A Greyhound running (Photo by Nipun Maduwantha on Shutterstock)
In the diverse world of canines, certain breeds stand out for their exceptional speed and agility. These swift-footed dogs, bred for various purposes from hunting to racing, showcase the remarkable athletic capabilities that have evolved within the species. From the lightning-fast Greyhound, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour, to the nimble Border Collie known for its quick turns and bursts of speed, the fastest dog breeds represent a fascinating intersection of form and function. Whether sprinting across open fields or navigating obstacle courses with precision, these canine speedsters captivate our imagination and demonstrate the incredible diversity within the dog world. As we explore the top contenders for the title of fastest dog breed, we’ll uncover the unique characteristics that make these animals true marvels of speed and endurance. We would love to hear from you in the comments down below. Now, onto the list!
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Top 5 Fastest Dog Breeds, According to Canine Experts
1. Greyhound
First on our list is the Greyhound! These pooches are so fast that they named a transport service after them. “Originally bred to be hunting dogs, Greyhounds are widely accepted to be the fastest dog breed. A highly energetic breed, it comes as no surprise that their legs can carry them as fast as 45 miles per hour. Thanks to their speed, they made a name for themselves as racing dogs,” says Highland Canine.
“Taking the top honor for the fastest dog is the Greyhound! They are spectacularly good movers, and their tall stature makes for a beautiful picture as they speed by. They are one of the most gentle breeds ever and are just as happy in pursuit of their favorite small animal as they are lounging by your side,” adds Wag!
The Greyhound is “thought to have originated in Egypt and has been prized among royalty for thousands of years. Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance runners, and they’re quite happy to spend much of their time napping. They’ve been nicknamed the ’40 mph couch potato’ and will do well in an apartment with a few walks a day and the occasional sprint at the dog park,” explains iHeartDogs.
2. Saluki
The next spot goes to the Saluki. Topping out at 42 mph, “running is what they have been doing for thousands of years. This sighthound was bred to chase rabbits, but they are happy to just be a family pet as well. Take them for a run or a swim. Either way, they are happy to be the best companion ever,” says Wag!
This ancient breed renowned for its elegance, speed, and endurance. “It’s no wonder the Saluki is the second-fastest dog breed in the world. Just one glance at the Saluki, and anyone can tell it’s made for speed. After all, they are built similarly to Greyhounds. Saluki males are generally anywhere from 23 to 28 inches high and weigh between 40 to 65 pounds,” notes ParadePets.
With their slender build, long legs, and silky coat, Salukis were prized hunting companions in the Middle East for thousands of years and remain cherished pets today, known for their gentle nature and independent spirit. “Along with the Greyhound, the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds. According to Dogtime, ‘known as the Persian Greyhound or the Gazelle Hound, the Saluki has long been considered one of the most ancient of breeds. Scientists speculate that Salukis and other ancient breeds descended from the first dogs and made their way through the world with their nomadic owners. Depictions of dogs resembling Salukis—with a Greyhoundlike body and feathering on the ears, tail, and legs—appear on Egyptian tombs dating to 2100 B.C.E., some 4,000 years ago,'” comments iHeartDogs.
3. Afghan Hound
Third place goes to the Afghan Hound. Though they may look like dainty show dogs, this breed can actually reach top speeds and is “most notable for their long, flowing coats. Amazingly, however, they can also reach upwards of 40 MPH, making them one of the fastest dog breeds! A bit aloof at times, these canines are incredibly loyal to those who earn their trust. As one might expect, adult Afghan Hounds require regular grooming and should be bathed more often than other dog breeds,” says My Dog’s Name.
The Afghan Hound is a striking breed known for its long, silky coat and regal appearance, originally bred for hunting in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. “An Afghan hound, native to Afghanistan, was also the first-choice hunting hound for Asian and English nobility for his ability to track game over long distances. His handsome good looks require a regular grooming schedule, and he also needs diligent training. Although he may be free-spirited, he’s smart and bonds closely with single pet owners who keep him mentally and physically engaged,” writes Daily Paws.
With their dignified demeanor, aloof personality, and distinctive curved tail, Afghan Hounds are often considered one of the most glamorous dog breeds, requiring dedicated grooming but rewarding owners with their loyalty and unique charm. “Afghan Hounds have a strong prey instinct and tend to chase down small animals. A similar breed to the Saluki, Afghan Hounds were selectively bred to hunt and withstand the cold mountains of Afghanistan. As mountain dogs, they were originally used for hunting large prey in the mountains and deserts. Underneath their silky coat, there is a very athletic and muscular body that enables them to run extremely quickly,” adds Highland Canine.
4. Vizsla
Ever heard of the Vizsla? This breed, which originated in Hungary, covets the next spot on our list. “Many people interested in the fastest dog breeds are surprised to learn about the mysterious Vizsla. Affectionate, sweet, and true, the ‘V’ also stands for ‘velcro dog’ because her favorite place is by your side—and she’ll follow you everywhere. Experienced and energetic pet parents understand that she must run, sniff a lot, and learn fun activities such as agility and flyball to live her best life,” adds Yahoo! Finance.
