25 Fastest Dog Breeds on Earth
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It’s always nice to see dogs run with unbridled joy and wild abandon. After all, there's rarely a time when they look happier. When these little guys are hitting their max speed, you’re no doubt looking at them with puppy goggles (it’s OK, we all do it).
It makes you wonder, though, what the fastest dog breeds are and which breeds give them a run for their money. As it turns out, there are plenty of lightning-fast pups on the planet, most of which were originally bred for hunting and sports. They are plenty agile, and they have exceptional endurance to boot.
So, wonder no more, let’s cut to the chase (pun intended!) and take a look at the 25 fastest dog breeds.
25. Beagle
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No doubt, Beagles are the most well-known hunting dog, and they can run as fast as 20 mph. Overall, Beagles are athletic, and they have plenty of stamina, so they make excellent exercise partners.
But pet parents are cautioned that they have a nose like no other, and if they’re off-leash, you might spend your afternoon tracking them down instead of enjoying the great outdoors with your best pal.
Beagle Overview
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Top Speed: 20 mph
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 20-30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
* All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club
21. Jack Russell Terrier (Tie)
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Also known as the Parson Russell Terriers, these little guys have quite the reputation for being endlessly energetic and animated. No doubt, that’s how they top out at 25 mph (along with a few other breeds on this list).
Bred to hunt foxes, Jack Russell Terriers are fearless, highly intelligent and athletic, so they are up for anything at any time. However, along with their can-do attitude, they can be stubborn, so if you’re thinking of adding one to your pack, make sure you have the patience for it.
Jack Russell Terrier Overview
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Top Speed: 25 mph
Height: 10-14 inches
Weight: 13-17 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
21. Italian Greyhound (Tie)
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Italian Greyhounds are smaller than their faster greyhound cousins, but their slender features and leggy legs still contribute to their impressive top speeds of 25 mph.
Not one for strangers, Italian Greyhounds are gentle and affectionate. They’re also incredibly intelligent and therefore a breeze to train.
Italian Greyhound Overview
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Top Speed: 25 mph
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
21. Shiba Inu (Tie)
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One of Japan’s six native breeds, Shiba Inus have a long history in Japanese culture, dating as far back as 300 B.C. Originally bred to hunt birds and other small game, Shiba Inus are still the most popular dog in Japan today.
Their muscular build and agility allow them to easily reach their top speed of 25 mph. And while they’re small in stature, Shiba Inus have big, fearless personalities. They’re plenty loyal, and with the proper socialization, they’re good with kids.
Shiba Inu Overview
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Top Speed: 25 mph
Height: 13.5-16.5 inches
Weight: 17-23 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-16 years
21. Rhodesian Ridgeback (Tie)
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While Rhodesian Ridgebacks can reach maximum speeds of 25 mph, they're not exactly high-energy dogs. In fact, these pups would probably prefer to watch Netflix with you if given a choice.
But, once considered the greatest of lion hunters, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are still plenty agile, and they have excellent tracking skills.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview
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Top Speed: 25 mph
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 70-85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 years
18. Giant Schnauzer (Tie)
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Bred to drive cattle over the tough terrain of the Bavarian Alps, Giant Schnauzer’s have excellent agility and tracking skills, and their speeds top out at 28 mph.
What’s more, they are highly intelligent working dogs, and they’re known to be staunchly loyal to their favorite humans.
Giant Schnauzer Overview
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Top Speed: 28 mph
Height: 23.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 55-85 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
18. Siberian Husky (Tie)
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The top speeds of Siberian Huskies have been clocked at a sprightly 28 mph. Huskies were bred as working dogs, pulling sleds all day, so when it comes to energy, agility and stamina, the Husky’s cup runneth over.
Huskies are incredibly intelligent, and they need plenty of stimulation and exercise. Anything less leads to boredom and stress, none of which bodes well for your home or your belongings.
