20 Top Most Racing Dog Breeds

Dog breeds that run at a very high speed were originally produced for herding and hunting purposes. But now people are often preferring them as a pet.

Here’s a breakdown of the information about fast dog breeds, along with key takeaways:

The Fastest Dogs: Bred for Speed and Agility

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide range of athletic abilities. These breeds stand out for their remarkable speed:

Top Speedsters

  • Greyhound: Undisputed speed champion, reaching 45 mph (72 km/h).
  • Saluki: Another sighthound built for speed, clocking around 42 mph (68 km/h).
  • Vizsla: Versatile hunting dog with impressive speeds up to 40 mph (64 km/h).
  • Ibizan Hound: Agile sighthound that combines speed with high jumps.
  • Afghan Hound: Known for their flowing locks and speed reaching 40 mph

Other Speedy Breeds

These dogs may not be the absolute fastest, but their agility and stamina make them impressive athletes:

  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Whippet
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • Dalmatian
  • Borzoi
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Pharaoh Hound
  • Weimaraner
  • Border Collie
  • Poodle
  • Siberian Husky
  • German Shepherd
  • Basenji
  • Great Dane
  • Rat Terrier

Factors Affecting Speed

  • Physiology: Body build (lean, muscular), lung capacity, and heart function are crucial.
  • Age: Puppies and senior dogs won’t match the speed of a fit adult dog.
  • Sighthound Build: Breeds with long legs, deep chests, and flexible spines are designed for speed.
  • Motivation: Hunting or play instincts can significantly boost a dog’s speed.

Why Were Fast Breeds Developed?

  • Hunting: Sighthounds excel at chasing down prey; terriers were bred for vermin hunting.
  • Herding: Dogs like Border Collies need speed and agility to manage livestock.
  • Protection: Dobermans and German Shepherds use speed for guarding and police work.

Can Fast Dogs Be Good Pets?

Absolutely! However, keep these points in mind:

  • Exercise Needs: These breeds need plenty of outlets for their energy; walks alone won’t cut it.
  • Secure Environment: Fast dogs can escape easily, so a fenced yard is a must.
  • Training: Good recall and leash manners are essential for both safety and responsible ownership.

Key Takeaways

  • Fast dog breeds often have specialized needs in terms of exercise and containment. Do your research!
  • Speed isn’t everything: Consider a dog’s overall temperament and suitability for your lifestyle.
  • With proper training and care, even the fastest dog can be a wonderful companion.

If you’re looking for an energetic and athletic dog, these breeds offer speed, intelligence, and a whole lot of fun!

What Are The Fastest Dog Breeds?

While some dogs were originally produced to be fast, other dogs simply want to get to their destination in a hurry!

A few dog breeds, for example, greyhounds and huskies, were produced to run, as well as most working dog breeds are naturally fitted to running.

On the other hand, squishy-nosed dog breeds, for example, pugs and bulldogs, do not make good distance because they are prone to overheating.

What Factors Affect Dog’s Speed

Many factors affect a dog’s speed. Some of the characteristics that generally affect a dog’s speed are mentioned below. Let’s have a look at the factors now.

Age

Neither a pup nor an aged dog will run faster. Only an adult dog (but not too aged yet) will run faster. This factor works similarly to human beings. I hope you understand the point here.

Size

The size of the dog also influences its speed as bigger dogs have bigger lungs with more capacity making things easier for them to run faster. This is because, with bigger lung capacity, they can breathe in more oxygen while running.

Body Composition

Body composition has a great influence on speed. For example, greyhound dogs have better cardiac work, which permits their hearts to beat slowly with more additional blood pumping.  Thus, they are the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Nail Size

For better speed, long nails can also help for better traction to create better friction with the ground and allow the dog to run faster.

Heavy Coats

Dogs with double coats generally overheat easily. Thus, they can run faster than other dogs. Size is not everything. Although some dogs may be big, they are not perfect for intense running.

Brachycephalic Dogs or The Short-Muzzled Dogs

Dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, etc. with smushed faces aren’t well-suited for running at a high speed.

These breeds have a lowered lung capacity and thus, they have breathing difficulty and tend to easily overheat.

Smaller Breeds With Shorter Legs

These dogs can run short distances but may have trouble for longer distances. Since they have shorter legs, they need to work hard to cover long distances.

List Of Top Racing Dog Breeds

We consulted with professional dog trainers and the AKC to give you the list of the fastest dog breeds. Let’s have a look at the list to more about these athletic dogs.

