Anyone who owns a dog knows the feeling when their four-legged friend suddenly bolts after spotting something exciting, like a rabbit, during a walk. Before you know it, the dog is out of sight.
Of course, there are also the more leisurely dogs, which take life at a slower pace. This raises the question of which dog breeds are known for their speed, and which breed tops the list as the fastest.
Senest.dk has explored which dogs are the true Speedy Gonzaleses, identifying the fastest breeds.
Likely Top Candidate
The title of the world's fastest dog is widely recognized to go to the greyhound. This may not come as a surprise, as this breed is widely used in dog racing, especially in the UK.
The greyhound falls under the category of sighthounds, but how fast can a greyhound actually run?
These dogs can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. This means a greyhound could potentially match the speed of a truck on the highway, assuming it adheres to speed limits.
The greyhound's roots can be traced back to Europe, but the modern greyhound hails from Great Britain.
Photo: Unsplash
The World's Fastest Dog Breeds
Second only to the cheetah, which can reach speeds over 90 km/h, the greyhound is among the fastest land animals. Therefore, it's no surprise that sighthounds dominate the top three of the world's fastest dog breeds.
Here are the five fastest dog breeds:
Greyhounds
Salukis
Whippets
Vizslas
Border Collies
Greyhounds and Salukis, the latter often mistaken for each other, are both at the top of the list for speedsters. They share a resemblance and belong to the Persian group of sighthounds, with Salukis also boasting speeds over 70 km/h.
This impressive speed has long made the swift sighthounds excellent hunting dogs. Greyhounds, Salukis, and Whippets are all part of this elite, known for their ability to accelerate and reach remarkable speeds.
Not Necessarily a Sighthound
It's worth noting that the list of fast dog breeds isn't solely comprised of sighthounds. Vizslas and Border Collies are also on the list, each with their unique traits and speed. Vizslas are renowned for their agility and endurance, making them excellent hunting dogs, while Border Collies have won many hearts with their intelligence and versatility, not just speed but also their skill in herding sheep and performing tasks requiring quick thinking and precision.
Regardless of the choice among these speedy breeds, it's crucial to remember that they require appropriate training and exercise to be content. Allowing them to run in a safe area or taking them out for regular runs will not only satisfy their natural instincts but also ensure their well-being.