Siberian Husky Overview
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Top Speed: 28 mph
Height: 20-23.5 inches
Weight: 35-60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
18. Scottish Deerhound (Tie)
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Originally from Scotland and bred to hunt large deer, it’s not uncommon to see Scottish Deerhounds get up to 25 mph or more. These dogs have innate athleticism and muscular builds, so there’s little doubt that they can achieve that kind of speed with relative ease.
While Scottish Deerhounds are large in stature (with the courage to match), they’re known to be quite gentle and affectionate.
Scottish Deerhound Overview
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Top Speed: 28 mph
Height: 28-32 inches
Weight: 75-110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8-11 years
13. German Short-Haired Pointer (Tie)
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Another breed of sporting dogs that hail from Germany is the German Short-Haired Pointer, known for exceptional endurance and speed, with top speeds of up to 30 mph.
These pups are exceptionally bright, playful and energetic. What’s more, they’re quite easy to train, and they tend to establish firm bonds with their humans.
German Short-Haired Pointer Overview
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Top Speed: 30 mph
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 45 -70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
13. Poodle (Tie)
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Beneath the curly hair and dainty appearance of a Poodle lies a little speed demon. In fact, these little turbos can get up to 30 mph. Note: There are three sizes of poodles (toy, miniature and standard), and all of them are speedy.
Poodles are muscular, athletic and smart as a whip. What’s more, they are patient and gentle, so they are perfect for families.
Poodle Overview
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Top Speed: 30 mph
Height: 15+ inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
13. Border Collie (Tie)
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Bred as herders, Border Collies are muscular and nimble. No doubt, both of these attributes contribute to their ability to reach speeds of 30 mph.
These guys have plenty of energy, are super smart and are real workhorses. But at the end of the day ( just as you would expect), they’re more than happy to sit, relax and cuddle.
Border Collie Overview
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Top Speed: 30 mph
Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 30-55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
13. German Shepherd (Tie)
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With speeds getting up to 30 mph, German Shepherds are ridiculously fast. Because of their impressive speed, agility and intelligence, German Shepherds are the hardest workers out there, so they’re often chosen to serve as military and police dogs.
What’s more, they’re fiercely loyal yet gentle, so they make wonderful family pets.
German Shepherd Overview
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Top Speed: 30 mph
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
13. Great Dane (Tie)
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While it might seem counterintuitive that a dog of this stature could be agile, Great Danes can really hold their own, with top speeds recorded at 30 mph. These pups are the gentle giants of the canine kingdom.
Although their size can be a bit disconcerting, they are sweet-natured, great with kids and they make great family pets — if you have the space.
Great Dane Overview
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Top Speed: 30 mph
Height: 30-32 inches
Weight: 110-175 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
11. German Pinscher (Tie)
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German Pinschers are muscular and nimble so they can reach a maximum speed of 32 mph. Originally bred as working dogs, German Pinschers were often used to chase and capture vermin (now we know why they’re as fast as they are).
This breed is high-energy and exceptionally intelligent, so much so that they are often used as service and therapy dogs.
German Pinscher Overview
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Top Speed: 32 mph
Height: 17-20 years
Weight: 25-45 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
11. Doberman Pinscher (Tie)
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Doberman’s have a sleek physique, and they are muscular and powerful — which is probably how they make it up to 32 mph. They are full of energy, are athletic and extremely intelligent. They are often used by military police and in search and rescue efforts.
Doberman’s are fearless, and they have an innate protective instinct, so they’re ideally suited for someone who can keep them on a tight leash.
Doberman Pinscher Overview
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Top Speed: 32 mph
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 60-100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
8. Pharaoh Hound (Tie)
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Bred for high-speed hunts of small game, Pharaoh Hounds quickly earned their reputations as speedsters, and they can get all the way up to 35 mph. These gorgeous pups are svelte, aerodynamic and tremendously agile.
Today the Pharaoh Hound is recognized as the National Dog of Malta.
