How Fast Can Dogs Run? Learn The Speeds of Different Dog Breeds

If you’ve ever watched your dog go full-speed off-leash after a squirrel at the park, then you know just how fast they can move. Bigger dogs, like Dalmatians and German Shepherds, seem to have infinite power in their long legs. Even dogs with relatively short legs, like Jack Russells and other Terriers, can build up lots of speed when they put their minds and bodies to it.

Watching a dog run can be pretty hypnotic, as long as you’re not too worried about trying to chase them. This video of three Border Collies running at full speed over the hills is mesmerizing, and it turns out that they can run up to 30 mph — that’s the speed limit in many small neighborhoods. We were also pretty impressed by this wiener doing their best on the racetrack.

After watching your dog run around, or running around with them, you might be wondering: Just how fast can they run? For some breeds, their size is misleading, and they have a lot more power than it might appear at first glance. We don’t really get the chance to test our dogs’ top speeds, but luckily, someone else has already done the research. Here, we dive into the fastest dog breeds and just how quick they are.

Get 20% off 
PrettyLitter, just for our kin

Save on the litter with color-changing tech that helps you better care for your cat.

Get Your Coupon

Average speed of dogs

Dogs’ top speeds vary so much, especially from breed to breed. Even for dogs who are technically the exact same breed, factors like size, age, and health can really impact how fast they can run. However, we do have some idea of the average speed of dogs. Overall, the average dog can run around 15 to 20 mph. For comparison, while a highly trained athlete could run that fast, the average fit and healthy human runner only reaches around five to eight mph.

How fast dogs can run by breed (15 fastest breeds in order below)

There is so much variety in the dog world. A Chihuahua looks like a completely different animal than a Great Dane, but somehow, they come from the same family. Unsurprisingly, this also means that they can run vastly different speeds. Here, we break down how fast the speediest 15 dog breeds can run.

Greyhound

Historically, Greyhounds have been exploited and bred for racing. That means that many of them have been rescued by parents who are still impressed by their speed when they’re free at the park. Their unique, slim build and unusually flexible spine gives them a huge advantage when it comes to running. In fact, Greyhounds have been known to run as fast as 40 to 45 mph on a track and can average around at least 36 to 38 mph.

Saluki

The Saluki or Persian Hound is another type of sighthound with a slim body and unique build, not unlike the Greyhound. They’re known for hunting, and can reach top speeds of around 40 to 43mph. In 1996, the fastest dog in the Guinness Book of World Records was a Saluki, at 42.8 mph.

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are a very dignified, fancy-looking dog. They have long, luscious locks and a proud manner. They’re also incredibly fast, averaging around 40 mph when they really get going. That’s maybe not very surprising, considering they are actually closely related to the Saluki.

Vizsla

The Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer, is a hunting dog with a strong tracking instinct. They’re also popular in Hungary as pets. When they get going, they’re as fast as an Afghan Hound, reaching up to 40 mph with their long legs. 

Whippet

Whippets are a type of sighthound not dissimilar to Greyhounds. As pets, they’re very mild-mannered and calm, making great companions. However, they’re also incredibly fast, and are thought to have the fastest idle-to-running acceleration of any dog. When they’re not chilling at home, Whippets can actually run as fast as 35 mph. 

Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the smallest dogs on this list, so their inclusion might be pretty surprising. However, if you’ve ever tried to catch up with one at the park, then you know exactly how speedy they can be. They’re one of the most popular dogs on TV, because they make such natural stars and have tons of energy. They can run as fast as 38 mph, so they need a lot of training and exercise.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians, of course, are one of the most iconic breeds of dog. As well as escaping the clutches of Cruella de Vil, they’re known for working hard alongside firefighters. Today, they mostly just hang out as pets. They’re also one of the fastest breeds of dog, with speeds around 30 mph.

Borzoi

If you’ve ever seen a Borzoi, you know that they have incredibly distinctive, long faces. They’re a type of Russian sighthound, and apparently, the word Borzoi is from an archaic Russian adjective that basically means fast. But just how fast? A Borzoi can run as fast as 35 to 40 mph. They also have great hair.

Dobermann

The Dobermann is the biggest of all the Pinscher dogs. They’ve traditionally been put to work as guard dogs, because they are incredibly loyal and intelligent. However, of course, that also makes them great pets. Just don’t challenge a Dobermann to a race; they can run up to 35 mph.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are one of the most employed dog breeds out there. They’ve done it all: policing, sheep herding, disability assistance, search-and-rescue. As well as being very intelligent and easily trained, they’re also very fast, reaching speeds of around 30 mph.

