Most canines love to run. While sometimes they sprint to burn off their excess energy, at other times they run to just enjoy a romp with their canine buddies. However, if you’re a dog parent or an enthusiast, you must have noticed that some dogs are faster than others. The fastest breeds come with lean bodies, long legs, and high energy and captivate everyone with their lightning speed. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 fastest dog breeds in the world and discuss possible reasons that make them run so quickly. Read on to find out more.
Top 10 Fastest Dogs in the World
Let’s take a quick glance at the top 10 dog breeds by speed.
#10 Doberman Pinscher
The popular police dog was originally bred in Germany for the purpose of personal protection. Their muscular bodies and lean frames make them exceptional sprinters and great pets for active pet parents. They also make great family pets with appropriate training and socialization.
The dogs are low-maintenance due to their short coat and require weekly brushing to eliminate loose hair and keep their coat shiny. Their nails should be trimmed once a month, their teeth need to be brushed regularly to maintain oral hygiene and their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Speed: 32 mph
#9 Borzoi
Having originated in Russia, Borzois were traditionally bred to hunt. They come with a lean frame, long legs and powerful hindquarters that help them sprint and cover long distances quickly. Despite having natural hunting instincts, the dogs are calm and have a gentle temperament, making them excellent pet dogs.
Borzois require weekly brushing to prevent matting, with special attention behind the ears and under the legs. They also benefit from occasional bathing, regular ear cleaning, weekly or bi-weekly teeth brushing, and monthly nail trims.
Speed: 35 mph
#8 Whippet
Originally bred in England, a whippet was traditionally used for hunting. The dogs resemble Greyhounds but are smaller in size. They are the fastest mid-sized breeds and tend to chase fast-moving creatures like squirrels and rabbits. However, they are very affectionate and get along well with their human families.
The dogs are low-maintenance and require weekly brushing to eliminate loose hair. They have short coats and sensitive skin and benefit from occasional bathing with a gentle shampoo. It is also essential to regularly check and clean their ears and trim their nails.
Speed: 35 mph
#7 Dalmatian
Known for its uniquely spotted coats, Dalmatians were originally bred in Croatia to protect horse-drawn wagons from highway robbers. They have excellent stamina, which allows them to run alongside high-speed wagons. Their athletic nature makes them ideal companions for active and outgoing pet parents. They have a gentle personality and get along well with children. Dalmatians also make amazing therapy dogs when socialized properly.
The canines benefit from weekly brushing to manage shedding and occasional baths when their coats get dirty. Regular nail trims, weekly ear checks and daily brushing of teeth are important for their overall health.
Speed: 37 mph
#6 Jack Russell Terrier
Though Jack Russel Terriers have small legs, they are capable of running at a very high speed and therefore are the fastest small dog breed. The dogs are tough and sturdy and were originally bred in England to hunt foxes. They are social and get along well with humans, provided they get to burn off their excess energy.
The dogs require weekly brushing and occasional bathing when their coats get dirty. They also benefit from regular nail trims, ear cleaning and brushing of teeth. While the rough-coated dogs may require professional stripping, the smooth-coated ones need to be brushed at home to manage shedding.
Speed: 38 mph
#5 Ibizan Hound
Named after the Spanish island, Ibiza, Ibizan Hounds are one of the oldest purebreds of Egypt. The dogs were originally bred and trained to hunt deer and rabbits. Their tall and lean bodies make them incredible athletes. Besides running at lightning speed, the dogs are known for jumping six feet high from a standstill and can easily scale fences or open gates. The dogs are affectionate in nature and love their hoomans.
Ibizan Hounds are low in maintenance when it comes to grooming and only need weekly brushing to eliminate loose hair. Other requirements include bi-weekly trimming of nails, frequent brushing of teeth, and occasional baths only when they get dirty. Also, their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
Speed: 40 mph
#4 Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla, known for its sleek copper coat, comes with a muscular build that provides it with the stamina to run fast. The dogs are high on energy and can go all day exercising. It helps them burn their energy and not indulge in destructive behavior. Despite their high energy, the canines are gentle in nature and thrive in human companionship.
The dogs are low-maintenance and only require weekly brushing to manage shedding and keep their coat shiny. While they can be bathed as required, their ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infection, especially after swimming.
Speed: 40 mph
#3 Afghan Hound
The graceful dog with a long, flowing coat and gorgeous locks was anciently bred in Afghanistan, where it was used for hunting across rugged terrains. Their long legs and aerodynamic bodies help them reach impressive speeds. The dogs are smart and tend to form a close bond with a single pet parent who interacts the most with them.
The canines require daily brushing, using a pin brush and a metal comb to prevent mats. They also benefit from regular baths every one to four weeks, followed by thorough drying and conditioning to maintain coat health. Other grooming requirements include regular nail trims, ear cleaning to prevent infections and occasional professional grooming for long coats.
Speed: 40 mph
#2 Saluki
Featuring lean bodies, long legs and exceptional speed, the Saluki was originally bred in the Middle East. The hunting canines are also great when it comes to agility. They have a calm temperament and are good around children. The dogs need daily exercise in a large yard.
A Saluki requires weekly brushing if they have smooth coats and twice to thrice a week brushing if they have feathered coats in order to prevent mats in the ears, legs, and tail. They also need regular nail trim, dental care, ear cleaning and occasional bathing.
Speed: 42 mph
#1 Greyhound
Known for its unbeatable speed, the Greyhound is the fastest dog breed in the world. Similar to that of cheetahs, they run in a double suspension gallop, making their bodies contract and extend, with all four feet leaving the ground in each movement. They are capable of reaching top speed within six strides, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. However, despite their speed, they make excellent pet dogs. To help them burn their energy, the dogs need to be offered the opportunity to run in a large area once a day.
The canines are low maintenance in general and just require light brushing to remove loose hair and a monthly bath with a moisturizing shampoo. Its nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent pain and its teeth need to be brushed daily to prevent tartar build-up.
Speed: 45 mph
Parting Words
The above-mentioned sprinters are meant to bring excitement and energy into your life. Whether you are an athlete, love spending time outdoors or want a dog to accompany you during hiking, you can go for any of these 10 fastest running dogs. Just ensure you’re ready to keep up with their high energy and spirit!