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. It is no surprise if you cannot resist parenting one of these furry runners. However, it is a good idea to gather adequate knowledge about these breeds to provide your fur friend with a healthy and happy life.
In this blog, we will explore the top 10 fastest dog breeds in the world and discuss their origin, lifespan, grooming needs, and health issues they are prone to. 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 bred to chase down wrongdoers and used as a security dog for personal protection. Their muscular bodies and lean frames make them exceptional sprinters and great pets for active pet parents.
- Running speed: 32 mph
- Origin: Germany (bred by and named after a tax collector- Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann)
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Health challenges: Prone to health conditions, like hip dysplasia and bloat.
- Grooming needs: Low-maintenance dogs due to their short coat. They 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 with dog toothpaste and toothbrush regularly to maintain oral hygiene, and their ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent infection.
- Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, playful and good with children. They make great family pets with appropriate training and socialization.
#9 Borzoi
Also known as Russian Wolfhounds, 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.
- Running speed: 35 mph
- Origin: Russia
- Lifespan: 9-13 years
- Health challenges: Susceptible to hip & elbow dysplasia, bloat, and have sensitivity to anesthesia (they are slower to recover from heavy sedatives).
- Grooming needs: Require weekly brushing to prevent matting, with special attention behind the ears and under the legs. They benefit from occasional bathing with dog shampoo, regular ear cleaning, weekly or bi-weekly teeth brushing, and monthly nail trims.
- Temperament: Gentle, happy-go-lucky personality. They make excellent pet dogs.
#8 Whippet
Known as the ‘poor man’s racehorse’, Whippets were 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.
- Running speed: 35 mph
- Origin: England
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Health challenges: Vulnerable to heart conditions and eye problems.
- Grooming needs: Low-maintenance dogs, as they have short coats. They require weekly brushing to eliminate loose hair. They have 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.
- Temperament: Very affectionate, loves to lounge and cuddle. They get along well with their human families.
#7 Dalmatian
Known for thier uniquely spotted coats, Dalmatians were originally bred to protect horse-drawn wagons from highway robbers and protect the borders of Dalmatia. They have excellent stamina, which allows them to run alongside high-speed wagons.
- Running speed: 37 mph
- Origin: Croatia
- Lifespan: 11-13 years
- Health challenges: Prone to health conditions, like hip dysplasia, deafness and bladder stones.
- Grooming needs: 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.
- Temperament: Athletic, 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.
#6 Jack Russell Terrier
Though Jack Russell Terriers have small legs, they are capable of running at a very high speed and therefore are one of the fastest small dog breeds. The dogs are tough and sturdy and were originally bred to hunt foxes.
- Running speed: 38 mph
- Origin: England
- Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Health challenges: Vulnerable to eye issues, joint problems, and allergies (food or environment).
- Grooming needs: Require weekly brushing and occasional bathing when the coats get dirty. They benefit from regular nail trims, ear cleaning and brushing of teeth. Rough-coated dogs may require professional stripping, while the smooth-coated ones need to be brushed at home to manage shedding.
- Temperament: Naturally protective of their humans and territories. They are always ready for play and are perfect partners for those with an active lifestyle.
#5 Ibizan Hound
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.
- Running speed: 40 mph
- Origin: One of the oldest purebreds of Egypt. Named after the Spanish island, Ibiza
- Lifespan: 11-14 years
- Health challenges: Susceptible to health problems, like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and deafness.
- Grooming needs: Low-maintenance dogs. Need only weekly brushing to eliminate loose hair. They need 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.
- Temperament: Affectionate, love their humans. They are smart, playful, and make good family dogs when properly socialized.
#4 Hungarian Vizsla
Known for their sleek copper coat, Hungarian Vizslas come with a muscular build that provides them with the stamina to run fast. The ‘Pointers’ (meaning of Vizsla in Hungarian) are high on energy and can go all day exercising. It helps them burn their energy and not indulge in destructive behavior.
- Running speed:40 mph
- Origin: Hungary. It is one of the oldest breeds in Europe.
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Health challenges: Prone to health conditions, like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and epilepsy.
- Grooming needs: 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.
- Temperament: Gentle, thrive in human companionship. The V in the name also stands for ‘Velcro dog’, as this dog follows its human everywhere.
#3 Afghan Hound
The graceful dog with a long, flowing coat and gorgeous locks was used for hunting across the rugged terrains of Afghanistan. Their long legs and aerodynamic bodies help them reach impressive speeds.
- Running speed: 40 mph
- Origin: Afghanistan (homeland: Central Asia)
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Health challenges: Susceptible to health problems, like bloat/ Gastric Dilation- Volvulus (GDV), and cataracts.
- Grooming needs: Require daily brushing, using a pin brush and a metal comb to prevent mats. They benefit from regular baths every one to four weeks, followed by thorough drying and conditioning to maintain coat health. They also need regular nail trims, ear cleaning to prevent infections and occasional professional grooming for long coats.
- Temperament: Smart, loyal, and playful. They tend to form a close bond with a single pet parent who interacts the most with them.
#2 Saluki
Featuring lean bodies, long legs and exceptional speed, the Saluki has roughly the same shape as a Greyhound. The hunting canines are great when it comes to agility, and were once prized by pharaohs.
- Running speed: 42 mph
- Origin: Hails from the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Health challenges: Vulnerable to bloat, dental disease, hip dysplasia, and heart conditions.
- Grooming needs: Require weekly brushing if they have smooth coats and twice to thrice a week brushing if they have feathered coats to prevent mats in the ears, legs, and tail. They also need regular nail trim, dental care, ear cleaning and occasional bathing.
- Temperament: Independent thinkers. They have a calm and gentle personality and are good around children.
#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. To help them burn their energy, the dogs need to be offered the opportunity to run in a large area once a day.
- Running speed: 45 mph
- Origin: Revered in ancient Egypt (favored dogs of the pharaohs)
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Health challenges: Prone to joint problems, bloat, allergies, and heart conditions
- Grooming needs: Require light brushing to remove loose hair and a monthly bath with a moisturizing shampoo. Their nails should be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent pain, and their teeth need to be brushed daily to prevent tartar build-up.
- Temperament: Great family dogs. They have a devoted and calm nature, and get along well with children.
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 and take care of their health and grooming needs.
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