Have you seen how fast our fur babies can run like beasts with the strongest set of legs? But seriously, how fast can dogs run?
Sometimes dogs start sprinting in just a blink of an eye while normally walking, which is magical. That’s why I have always been curious about the science and history behind their mechanism.
Hence, I dug out a little information by researching journals on dogs’ speed and physical abilities, which I have shared in the article below.
So, without wasting another second, let’s dive into it!
Fastest Dog Breeds
It’s a universal fact that greyhounds are the fastest dog breed according to history. However, a few other dog breeds are no less than greyhounds and can make greyhounds look normal compared to them.
Let’s take a look at these fastest dog breeds with their estimated top speeds:
1. Afghan Hound: 40 mph Max. Speed
2. Greyhound: 45 mph Max. Speed
3. Vizsla: 40 mph Max. Speed
4. Saluki: 42 mph Max. Speed
5. Dalmatian: 37 mph Max. Speed
6. Ibizan Hound: 40 mph Max. Speed
7. Borzoi: 36 mph Max. Speed
8. Jack Russell Terrier: 38 mph Max. Speed
9. Weimaraner: 35 mph Max. Speed
10. German Shepherd: 30 mph Max. Speed
11. Great Dane: 30 mph Max. Speed
12. Whippet: 35 mph Max. Speed
13. Doberman Pinscher: 32 mph Max. Speed
14. Border Collie: 30 mph Max. Speed
15. Poodle: 30 mph Max. Speed
Why Do Dogs Run So Fast?
According to research, dogs can instantly start running while walking because of their ability to maximize limbs for location.
According to a famous veterinary manual called Merck Manual, dogs, and humans are made of the same muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Humans’ speed limits for running are set according to their contractile muscle speed, which helps set limits on how fast the human’s limb will apply force. Similarly, a dog’s top speed is determined by how fast its muscles move.
Moreover, dogs’ ancestral skeleton helps them to run faster. Dogs’ legs are made in a way to propel their body forward quickly and overtake their target.
Plus, dogs’ connection with their wolf ancestors makes them even more athletic and increases their running endurance.
How Fast Can An Adult Dog Run?
Like numerous canine-related matters, a dog’s breed significantly impacts how quickly he may run.
The highest speeds of dogs vary widely, as you may assume. However, for short distances, the typical canine speed (for healthy grownup dogs) is about 15-20 miles per hour.
Of course, dogs with longer legs and slim physiques, like Greyhounds or Whippets, are much faster than this average.
Whereas canines with shorter legs and muscular bodies, such as French Bulldogs and Bassett Hounds, are generally considerably slower than this standard.
How Fast Can A Puppy Run?
Puppies are not fully developed in their body parts, limbs, bones, and muscles to run as fast as adult dogs. The majority of puppies can run 5 to 15 Mph.
History Behind Dogs Running Fast?
Dog racing has a long history and is tied to fast dogs.
Apart from the Greyhound, the quickest dog breed and the dog racing’s forerunner, little is known regarding the past of dog races.
Australia had been one of many nations that adopted the creation of racing venues after the greyhound race business emerged in the USA circa 1919.
After a 70% fall in greyhound betting from 1990, a mere six US states continue to allow and operate greyhound racing.
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Wrapping Up– How Fast Can Dogs Run
Now that you know the history and science behind the story, you can easily explain to anyone how fast can dogs run and why.
Average dogs can easily run at the top speed of 15 to 20 miles per hour without getting tired, as this athleticism runs in their blood from the time of their wolf ancestors.
Moreover, If you ever plan to buy a fast dog breed, we have provided you with a list of the fastest dog breeds to help you know their top speeds.
Also, in case of any additional information on this matter, I will keep you updated.
FAQs
Like a few other working dog breeds, Border Collies love to be athletic and run at their top speed of 30 Mph. This dog breed is considered one of the most energetic dogs that like daily exercise to remain active.
It is not the final verdict, but Shih Tzu dogs are considered the slowest dogs when it comes down to running. Shish Tzu dogs can only run about 6 miles per hour, which is quite less for dogs.
Dogs with good stamina and speed maintenance ability can run a mile in five to six minutes. In fact, in 2016, a Weimaraner dog set a record of 4 minutes and 13 seconds a mile.
