reaching high speeds in order to catch their prey. They also have a very slim frame, long limbs and a larger than average heart, which helps pump more blood and oxygen around the body during intense running sessions.
Greyhounds make great pets for people who are looking for a dog that needs a lot of exercise. They are also a good choice for people who live in homes with large yards.
Greyhounds can be a little shy around strangers, but they are gentle and loving dogs once they get to know you.
Saluki – 42 mph
The Saluki is another fast breed that can reach speeds of up to 42 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in the Middle East and are one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. Salukis are gentle and loving dogs that make great companions.
Afghan Hound – 40 mph
The Afghan Hound is a beautiful breed that can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in Afghanistan and were used for hunting. Afghan Hounds are independent and aloof, but they can make great companions.
Vizsla – 40 mph
The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed that can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. These dogs are gentle, loving, and loyal companions. They are also great hunters and make excellent family dogs.
This breed particularly enjoys swimming, retrieving and a romp off-leash with another dog. Two runs per day will keep the Vizsla calm and content indoors.
Whippet – 36 mph
The Whippet is a smaller breed of dog that can reach speeds of up to 36 miles per hour over short distances.
Whippets were originally bred in Northern England. This sight hound was bred from the Greyhound and crossed with terriers. The were originally used for hunting rabbits and small game.
The Whippet also known as “the poor man’s racehorse”, since the working class people of England used to race their whippets for sport.
Jack Russell Terrier – 35 mph
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small breed of dog that can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in England and were used for hunting. Today, Jack Russells make great pets and are known for their high energy levels.
Dalmatian – 35 mph
Dalmatians aren’t just famous for their distinctive spotty coats. They are also known for their remarkable speed. They are a large breed of dog that can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in Croatia and were used as carriage dogs, which means they used to run alongside the horse carriages to ward off the threat of highwaymen and other dangers. It required them to be fast and agile enough to sprint long distances while looking after the carriages.
Borzoi – 34 mph
The Borzoi is a large breed of dog that can reach speeds of up to 34 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in Russia and were used for hunting. Their slim and agile frame contributes to their ability to reach very fast speeds. They are gentle and loving nature and make wonderful pets, especially in families with children.
Alaskan Malamute – 31 mph
The Alaskan Malamute is a large breed of dog that can reach speeds of up to 31 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in Alaska and were used for sledding. Alaskan Malamutes are super loyal and friendly. They make great pets. This breed is also considered to be a Wolf Dog breed.
Border Collie – 30 mph
The Border Collie is a medium-sized breed of dog that can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. These dogs were originally bred in Scotland and were used for herding sheep. Border Collies are still great working dogs, and are used still by most sheep farmers in the UK and the US. They make great pets and are known for their high intelligence and loyalty.