Greyhound

racing dog breeds
  • Top Speed: 72 km/h
  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Weight: 27 to 36 kg (60 to 80 pounds)
  • Height: 68 to 76 cm (27 to 30 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthounds & Pariahs as per UKC, Hound as per AKC:1885
  • Life span: 10 to 13 years
  • Level Of Temperament: Gentle, Intelligent, Athletic, Quiet, Affectionate, and Even Tempered
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1500 – $2500

Greyhound dogs are considered to be the fastest dog breeds on the planet right now. They were originally bred to run fast. With their deep chests; big lung capacity; and muscular, lean physique, they can run at the speed of 72 km/h.

Saluki

  • Top Speed: 68.8 km/h
  • Origin: Middle East
  • Weight: 13 to 30 kg (29 to 66 pounds)
  • Height: 58 to 71cm (23 to 28 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthounds & Pariahs as per UKC and Hound as per AKC:1929
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Intelligent, Aloof, Quiet, Loyal, and Reserved
  • Puppy Prices: Around $2500 – $3000

It is no surprise the Saluki dogs are the second fastest dog breed. They are certainly made for high speed. Saluki dogs are bred similarly to Greyhound dogs. Independent in nature and lean in stature, Saluki dogs were desired by kings for hunting, according to AKC. Salukis can run at around 45 mph.

Vizsla

  • Top Speed: 64.4 km/h.
  • Origin: Hungary
  • Weight: 18 to 27 kg (40 to 60 pounds)
  • Height: 51 to 66 cm (20 to 26 inches)
  • Breed Group: Gun Dogs as per UKC, Sporting as per AKC:1960
  • Life span: 10 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Cheerful, Affectionate, Gentle, Playful, Quiet, Energetic, Intelligent, and Protective
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1000 – $1800

The Vizsla dogs are lightly bred but muscular. Thus, they have endurance and speed in the field. Vizslas are the third-fastest dog breed with a speed of around 40 mph. Due to their extreme speed, Vizla dogs have been used for hunting and also upland games.

Ibizan Hound

  • Top Speed: 64.4 km/h
  • Origin: Spain
  • Weight: 19 to 25 kg (42 to 55 pounds)
  • Height: 56 to 74 cm (22 to 29 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthounds & Pariahs as per UKC And Hound as per AKC:1978
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Clownish, Active, Independent, Stubborn, Engaging, and Intelligent
  • Puppy Prices: Around $2000 – $2500

Ibizan Hound dogs used to hunt rabbits (well, they still do). And since rabbits are fast, Ibizan Hound has to be faster to hunt them. They are not only fast but they also can jump up to 6 feet from a standing position.

Afghan Hound

  • Top Speed: 64.4 km/h
  • Origin: Afghanistan
  • Weight: 22 to 34 kg (50 to 64 pounds)
  • Height: 69 to 74 cm (27 to 29 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthound and Pariah as per UKC, Sporting as per AKC:1926
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Clownish, Aloof, Happy, Dignified, and Independent
  • Puppy Prices: Around $2500 – $3500

The Afghan hounds are bred like greyhounds. So, they have lines like greyhounds which allows Afghan hounds to run quite faster.

You may remember Afghan Hounds for their human-like long hair, they are furthermore insanely fast with a speed of around 40 mph.

Jack Russell Terriers

  • Top Speed: 61km/h
  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Weight: 5 to 8 kg (11 to 18 pounds)
  • Height: 20 to 38 cm (8 to 15 inches)
  • Breed Group: Terrier as per UKC and AKC:2012
  • Life span: 13 to 16 years
  • Level of Temperament: Cheerful, Alert, Energetic, Courageous, and Independent
  • Puppy Prices: Around $800 – $1500

Jack Russell Terrier dogs were bred as working breeds, so they have a good instinct to hunt. To hunt, a dog has to run fast. Thus, they have got a high speed. However, if they try to run away from you, it will be very challenging to catch them because of their high speed of around 38 mph.

Whippet

  • Top Speed: 60km/h
  • Origin: United Kingdom
  • Weight: 11 to 21 kg (25 to 45 pounds)
  • Height: 44 to 54 cm (18 to 21 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthound & Pariah as per UKC And Hound s per AKC:1888
  • Life span: 12 to 15 years
  • Level of Temperament: Friendly, Affectionate, Gentle, Lively, Intelligent, and Quiet
  • Puppy Prices: Around $2000 – $2500

According to American Kennel Club—Whippets are described as the “lightning-fast” dog breed. They have a body structure of inverted S-lines and arched, long, and also slim features, Whippets can run at a speed of around 34 miles per hour.

