When we think of canine speed demons, Greyhounds inevitably take center stage.
Their incredible acceleration and aerodynamic build make them world-renowned sprinters.
But among the fastest dog breeds are many others—some as swift, others offering stamina over longer distances. Let’s explore the globe’s top canine speedsters.
1. Greyhound – The Unmatched Sprint King (up to 72 km/h)
Greyhounds are widely accepted as the fastest domestic dog breed.
Their sleek, lightweight frame, deep chest, and powerful rear muscles allow them to hit a sprinting marvel even compared to Olympic athletes.
Designed for explosive bursts over short distances (~525 yards), their physiology is built for acceleration.
A classic example: “Rocket greyhound Droopys Kathleen set a record at Ireland’s Shelbourne Park, averaging almost 39 mph in a Puppy Oaks race” thesun.co.uk.
2. Saluki – Desert Racer of the Ancient World (up to 64 km/h)
Originating in the Middle East, Salukis are among history's oldest sighthounds. While slightly slower than Greyhounds, they still top 40–42 mph (64 km/h).
Originally bred to run down fast prey across open desert, Salukis combine speed with endurance—ideal for long hunts under harsh conditions.
3. Whippet – The Compact Sprinter (up to 56 km/h)
Often called “the poor man’s racehorse” in 19th‑century England, Whippets bear a striking resemblance to mini-Greyhounds.
They accelerate rapidly and can reach 35 mph (56 km/h)—impressive given their smaller 44–51 cm height.
Whippets are celebrated for their agility, fast idle-to-sprint transitions, and suitability for sports like lure‑coursing and flyball
4. Borzoi – Russian Grace in Motion (57 km/h)
Once known as the Russian Wolfhound, the Borzoi is a regal and elegant sight hound. Despite their long, flowing coat, they can reach around 35 mph (57 km/h).
Tall (up to 28″ at the shoulder) and slender, Borzois were bred to chase wolves across Russia’s open plains, requiring both speed and endurance.
5. Afghan Hound – Exotic Beauty with Speed (64 km/h)
With a distinctive silky coat and regal bearing, Afghan Hounds might look more ornamental than athletic, but they clock in at around 40 mph.
Bred in the rugged terrains of Afghanistan, they needed both stamina and speed to hunt game daily.
6. Vizsla – All‑Purpose Hungarian Athlete (64 km/h)
Hungary’s beloved Vizsla is versatile, skilled at pointing, retrieving, and sprinting.
They can hit around 40 mph and have a reputation for agility, affectionate temperament, and boundless energy care.com.
Their rust-colored coats reflect heat, their hunting heritage demands exercise, and they thrive with active families.
7. Dalmatian – Firehouse Runner (59 km/h)
Famous for tearing alongside fire wagons in 19th‑century America, Dalmatians can sprint about 35–37 mph (59 km/h) dailypaws.com.
Athletic, intelligent, and friendly yet independent, they require daily exercise to stay well‑balanced.
8. Scottish Deerhound – Highland Speedster (~30–35 mph)
Similar in form to Greyhounds but larger and suited for rough terrain, Scottish Deerhounds were bred to chase deer.
Though slower on level ground, they excel in rough landscapes and can sustain 30–35 mph over longer distances.
9. Jack Russell Terrier – Tiny Terrier, Big Speed (61 km/h)
Don't let their small size fool you: these terriers reach around 61 km/h (38 mph)—exceptional for dogs of 7‑12 kg as.com.
Originally bred for fox hunting, Jack Russells are energetic, tenacious, and excel in agility and canine sports.
10. Weimaraner – Elegant German Sprinter (56 km/h)
Weimaraners, with their sleek silver-gray coats, were bred for versatile hunting.
They reach 56 km/h (~35 mph)—merging speed with stamina for tracking and retrieving as.com.
Given their boundless energy, they make dedicated exercise companions, especially outdoors.
11. Catahoula Leopard Dog – American Work Dog (≈28–30 mph)
Native to Louisiana, the Catahoula Leopard Dog is a rugged herding breed.
Reports suggest top speeds near 28 mph, with occasional recordings surpassing 40 mph, though 28 mph is more typical wagwalking.com.
Versatile in purpose and athletic by nature, they’re reliable working partners.
12. Poitevin Hound – French Marathon Runner (~35 km/h)
An athletic French scenthound, Poitevins excel in pack hunts over extended periods—plus they can sustain a 7‑hour chase.
Though their peak speed is less dramatic, their endurance is remarkable.
13. Kazakh Tazy – Central Asian Endurance Breed (~7–9 mph)
A lesser-known sighthound from Kazakhstan, the Tazy is built for agile endurance hunting rather than sprinting.
Typical road speeds are around 7–9 mph over long distances en.wikipedia.org
What Makes Canine Sprinters?
Common traits among fast breeds include:
- Double‑suspension gallop: A stride where all four paws leave the ground twice per cycle (seen in Greyhounds and Whippets).
- Lean, aerodynamic build: Narrow waist, deep chest, and muscular hindquarters favor swift acceleration.
- Flexible spine: Enhances stride length—key for high speeds.
- Fast‑twitch muscle fibers: For rapid, explosive bursts.
Sighthounds—like Greyhounds, Salukis, Afghan, and Borzoi—showcase these traits distinctly.
Sprint Specialists vs Stamina Runners
Sprint specialists (e.g., Greyhound, Whippet) excel in short, explosive bursts (100–500 yards).
Stamina runners (e.g., Poitevin, Scottish Deerhound) are built for longer chases, sometimes over hours.
Environmental & Training Considerations With Fastest Dog Breeds
Fast breeds need careful handling:
- Warm‑weather caution: Short coats and low body fat can limit heat tolerance; watch for overheating.
- Enclosed spaces: Instinctual prey drive means off‑leash freedom can lead to fast chases—fenced areas are a must.
- Mental exercise: Speed isn’t everything—training, socialization, and mental challenges are vital for balance.
While the Greyhound remains the ultimate canine sprinter, a fascinating lineup of breeds across sizes and centuries also shines in speed.
From the Greyhound’s 72 km/h dash to the Jack Russell’s unexpected 38 mph burst, these breeds remind us that speed wears many faces.
Fastest Dog Breeds: Quick Comparison
| Breed | Peak Speed |
|---|---|
| Greyhound | 45 mph / 72 km/h |
| Saluki | 40–42 mph / 64 km/h |
| Whippet | 35 mph / 56 km/h |
| Borzoi | 35 mph / 57 km/h |
| Afghan Hound | ~40 mph / 64 km/h |
| Vizsla | ~40 mph / 64 km/h |
| Dalmatian | ~35–37 mph / 59 km/h |
| Scottish Deerhound | 30–35 mph |
| Jack Russell | ~38 mph / 61 km/h |
| Weimaraner | ~35 mph / 56 km/h |
Final Thoughts
Grace and speed of Greyhounds; nimble energy of Whippets; heritage and versatility of hunters like Salukis or Borzois.
Their well‑being depends on exercise, safety, companionship, and purpose.
It may not be a Greyhound, but chances are, it shares the same genetic gifts that make the world’s fastest dog breeds so remarkable.
