The King of Canine Racers. When you think of fast dogs, the tall and lean is the first breed that usually springs to mind. This long-legged, smooth-coated racing breed has been clocked at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, sparking its nickname: the 45-mph couch potato. Why this nickname? This is a breed blessed with speed bursts when overcoming prey, especially hares, but one who craves lounging on sofas in between races.
There are no good studies on this, but it looks like Greyhounds are not substantially faster than some other breeds like Border Collies and probably other larger, lightweight breeds. "For example, by my calculations, many fly ball dog teams, which are timed to the hundredths of a second, are traveling at 37 to 40 mph when they hit the box."
2. The Saluki Estimated Top Speed: 43 mph Putting the Capital "S" in Swiftness. A feather-footed cousin of the Greyhound, the has been clocked at nearly 43 mph, a speed recorded in the 1996 edition of the Guinness Book of Records. It may be that over distances of more than half a mile, the Saluki is faster than the Greyhound. Contributing to the Saluki's stamina are his heavily padded feet that help to absorb the impact that running has on the body. Hailing from Ancient Egypt, the Saluki is recognized as one of the oldest breeds, dating back to 7,000 B.C.
3. The Whippet Estimated Top Speed: 36 mph The Poor Man's Racehorse - Whippets, originally called snap dogs for the speed at which they snapped up the rabbits and rats they coursed, were probably developed from a blend of Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds and terriers. The nineteenth-century workingmen who created them, later turned to racing them against each other, and they became known as "the poor man's racehorse." Today, this medium-sized sighthound is a fierce competitor in lure coursing events and ranks among the fastest breeds, having been clocked at 36 mph. Ready for this? A Whippet can run 200 yards in less than 12 seconds.
4. The Border Collie Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Built for Speed and Cornering. Long acknowledged for being one of the top Einsteins in the dog world, the workaholic is designed to move quickly and make hairpin turns in order to direct large flocks over what are sometimes long distances. Border Collies can corner like fine sports cars, maintaining control and speed through turns, skills that also serve them well in canine sports such as agility, fly ball and flying disc competitions.
These black-and-white torpedoes have been clocked at speeds of up to 30 mph. And noted for their intense gaze, Border Collies are recognized for keeping their eye on the prize. To be honest, in a race between a Greyhound and a Border Collie, my bets will always be on the Border Collie Dr. Zink says.
5. The Vizsla Estimated Top Speed: 40 mph A Vroom With Four Legs and a Tail, Medium-sized with a lean body, short coat and a mental drive to run, the can outsprint most dogs in a one-mile competition. Originating in Hungary, this breed must deal with constant canine confusion, often misidentified as a Rhodesian Ridgeback or Redbone Coonhound. But make no mistake, this hunting dog is quick both on land and in the water. Sporting a golden rust-colored short coat, the Vizsla is agile and able to turn quickly.
6. The Alaskan Husky Estimated Top Speed: 28 mph The Marathoner of Dogs - Alaskian Huskies were originally developed to deliver goods and supplies to remote frozen areas, so speed and endurance were vital assets. Huskies were and still are developed through crosses between spitz-type village dogs and fast sporting and hound breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers or Greyhounds. Their thick coat and stocky body help them cope with cold temperatures. This breed has been clocked at 28 mph, but a team of sled dogs can maintain average speeds of 10 mph for hours and miles over snow-covered terrain during sled races like the famous Iditarod.
7. Jack Russell Terrier Estimated Top Speed: 25 mph Small, Speedy and Stubborn! Also known as the Parson Terrier by the American Kennel Club, the earned a prestigious reputation a couple centuries ago as an amazing fox hunter. Despite being a favorite family dog, this breed has never shook off his confidence, ready attitude, tenacity, speed or endurance traits. Don't let his small size fool you - the Jack Russell Terrier can reach speeds up to 25 mph in short bursts.