This energetic and affectionate breed is known for its distinctive rust-gold coat and lean, athletic build. “How about looks, intelligence, and speed all rolled into one? The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog built like a rock. Very thin but full of muscles, this dog can point, retrieve, swim, or just be your best pal. Ask them anything, and they will gladly obey,” says Wag!
Originally bred as a versatile hunting dog, Vizslas are prized for their keen sense of smell, trainability, and strong desire to be close to their human companions, often earning them the nickname “velcro dogs” for their tendency to stick by their owner’s side. “The Vizsla is a short-haired, medium-sized, and lean hunting dog. In the Hungarian language, the name of the breed translates literally to ‘tracker’. It is one of the oldest breeds in Europe and has actually faced extinction multiple times throughout history. Their muscular and lean bodies allow them to reach 40 miles per hour. Despite their high levels of energy, Vizslas are very gentle-mannered dogs. They are well-suited to families with children and tend to not shy away from strangers, but can take on the duties of a guard dog,” explains Highland Canine.
5. Ibizan Hound
Last but certainly not least is the Ibizan Hound. A speedy fellow who also makes a great family watchdog, “the Ibizan Hound aims to entertain its owner with hyperactive antics and endless energy, as they will often escape crates and jump high fences. The breed has a natural inclination to run when unbounded, so it is recommended owners keep a watchful eye when their dog is off its leash. Ibizan hounds are also protective and bark only when necessary—characteristics of a great guard dog,” says Stacker.
Ibizan Hounds are known for their even-tempered and gentle nature, combining playfulness with a calm demeanor that makes them excellent family companions. “The Ibizan Hound originates from Ibiza, Spain, which is also where it gets its name. A member of the hound family, the Ibizan Hound is an agile, lean breed with serious speed. At its fastest, an Ibizan Hound can run up to 40 miles per hour. Known for their intelligence and engaging nature, Ibizan Hounds also love to entertain their owners. While they can act stubborn at times, they respond well to positive reinforcement,” notes A-Z Animals.
While they can be independent and sometimes aloof with strangers, these hounds are typically loyal and affectionate with their family members, displaying a keen intelligence and a quiet dignity that endears them to many dog enthusiasts. “These bat-eared sweeties have the long, slim legs and bodies we’ve seen on the other fastest dog breeds, which explains their top speeds. Hailing from the Catalan region of Spain and France, Ibizan Hounds, or ‘Beezers,’ as their owners know them, were bred to hunt smaller game like rabbits. The smooth- or wire-coated red and white hounds are smart and playful, making good family dogs as long as they are properly socialized,” adds Reader’s Digest.
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I have a mini Aussie doodle he just turned 1 years old on the 5th of this month of October his name is Max and he’s pretty damn fast for little guy he’s got some wheels on him
Maybe you should have done the top 10, you left out a variety of sighthounds like the Whippets, Scottish Deerhound, Wolfhound, and many more.
WHIPPET! FASTEST LAND ANIMAL OF THEIR SIZE!!
Well the Anatolian @140lbs+ can reach speeds of 40mph.. or maintain 20 mpg for over 20mi…. so those spindle legged dogs are fast, but what happens when it’s time to throw down??! Anatolians have the entire package.. Speed, agility, power &tenacity!! Just sayin…you forgot one..
You need to fact check yourself. Anatolians can not hold 20 mph for 20 miles. A Rhodesian Ridgeback can. Also most of the sight hound breeds especially a Borzoi or Scottish Deerhound would make short work of the comparatively slow Anatolian Sheppard. Anatolians are for guarding herds of animals, which they are great at doing. FYI Borzoi were bred to run down and catch wolves without getting hurt ,plus they have a jaw pressure that only Deerhounds and the Bully breeds surpass. Please don’t believe that YouTube/Discovery channel BS that Pits only bite with 230 psi. Lol. Who told you that Anatolians can run at 40 mph? First of all they can not. Except for the sight hound breeds all other dogs run with what is called ” single suspension rotary gallop”….. sight hound dogs run with ” double suspension rotary gallop” … In other words they run exactly like a cheetah ,just not as fast. Some Dobermans have this ability because Greyhounds were used in their development in the late 19th century when Herr Dobermann was developing a dog for the German army. Most dog breeds that are not sight hounds run in the 26 mph to 34 mph range usually for less than a hundred yards. The ultimate endurance canine is the wolf that can average 5 to 15 mph for up to 8 hours. The GPS tracking collars have confirmed this many times. Some have covered 100 miles in under 12 hours.
Whippet??
Agreed.
I own 2 Whippets that could easily dust a couple off this list… lol
Would like to let you know about dog breeds from Tamil Nadu in Southern India, called Chippiparai and Kanni which are probably the fastest dogs in India.