German Shorthaired Pointers

  • Top Speed: 59.54 km/h
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 20 to 32 kg (45 to 70 pounds)
  • Height: 53 to 64 cm (21 to 25 inches)
  • Breed Group: Gun Dog as per UKC and Working as per AKC:1930
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Boisterous, Affectionate, Cooperative, Trainable, Bold, and Intelligent
  • Puppy Prices: Around $800 – $1500

German Shorthaired Pointers are a sporting breed that is also known as hunting dogs. They can reach almost 30 mph. Moreover, Germain Shorthaired Pointers can interact with humans and other dogs nicely, making them loving family pets.

Dalmatian

  • Top Speed: 59 km/h
  • Origin: Croatia, United Kingdom
  • Weight: 25 kg (55 pounds)
  • Height: 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 inches)
  • Breed Group: Companion Breeds as per UKC and Non-Sporting as per AKC:1888
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Energetic, Active, Intelligent, Playful, Friendly, Outgoing, and Sensitive
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1000 – $1600

Dalmatians are known as great guard dogs. They have long legs which help them run faster. They used to be coach dogs because of their high speed.

Since they have to keep up with the speed of the vehicles, they had to be fast. Dalmatians can run at a speed of around 37 mph.

Borzoi

  • Top Speed: 58 km/h
  • Origin: Belarus, Russia
  • Weight: 27 to 48 kg (60 to 105 pounds)
  • Height: 66 to 71 cm (26 to 28 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthound and Pariah as per UKC and Hound as per AKC:1891
  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Level of Temperament: Gentle, Athletic, Intelligent, Respectful, Independent, and Quiet
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1500 – $3000

The Borzoi is described by the American Kennel Club as “loyal,” “regally dignified,” and “agreeable,”. The American Kennel Club reports Borzois can run anywhere from 35-40 mph.

Doberman Pinscher

  • Top Speed: 56 km/h
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 32 to 45 kg (71 to 99 pounds)
  • Height: 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm)
  • Breed Group: Guardian Dogs as per UKC and Working as per AKC:1908
  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Level of Temperament: Energetic, Alert, Intelligent, Obedient, Fearless, and Loyal
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1200 – $2500

Doberman Pinscher dogs have been employed by the police, military, and also search-&-rescue services because of their high speed. They have more than enough drive, swiftness, and stamina to run at a speed of 56 km/h.

Pharaoh Hound

  • Top Speed: 56 km/h
  • Origin: Malta
  • Weight: 20 to 25 kg (45 to 55 pounds)
  • Height: 53 to 63 cm (21 to 25 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthound & Pariah as per UKC and Hound as per AKC:1983
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Affectionate, Active, Playful, Trainable, Intelligent, and Sociable
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1800 – $2500

The Pharaoh Hounds are not just average hunting dogs. With 24″ in height and weighing around 50+ pounds, they got their name from running at a speed of about 35 mph.

Weimaraner

  • Top Speed: 56 km/h
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 23 to 32 kg (50 to 70 pounds)
  • Height: 56 to 69 cm (22 to 26 inches)
  • Breed Group: Gundogs as per UKC and Sporting as per AKC:1943
  • Life span: 10 to 12 years
  • Level of Temperament: Alert, Powerful, Energetic, Aloof, Intelligent, Steady, Social, Fast, and Stubborn
  • Puppy Prices: Around $700 – $1500

The Weimaraners are surely not small dogs but their large size does not prevent them from hightailing them around the dog parks. Running at a speed of around 35 mph, Weimaraner dogs are hunting dog breeds with outstanding track records of chasing big game: deer, boar, and also bear.