Border Collie

Some people claim that the Border Collie is the most intelligent breed of dog. Bred for herding, they make great pets and also great running companions. Even though they can remain calm while herding sheep, if they want to, a Border Collie can run as fast as 30 mph.

Great Dane

The Great Dane, Scooby Doo’s breed, is widely thought to be the biggest breed of dog in the world. Despite all of that, they are not actually as lazy as you might think. When in good shape, the Great Dane can run as fast as 30 mph. That is, of course, when they’re not eating Scooby Snacks.

Standard Poodle

Poodles were originally bred as a “water dog,” a kind of hunting dog that retrieves from the water. They’ve also been known to perform in the circus. Today, however, they’re usually known as very fancy-looking pets. While they’re living luxurious lives now, Poodles tend to be pretty speedy. In fact, they have a top speed of around 30 mph.

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky was originally bred in Northeast Asia and is a member of the Spitz family. They’re known for pulling sleds for different communities across the coldest parts of the world. This means they’re full of energy and very resilient, but they’re also pretty fast. They can reach speeds of up to 30 mph and can run for a long time.

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a little different to their English sibling — they’re much smaller! They only weigh about five kilograms and are the smallest of all sighthounds and have shorter legs. That doesn’t mean, however, that they aren’t fast. In fact, they can run an average of 25 mph, despite their diminutive size.

How dogs run

Dogs can run so fast for a lot of reasons. Partly, it’s their build — imagine having four strong legs to run around on everywhere! It’s also because of their instincts and desires. Dogs want to chase, hunt, and sniff. They have the impulse to run, and the energy to do it. While some dogs are slower than others, they all have these instincts driving them.

Sprinting vs. distance running

The method by which a dog is most capable of running can vary a lot from dog to dog. Some dogs, like Greyhounds, are best at quite short sprints. On the other hand, Border Collies are amazing long-distance runners. Surprisingly, Jack Russells are also great at running for a long time.

Running comparison with other animals

As far as pets go, dogs and cats are the fastest. Cats can actually reach speeds of around 30 mph when they want to, making them faster than many breeds of dog. The cheetah, a big cat, is the fastest land animal, with the ability to go from zero to 60 in less than three seconds. 

Should you run with your dog?

All dogs are different, and some dog breeds are better suited to running with their humans than others. For example, Salukis, Huskies, and Labradors reportedly love to run alongside their humans. If you’re a runner and you want to take your dog out for some exercise, just make sure you match their capability. You also shouldn’t run with a puppy, because their bones are still growing.

Bottom line

While dogs’ top speeds vary a lot from breed to breed, and even just from dog to dog, most of them can be pretty fast when they want to be! If you’re looking to be worn out just watching your dog at the dog park, any of the pups from this list is the perfect match for you.

References

• “Average Human Running Speed - Every Second Counts.” Every Second Counts, 30 Oct. 2024, everysecondcounts.co.uk/average-human-running-speed/.

• “Borzoi Dog Breed Information.” American Kennel Club, www.akc.org/dog-breeds/borzoi/.

• “Can a Greyhound Run Faster than Usain Bolt? - Oxford Stadium.” Oxford Stadium, 9 Oct. 2023, oxford-stadium.co.uk/blog/can-a-greyhound-run-faster-than-usain-bolt/. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

• "Chloë Nannestad, et al. “13 of the Fastest Dog Breeds in the World.” Reader’s Digest, 11 June 2021, www.rd.com/article/fastest-dog-breed/.

• Geier, Elisabeth. “How Fast Can a Dog Run?” The Dog People by Rover.com, 6 June 2018, www.rover.com/blog/how-fast-can-a-dog-run/.

• “Top 10 Fastest Dog Breeds in the World - Wag!” WagWalking, wagwalking.com/breed/top-fastest-dog-breeds-in-the-world.

• Vaughan, Don. “The Fastest Animals on Earth.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/list/the-fastest-animals-on-earth.

• Walter, John. “How Fast Can a Doberman Run? 6 Speed Clocked Dobermans - Doberman Planet.” Doberman Planet, 20 Oct. 2018, www.dobermanplanet.com/how-fast-can-a-doberman-run/.

• “What’s a Saluki? - Southern Illinois University Athletics.” Southern Illinois University Athletics, 2025, siusalukis.com/sports/2016/6/12/ot-saluki-mascot-html.