What are the Fastest Dog Breeds?
Some dogs are slow, some dogs are fast, and some dogs are really fast. These dogs that have great speed and agility are favorites for hunting, training, and various racing events. So what are the fastest dog breeds?
10. Border Collie
- Average Weight: 30 to 55 Pounds
- Average Height: 18 to 22 Inches
- Top Speed: 30 mph
This breed of dog is considered a very agile and obedient dog. They are best known for their propensity for country life. They are a favorite of farmers and ranchers for their hard work herding sheep and are also a great companion for families.
9. Doberman Pinscher
- Average Weight: 65 to 90 pounds
- Average Height: 22 to 28 inches
- Top Speed: 32 to 35 mph
The Doberman Pinscher is a breed of dog that originated in Germany in the 1800s. They were originally developed by breeders for the purpose of guardianship and protection. They are used in this era for this purpose still as security, police, and military dogs.
8. Whippet
- Average Weight: 20 to 40 pounds
- Average Height: 18 to 22 inches
- Top Speed: 35 mph
This breed is a medium-sized dog that originated in the 1700s in England for the purpose of racing. Today, they are often seen in dog shows and are great family dogs due to their even temper and playfulness.
7. Borzoi
- Average Weight: 60 to 105 pounds
- Average Height: 26 to 30 inches
- Top Speed: 36 mph
The Borzoi is a breed from Russia that was originally intended for hunting wolves in Russia’s cold climate. It remains to be a phenomenal hunting dog today as well as being well-mannered and independent dog.
6. Dalmation
- Average Weight: 40 to 60 pounds
- Average Height: 19 to 23 inches
- Top Speed: 37 mph
Dalmations were originally bred for the purposes of hunting, retrieving, and guardianship. However, in more recent years they are used primarily as companions as they are eager for love and affection and are extremely intelligent.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
- Average Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
- Average Height: 13 to 14 inches
- Top Speed: 38 mph
The Jack Russell Terrier was originally bred for the purpose of fox bolting because of its great speed and agility. However, they are more commonly seen today in show-dog trials and as dogs well suited for home life.
4. Vizsla
- Average Weight: 45 to 65 pounds
- Average Height: 21 to 24 inches
- Top Speed: 40 mph
The Vizsla was also originally bred to be a hunting dog and it continues to fill that role. It is a top choice of hunters and sportsmen because of its ability to track and chase smaller animals. They also make great family dogs for people who live very active lifestyles.
3. Afghan Hound
- Average Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
- Average Height: 25 to 27 inches
- Top Speed: 40 mph
This dog originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago to hunt rabbits and gazelle. However, in more recent years their purpose has changed to dog shows, racing, and show trials. This dog is often referred to as “catlike” because of the extensive time it spends grooming itself.
2. Saluki
- Average Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
- Average Height: 23 to 28 inches
- Top Speed: 42.8 mph
Similar to the Afghan Hound, this breed was also developed in the Middle East to hunt rabbits and gazelle. However, in the modern-day, they are used for racing as well as for companionship. Many historians refer to it as the most ancient breed of domesticated dog.
1. Greyhound
- Average Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
- Average Height: 26 to 29 inches
- Top Speed: 45 mph
Rounding out the list as the fastest dog is the Greyhound. The Greyhound was originally developed in Great Britain for hunting smaller games such as rabbits and squirrels. Now, they are heavily favored as racing dogs. They are great companion dogs however are often not recommended for homes with small children unless they’ve been socialized from an early age.