There are dogs that can achieve very fast running speeds and can reach 45 miles per hour. These dogs often belong to breeds with a body structure adapted for high-speed running such as: compact body, strong legs, and explosive energy for running. Here are top 15 fastest dog breeds.
#1 – Greyhound – 45 Miles Per Hour
The Greyhound is a hunting dog. They are extremely gentle, sweet, intelligent, obedient, independent in spirit and exude nobility. The Greyhound is famous for the greyhound racing and the fastest running ability in the dog world (45 Miles Per Hour) and they are also dogs that often have long sleeps. They have sweet, sensitive souls that is well suited for introverts and can make excellent therapy dogs.
#2 – Saluki – 42 Miles Per Hour
The Saluki is a Sighthound (is hound that hunt primarily by sight and speed) originating from The Fertile Crescent. The Saluki has a slender, graceful and symmetrical appearance with long and strong legs that make them one of the fastest running dogs in the world (reaching 42 Miles Per Hour and in 2nd place). The Saluki is a gentle, calm, independent dog, slightly aloof from strangers and can be difficult to train. In addition, The Saluki is prone to chase moving objects, and often take time to get them back to their owners when off the leash.
#3 – Afghan Hound – 40 Miles Per Hour
The Afghan Hound is a hunting dog originating from Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound is a sighthound with a high speed and a high prey drive so they tend to chase small animals. In addition, they are adapted to the harsh climate of Afghanistan with hot weather during the day and cold at night. The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed with a regal appearance with long and silky coat, very low shedding and is considered hypoallergenic. The Afghan Hound is a typical temperament dog that can be aloof and dignified, but happy and clown when playing.
#4 – Vizsla – 40 Miles Per Hour
The Vizsla is a hunting dog breed originating from Hungarian, they stand out with their agility, and energetic, and also a talented hunter (used for hunting upland game, rabbits, and waterfowl). In addition, Vizsla is also very affectionate and gentle, not liking being left alone. Vizslas love exercise and can be a great option for those looking for a companion for running or hunting.
#5 – Ibizan Hound – 40 Miles Per Hour
The Ibizan Hound is a medium-sized hunting dog originating from Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain). Ibizan Hounds were known to be a good hunter of rabbits, they were agile, they could hunt on all types of terrain and working by scent, sound and sight. This breed is well-adapted as a dog breed for warm weather. The Ibizan Hound is an intelligent, sweet, active, somewhat sensitive dog that is generally good with children, and other dogs. However, they are also a bit independent, can be a bit stubborn, have a high prey drive and are often not suitable for homes with small animals.
#6 – Jack Russell Terrier – 38 Miles Per Hour
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting in England. They have white-bodied and smooth, rough or broken-coated and can be any colour. The Jack Russell Terrier is a working dog breed of terrier and high-energy dog. They require a lot of exercise and attention, if not working or playing will make them bored, can chew everything and can become destructive. These are also dogs with strong natural digging instincts.
#7 – Dalmatian – 37 Miles Per Hour
The Dalmatian is a large-sized dog originating from Croatia. Dalmatians are very recognizable, they have an appearance with many black spots on a white background. They have short coats that don’t need grooming, and are easy to maintain. The Dalmatian is a smart, loyal, outgoing, bright, and loving and can be aloof with strangers. They also require to be exercise and Dalmatians are a great jogging partner, if you’re a jogging enthusiast, then they’re a great choice for you.
#8 – Borzoi – 36 Miles Per Hour
The Borzoi is a Russian breed and their name comes from an old Russian word meaning fast. The Borzoi is similar in shape to a greyhound, and is also a member of the sighthound family with high prey drives. In addition, Borzoi has also been called the Russian Wolfhound, but they are very calm and pleasant. The Borzoi is an affectionate, loyal, independent, gentle and highly sensitive dog. Most Borzois rarely bark and are quite reserved with strangers.
#9 – Whippet – 35 Miles Per Hour
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog originating from England. The Whippet is also usually quite comfortable in warm weather because they have a slender body and a short, thin coat. The Whippet is a healthy, low-maintenance dog, they rarely get sick or need the help of a veterinarian. However, Whippet also needs to be exercised regularly. The Whippet is a playful, affectionate dog, less barking, but slightly sensitive to unexpected actions.
#10 – Pharaoh Hound – 35 Miles Per Hour
The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized hunting dog originating from Malta. They were originally used to hunt rabbits in the rocky terrain of the Maltese Islands. The Pharaoh Hound has a graceful, elegant yet powerful and athletic appearance with a fine and short coat with no feathering. The Pharaoh Hound is a smart, friendly, energetic dog that requires regular exercise. The Pharaoh Hound is also a good breed for warm weather.
#11 – Weimaraner – 35 Miles Per Hour
The Weimaraner is is a large breed of all-purpose gun dog originating from Germany. The Weimaraner is short coat and unusual eyes give it a distinctive regal appearance. The Weimaraner is an energetic hunting dog, prized for its physical endurance and stamina, able to run with long distances and stability. Weimaraners are affectionate, loyal, energetic, obedient, fearless dogs. However, this breed is not an independent breed and likes to be with theirs owner, and is prone to separation anxiety when alone.
#12 – Doberman Pinscher – 32 Miles Per Hour
The Doberman Pinscher, also known as Dobermann, is a medium-large working dog that originated in Germany. The Doberman Pinscher is sleek and strong. Doberman Pinscher is considered one of dogkind’s noblemen. The Doberman Pinscher is an intelligent, loyal, fearless and vigilant dog, and they always cling to the humans they love. They are known for their ability to learn, retain their training, and are one of the best guard dog breeds in the world. Nowadays, The Doberman Pinscher works as a police dog often used in law enforcement.
#13 – Border Collie – 30 Miles Per Hour
The Border Collie is a herding dog breed originating from Scottish Borders. They are hard-working, intelligent, energetic and highly trainable breed. The Border Collie has independent and extremely intelligent thinking to handle their work. However, if they do not work, play, or exercise regularly, they will feel bored and destructive. Border Collie owners should expect to spend a lot of time with their dog. Nowadays, the Border Collie is still used in their traditional work of herding livestock and is a family dog.
#14 – Standard Poodle – 30 Miles Per Hour
In the past, the Standard Poodle was a retriever or gun dog, used in particular for duck and waterfowl hunting. Nowadays we often see Standard Poodle appearing in agile and obedient competitions. The Standard Poodle is a intelligent dog, easy to train, suitable for playing with children, and they also have hypoallergenic fur. And not just Standard Poodle, all versions of Poodle are great, smart, docile companions. However, Standard Poodles are thought to be high-maintenance, pampered dogs and they may also require professional grooming.
#15 – German Shepherd Dog – 30 Miles Per Hour
The German Shepherd Dog is a breed of medium to large-sized herding dog that originated in Germany. The German Shepherd Dog is large, powerful, muscular, agile, intelligent, confident and has a noble personality. Loyalty, courage are what people often mention about this breed. The German Shepherd Dog wants to protect and please those who are special to them. However, The German Shepherd Dog builds deep relationships with their companions, and prone to separation anxiety so they require a lot of attention from their owner. Nowadays, the German Shepherd Dog is used for a variety of jobs, including disability assistance, search and rescue, police and military roles, and acting.
