12 Fastest Dogs Could Outrun Your Car If They Wanted To
If you’re proud of your dog for being fast when they chase after a squirrel, get ready to learn about breeds that could outrun a racehorse over short distances. Some dogs are built for pure acceleration and could easily leave a world-class cyclist behind without breaking a sweat. They were not specifically bred for racing, of course; instead, their purposes revolved around herding and hunting. But their extraordinary speed is that additional quality that makes these loyal companions even more special. Spoiler alert: If one of these dogs takes off at full speed, you’re definitely not catching them anytime soon. Let’s get to the list.
Greyhound
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 45 mph
No surprise here—the Greyhound is the fastest dog in the world that could hit 45 mph in just a few strides. Greyhounds would dominate the 100-meter sprint without any competition if there were an Olympics for dogs. Their aerodynamic build allows them to flaunt insane acceleration.
Saluki
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 42 mph
This speedster has been outrunning animals since ancient Egypt. They’re known as “Royal Dogs of Egypt” and were prized by pharaohs and Middle Eastern kings for their ability to chase down gazelles at breakneck speeds. Unlike Greyhounds, Salukis have crazy endurance and can tackle long-distance running effortlessly.
Sloughi
Credit: Reddit
Top Speed: 42 mph
Sloughi may be one of the rarest dogs on this list, but it’s also one of the fastest. These sighthounds hunt wild game in deserts and use their long legs and explosive speed to take down prey like gazelles and foxes.
Afghan Hound
Getty Images via @Canva
Top Speed: 40 mph
Do not underestimate these super-model Afghan Hounds because these dogs can fly. It’s the combination of speed and stamina that makes them deadly hunters in rough terrain. Even though they have a thick coat that protects them from harsh weather, it doesn’t slow them down one bit. If anything, it makes their high-speed sprints look even more dramatic.
Vizsla
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Top Speed: 40 mph
The Hungarian dog lovers helped revive the breed when Vizslas were on the verge of becoming extinct after World War II. These dogs never run out of energy, as they were bred for tracking and retrieving games. Their slim and muscular bodies allow them to run at fast speeds like a racehorse, while their enthusiasm means they’ll probably keep running long after you’re exhausted.
Borzoi
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 35 mph
The Borzoi was once known as the Russian Wolfhound and was trained to hunt in packs alongside Russian nobility. It’s surprising how these giant sighthounds are so fast despite their size, but that’s exactly what makes this breed a favorite. On the other hand, these hounds can be surprisingly lazy indoors.
Dalmatian
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 37 mph
Even before Dalmatians were famous for riding fire trucks, they were known for keeping pace at high speeds for long distances. And that’s a trait because that’s exactly what they were bred to do. Their job was to run alongside horse-drawn carriages. Not to mention, it was their speed, endurance, and alertness that made them the original firefighting dogs.
Whippet
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 35 mph
This dog is a pocket rocket! Also nicknamed the “Poor Man’s Greyhound,” the Whippet is a compact and lightning-fast sprinter that can easily reach 35 mph. Unlike some of the bigger dogs on this list, Whippets love short bursts of speed but don’t have the same stamina for long-distance running.
Doberman Pinscher
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 32 mph
If you’re being chased by a Doberman Pinscher, good luck. They’re not just fast but also laser-focused and relentless. These dogs are known for their protection work and have muscular build. It’s effortless for them to hit top speeds quickly, and they don’t back down from a chase.
Jack Russell Terrier
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 30 mph
Their tiny size can fool you, but Jack Russell Terriers are absolute speed demons. These dogs were originally bred for fox hunting and have an incredible level of energy, which enables them to run faster than most large breeds.
Great Dane
Credit: iStockphoto
Top Speed: 30 mph
No matter how much you baby these gentle giants, the last thing you’d want is a huge Great Dane resting in your lap. But after a quick sprint, that’s something you can expect them to do: Collapse onto your lap or the nearest couch! These dogs have the power to hit 30 mph in short bursts despite their weight and massive size.
Poodle
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 30 mph
Poodles are anything but fancy show dogs. Beneath that curly coat is a serious athlete that’s fast, alert, and very smart. Poodles have proven themselves in various dog sports, including herding and dock diving, and are the prime example of ‘brain and speed go hand in hand.’
Border Collie
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 30 mph
Besides speed, Border Collies have been ranked the smartest dog breed in the world when it comes to agility, obedience, and problem-solving. Now, that’s a combination that allows them to hit 30 mph while making sharp turns like a sports car.
Siberian Husky
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 30 mph
In 1925, a team of Siberian Huskies saved the town of Nome, Alaska, by delivering life-saving medicine during a famous sled run known as the “Great Race of Mercy.” And if that’s not enough, Huskies have insane stamina, which not only makes them fast sprinters but also suitable for long-distance running.
Scottish Deerhound
Credit: flickr
Top Speed: 35 mph
Did you know that Scottish deerhounds were once considered royalty in Scotland and only the nobles could keep them? These affectionate and gentle dogs are lesser-known sighthounds but have an incredible sprint that makes them stand out. Their friendly demeanor makes them great family companions.