Border Collie

  • Top Speed: 50 km/h.
  • Origin: United Kingdom, Ireland
  • Weight: 12 to 20 kg (27 to 45 pounds)
  • Height: 46 to 56 cm (18 to 22 inches)
  • Breed Group: Herding (as per UKC & AKC:1995)
  • Life span: 12 to 15 years
  • Level of Temperament: Energetic, Intelligent, Responsive, Loyal, Alert, Protective, and Tenacious
  • Puppy Prices: Around $800 – $1500

The Border Collie is a herding dog that has historically had the position of looking after sheep as well as other herds. Since Border Collies can run at a speed of around 30 mph, it made a place on our list

Poodle

  • Top Speed: 48 km/h
  • Origin: Germany, France
  • Weight: 20 to 32 kg (45 to 70 pounds)
  • Height: 38 cm (15 inches) or more
  • Breed Group: Gun Dogs as per UKC And Non Sporting as per AKC:1887
  • Life span: 12 to 15 years
  • Level of Temperament: Alert, Active, Instinctual, Trainable, Faithful, and Intelligent
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1200 – $2500

Surprise! Yes, Standard Poodles are not only pretty but can also run quite faster. Sure, they come with some overwhelming curls, but their looks should not take away from their athletic capabilities like Afghan Hounds. Standard Poodles can run at a speed of around 30 mph.

Siberian Husky

racing dog breeds
  • Top Speed: 41-81 km/h
  • Origin: Russia
  • Weight: 16 to 27 kg (35 to 60 pounds)
  • Height: 51 to 61 cm (20 to 24 inches)
  • Breed Group: Northern Breeds as per UKC and Working as per AKC:1930
  • Life span: 12 to 14 years
  • Level of Temperament: Friendly, Alert, Intelligent, Gentle, and Outgoing
  • Puppy Prices: Around $600 – $1300

Siberian husky dogs are not as fast as greyhounds, but they are still quite fast. They have incredible stamina and can cover long distances, even in extreme weather conditions. Huskies are always full of determination and energy.

German Shepherd

  • Top Speed: 48.28 km/h
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 22 to 40 kg (49 to 88 pounds)
  • Height: 55 to 60 cm (22 to 24 inches)
  • Breed Group: Herding (AKC:1908, UKC)
  • Life span: 10 to 13 years
  • Level of Temperament: Confident, Alert, Curious, Loyal, Watchful, Courageous, Intelligent, and Obedient
  • Puppy Prices: Around $800 – $2000

German Shepherds are another guard dog that can run at a speed of around 48.28 km/h. These dedicated giant dogs are famously seen as military and police hunting dogs. They are not seen as family dogs often. And you surely don’t want to get chased by them.

Basenji

  • Top Speed: 48.3km/h
  • Origin: Congo
  • Weight: 9 to 12 kg (20 to 26 pounds)
  • Height: 38 to 43 cm (15 to 17 inches)
  • Breed Group: Sighthounds & Pariahs as per UKC and Hound as per AKC:1943
  • Life span: 12 to 15 years
  • Level of Temperament: Alert, Affectionate, Energetic, Intelligent, Curious, and Playful
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1500 – $2000

The Basenjis can run at a speed of around 25 mph since they were vermin hunters. But despite their small size, Basenjis have quick speed. Moreover, because of their size, they do not need much space. So, you can have them even if you live in a small apartment.

Great Dane

racing dog breeds
  • Top Speed: 48 km/h
  • Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 45-90 kg (100-200 pounds)
  • Height: 71-86 cm (28-34 inches)
  • Breed Group: Guardian Dogs as per UKC and Working as per AKC:1887
  • Life span: 7 to 10 years
  • Level of Temperament: Confident, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Devoted, Gentle, and Reserved
  • Puppy Prices: Around $1000 – $2000

The Great Danes are famous for their good height—nearly 32″ from ground to shoulder—they have good speed. The Great Danes can reach around 30 mph even after weighing a little more than other speedy dogs.

Rat Terrier

  • Top Speed: 43 km/h
  • Origin: United States
  • Weight: 5.5 to 16 kg (12 to 35 pounds)
  • Height: 35.5 to 58.5 cm (14 to 23 inches)
  • Breed Group: Terrier (UKC & AKC:2013)
  • Life span: 15 to 18 years
  • Level of Temperament: Alert, Affectionate, Lively, Inquisitive, and Loving
  • Puppy Prices: Around $600 – $1200

It is clear from their name that Rat Terriers used to chase away rats. They are also famous as “vermin hunters,” and they can run at a speed of 27 mph despite being a small dog breed.

FINAL WORDS

Some dog breeds are slow, while others are fast, and a few of them are really fast. The above-mentioned dogs have great speed as well as agility which are favorites for training, hunting, and also various racing occasions.

Aapt Dubey
Aapt Dubey

Aapt Dubey, a devoted canine enthusiast and experienced dog Owner, brings boundless passion to our team. With a heart full of love for our four-legged friends, Aapt is dedicated to sharing insights on dog care, behavior, and training to make every pup's life happier and healthier at ItsAboutDog.com.

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