Pharaoh Hound Overview
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Top Speed: 35 mph
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 45-55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
8. Weimaraner (Tie)
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Also known as Silver Ghosts, Weimaraners are originally from Germany, and they are one of the larger hunting dogs, bred for hunting big game like deer and mountain lions. They have plenty of energy and stamina, and they can travel as fast as 35 mph.
When they’re off duty, Weimaraners are friendly and obedient, and while socialization is important, they make excellent companions.
Weimaraner Overview
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Top Speed: 35 mph
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 55-90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
8. Whippet (Tie)
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Considering they can get up to 35 mph per hour, Whippets are probably the most aptly named dog on the planet. With a body shaped like an inverted-S, a deep chest and slim waist, Whippets are extremely agile.
On their off days, though, they enjoy lounging around just as much as the next pup, and they make great family pets.
Whippet Overview
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Top Speed: 35 mph
Height: 18-22 inches
Weight: 25-40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 pounds
7. Borzoi
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Borzois are Russian Wolfhounds with a long history of royal companionship. These pups were originally bred for hunting, so speed is in their DNA, and their tops speeds are clocked at about 36 mph.
While Borzois are plenty fast, they are not high-energy dogs. So, they’ll just as soon lay on their favorite couch as go out for a daily run.
Borzoi Overview
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Top Speed: 36 mph
Height: 26-28+ inches
Weight: 60-105 pounds
Life Expectancy: 9-14 years
6. Dalmatian
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Besides being unmistakably adorable, Dalmations are quite muscular, and their powerful hindquarters help propel them to top speeds of 37 mph. Moreover, Dalmatians are athletic, and they have plenty of stamina, so if you’re looking for a running mate, you may have found it.
While they don’t care much for strangers, they are quite loving and loyal to their humans.
Dalmatian Overview
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Top Speed: 37 mph
Height: 19-24 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
3. Afghan Hound (Tie)
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As their name implies, Afghan hounds are native to Afghanistan, and they’re considered one of the oldest dog breeds known to man (perhaps even as far back as the pre-Christian era). Impressively, their top speed comes in at 40 mph.
While Afghan hounds have an acute hunting instinct, they are pretty sensitive. They are also incredibly loyal and loving to their humans.
Afghan Hound Overview
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Top Speed: 40 mph
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 50-60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
3. Vizsla (Tie)
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Bred as sporting dogs, Vizslas are smart, instinctual hunters. Moreover, they are lean, muscular and fleet-footed, clocking speeds of 40 mph. They are incredibly athletic (and even good swimmers), so they make excellent running partners.
And while they look pretty independent when they’re out and about, Vizslas are the epitome of velcro dogs. They’re sweet and gentle and always want to be where you are.
Vizsla Overview
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Top Speed: 40 mph
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 44-60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
3. Ibizan Hound (Tie)
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Bred to hunt rabbits, Ibizan Hounds are sleek and athletic, and they can run at blistering speeds as high as 40 mph. With their elongated heads, pointed ears and slim stature, it’s easy to see why they’re so aerodynamic.
At home, Ibizan Hounds are quite affectionate, and they’re great with other dogs and kids.
Ibizan Hound Overview
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Top Speed: 40 mph
Height: 22.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 45-50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-14 years
2. Saluki
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Saluki are slim, agile and all legs. And that’s probably what makes them so zippy, with max speeds of 43 mph. Salukis also have a long and interesting history. Their lineage can be traced as far back as 7000 B.C., and they were a known favorite among kings and pharaohs.
Today, they are still extremely athletic, and they need families that can accommodate that. They also make quiet companions and bond deeply with their humans.
Saluki Overview
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Top Speed: 43 mph
Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-17 years
1. Greyhound
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With their top speeds clocking in at an impressive 45 mph, Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world. Greyhounds are known to be mild-mannered at home, but when it’s time to get up and go, they’re on the mark.
Greyhounds have aerodynamic skulls and incredibly athletic bodies, and they are known to get up to their max speed within six strides.
Greyhound Overview
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Top Speed: 45 mph
Height: 27-28 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years