10 Fastest Dog Breeds: Genetics, Characteristics & Athleticism

Did you know that some dog breeds are specifically bred for speed? The fastest dog breeds are not so difficult to recognize, as they are slender and often characterized not only by a thin layer of fat but also by a deep chest and prominent muscle mass.

People who look for a canine companion for their morning jogging rituals or even those who wish to impress their colleagues and friends with their athletic mastery will find these 10 fastest dog breeds suitable to adopt. 

Let’s discover comprehensive information about the fastest dog breeds and explore their unique features, genetics, and athleticism. Chances are that at the end of the article, you’ll find the most suitable breed for you!

Top 10 Fastest Dog Breeds

1. Greyhound

Let’s start discussing the fastest dog breeds by introducing you to our titular Greyhound. Scientists, based on relevant archeological discoveries, assume that the place of origin of Greyhound is ancient Egypt. With a history spanning more than 4,000 years, this species was specially developed to catch rabbits, foxes, and deer. That’s why they have sharp peripheral vision with a range of 270 degrees.

Today, the purpose of Greyhound isn’t the same. In fact, the role of this breed changed significantly, and eventually, this dog became a racing star – it achieved remarkable success as the fastest dog breed on the planet, capable of reaching 45 miles per hour. 

2. Saluki

If ancient history and especially Egyptian culture fascinate you, we bet the next fastest dog breed, Saluki, will impress you. It’s an ancient dog breed whose portrayals have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Can you imagine how exciting it is to own a descendant of the dog that once graced the side of Pharaoh?

Historically, Salukis have been used to hunt rabbits. Considering this, it is no surprise that this type of dog is considered one of the fastest dog breeds. On average, Salukis can reach 42 miles per hour. Along with their speed, they also have exceptional endurance. Thanks to their genetics and athleticism, they can run multiple miles just like it’s only a few meters.

3. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds rank among the fastest dog breeds with their astonishing speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. We will not take too much time talking about the origin of the Afghan Hound, since it is clear even at first glance. 

Originally, this type of dog was bred for hunting both in the desert and mountains. That’s why it won’t surprise you to learn that, due to their nature, training Afghan Hounds is quite a time-consuming process that requires a lot of time and resources. 

The primary characteristic of the Afghan Hound that makes it memorable even at first glance is its long, flawless fur. The aim of the coat was more influential than you might think – it was vital for keeping these dogs warm in harsh conditions. 

4. Ibizan Hound

The origin of the Ibizan Hound is also reflected in its name. This famous breed with a place of honor in our article originates from Spain, specifically Ibiza. Similar to the previous fastest dog breed that we’ve discussed, the Ibizan Hound can also reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. 

Not to mention its striking ears that stand upright, Ibizan Hounds are distinguished by a high level of intelligence and energetic nature. They may seem wild and naughty at first glance. However, remember that they will respond positively to training and exercise if you devote the appropriate time and energy to this process.

5. Vizsla

The next fast dog breed that we’re about to introduce stands out with its Hungarian origin, excellent hunting skills, and easy-to-train nature. The Hungarian name “Vizsla” means “seeker” in English. This further indicates that Vizsla is among the fastest dog breeds and can effectively reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. 

Even though this breed usually is small in size, they have a well-defined muscular build. As for the fur, their coat is mostly a golden rust color. You may love to hear that Vizslas are affectionate dogs and can bond very quickly with their owners. 

6. Jack Russell Terrier

If you suppose that most of the fastest dog breeds were created in ancient times, tens and hundreds of years ago, it’s time to get to know the Jack Russell Terrier. This breed was bred by Jack Russell — an English parson who was enthusiastic about hunting foxes. That’s why he decided to ensure the development of specific qualities, such as independent thinking, in this breed. These fantastic dogs are incredibly fast – they can run at speeds of up to 38 mph.

Jack Russell Terrier is especially suitable for those who’re ready to put the proper time and effort into raising and training a dog. 

7. Dalmatian

Most of us know Dalmatian dogs from the iconic animation “101 Dalmatians”. If you’ve watched the movie, you probably won’t be surprised to discover the facts about their incredible speed — up to 37 km/h while running. This statistic makes them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Dalmatians originally had to move over long distances to protect the wagons from robbers on the way, so they are characterized by special energy and endurance along with their agility.

If you like to go hiking, the Dalmatian will be delighted to keep you company. They are boundlessly in love with wide open spaces, various outdoor adventures, and a wide range of dog sports. So think twice — maybe a Dalmatian is even your spirit animal! 

8. Borzoi

The Borzoi is another one on our list of the fastest dog breeds, often referred to as the Russian Wolf. But don’t let the name mislead you – this amazing breed has a playful nature and an energetic temperament. It was created for hunting purposes, and teamwork was imprinted at its gene level. For centuries, the Borzoi, together with two other dogs of its species, successfully hunted rabbits, foxes, and even wolves. 

Like Greyhounds, they are content with moderate exercise and don’t mind spending the whole day on the couch next to their owner. 

9. Whippet

If you are well-acknowledged in the canine world and can effectively pick out their specific visual characteristics, you will not have a hard time noticing that the Whippet is very similar to the Greyhound. These medium-sized dogs are related to the bloodline of the Greyhounds, and like them, they are blessed with all the physical features necessary to run fast. 

That is why the Whippet deservedly holds the status of one of the fastest dog breeds of all. This is not surprising – especially because they can develop at about 35 miles per hour. Like Greyhounds, Whippets have a docile and loyal nature. Despite their speed, they adapt perfectly to apartment life, as they have a calm personality. Believe it or not, it’s enough to take them out several times a week to an extensive space where they can freely run and have fun.

10. Border Collies

The Border Collie is one of the fastest dog breeds. However, it should be noted that despite their speed, their personas are distinguished by a high level of intelligence and, therefore, effective execution of verbal instructions. 

The original mission of the Border Collie was to keep the sheep safe and give them appropriate directions, which in turn required exceptional agility and speed. Therefore, it will not be surprising for you to learn that the Border Collies can reach 30 miles per hour. 

How Fast Can Dogs Run?

On average, most dogs can run short distances at about 15 to 20 miles per hour/ However, those who have some unique physical characteristics can reach speeds of 25 to 45 miles per hour. All of the fastest dog breeds above are among those fascinating dogs!

One more important factor to consider is breathing difficulties. As a result of some breathing problems, specific dog breeds just can’t run fast. For example, brachycephalic dogs, like pugs and bulldogs, have trouble running fast because of their limited ability to breathe. 

For the fastest dog breed enthusiasts, it’s a widely known fact that endurance is no less important than speed. In fact, the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky advance in this category, as they can not only run fast but also maintain this feat for long distances. 

Final Thoughts

After getting to know these 10 fastest dog breeds, we can certainly say that in terms of athleticism, the physical capabilities of dogs are much more advanced than humans. So, if you’re looking for a fast canine breed, why don’t you choose one of the most elegant dog breeds presented above?

And if you already own any of these breeds, make sure to take advantage of their athleticism and motivate your dog to run as fast as they can! The best part is that running with your fast companion will also help you stay in shape and enhance your emotional connection with them. What could a dog enthusiast further wish for?