8. The Doberman Pinscher Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph Fleet-Footed Guard Dog, developed in the 1800s by a tax collector looking for a canine bodyguard with the muscle power and the speed to catch and retain thieves, the black-and-tan can accelerate to speeds of up to 30 mph. This is a working breed with an innate desire to protect. With his intense loyalty, sharp teeth and pure knockdown power, this working breed is definitely a match for any intruder attempting to flee the scene on foot.
9. Rat Terrier Estimated Top Speed: 27 mph Not only is the Rat Terrier among the longest living dog breeds in the world - it's also one of the fastest
10. Giant Schnauzer Estimated Top Speed: 28 mph Originally bred for driving cattle, the Giant Schnauzer has become a popular guard dog as well. A sneakily fast breed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
11. Anatolian Shepperd Estimated Top Speed: 28 mph Thanks to their speed and agility, Anatolian Shepherds have often been tapped as "conservation dogs," used to help protect endangered species.
12. Australian Kelpie Estimated Top Speed: 27 mph Another sheep dog, the Australian Kelpie is an accomplish herder: quick, agile and smart.
13. American Pit Bull Terrier Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph While the Pit Bull has often been a source of controversy (sometimes unfairly), it's also one of the faster breeds, topping 30 mph on the high side.
14. Boxer Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Playful fans of the outdoors, boxers are active, speedy and strong.
15. Belgian Malinoise Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Often used as police or rescue dogs, Belgian Malinois have both a quick gait and an instinctive sense of urgency.
16. Great Dane Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph While the Great Dane is a gentle breed by default, it can get moving at lightning speed when it wants.
17. Portuguese Podengo (large) Estimated Top Speed: 31 mph While all sizes of Portuguese Podengo are quick, the large category produced the most record-setting canines.
18. Scottish Deerhund Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph large, lanky hound, the Scottish Deerhound makes use of its long limbs to hit speeds up to 35 mph.
19. Pharaoh Hound Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph A limber breed of Mediterranean descent, the Pharaoh Hound is considered the very best choice for rabbit hunting-agile and crafty enough to catch a bunny at full speed.
Weimaraner Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph A traditional hunting dog, the Weimaraner was the default choice for hunting among 18th- and 19th-century royals.
20. Borzoi Estimated Top Speed: 36 mph The Russian version of the no. 1 breed on this list, the Borzoi is a popular backup pick for racing and agility competitions.
21. Dalmatian Estimated Top Speed: 37 mph You might associate Dalmatians with Disney films and 19th-century carriages, but this spotted breed is among the fastest on record. Tell that to Cruella Deville
22. German Shepherd Estimated Top Speed: 39 mph The most popular police dog and the second-most popular breed across all of America, the German Shepherd is loyal, strong and fast-perfect for keeping the home safe.
23. Afghan Hound Estimated Top Speed: 40 mph Traditionally, the Afghan Hound isn't considered a race dog, but for the ones that do compete, the numbers speak for themselves. Some owners report their Afghan Hounds approaching 40 mph.
24. Ibizan Hound Estimated Top Speed: 40 mph Slim, elegant and agile, the Ibizan Hound mirrors the top three breeds in shape and ability; the breed caps out around 40 mph.
25. Pitbull Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph What is not up for debate is the fact that it can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Unless you can move 30 mph, you need to make sure this dog is secure.
26. Weimarunner Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph Not only is this canine a sighthound, but it was bred with good scenting ability, agility, and intelligence. This makes it a great all-around hound for hunting, shows, and competitions. They love to catch other animals and will be off before you can stop it.
27. German Shorthaired Pointer Estimated Top Speed: 35 mph With a classic hound dog look, these four-legged friends are popular for hunting and companionship. The German Shorthaired Pointer loves to run and play. Given their energy levels, they need at least an hour of exercise a day.
28. Rhodesian Ridgeback Estimated Top Speed: 30 mph Also known as the "African Lion Hound", dogs from this breed are tough. Their sleek appearance and confidence make them both bold and beautiful. At speeds up to 30 miles per hour, they cut a handsome sight of rippling muscles and raw power.
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