How Fast Does a Dog Run?

Dogs run for joy, in fear, while hunting and when working. Their speed depends on their task, motivation and body characteristics. Running ability is affected by physical condition, but is more directly related to the breed. The fastest dogs are the sight or gaze hounds bred for running down prey such as gazelles. The slowest dogs are usually toy breeds designed as lap dogs.

History

Over 5,000 years ago, people trained dogs to chase and kill animals such as deer for food. The oldest known sight hound may be the Saluki, also called the Persian Greyhound. According to the Saluki Club of America, these dogs were valued companions to Egyptian nobility. Raised in the desert where endurance and speed is critical, Salukis spotted and chased down desert gazelle, which can run at speeds up to 50 miles per hour (mph).

Significance

Sight hounds find their prey by sight. Their speed and endurance enable them to run down the target even over long distances. This ability made sight hounds important in obtaining game for the table in ancient times and in protecting the family and livestock by running down and killing predators such as wolves and jackals. Today, sight hounds such as Greyhounds and Whippets are popular for racing and lure coursing--chasing a mechanical lure around a preset course. These dogs regularly race short distances at 30 to 40 mph.

Types

The type of dog affects its speed. Dogs bred for sight hunting are fast and race to catch prey they see. Herding dogs work by running around the livestock to cut off strays and move the animals as a group. They are fast, but agility is more important than long-distance speed. Scent hounds follow their noses. They are fast for short distances, but excel at trotting or loping for hours along scent trails. Dogs bred for team racing like sled dogs typically compete in races where they average about 20 mph over the distance.

Considerations

Dogs such as toy breeds usually have short legs and compact bodies that are not designed for speed or endurance. They are comfortable at a walking speed of 2 to 3 miles an hour. Though they can run 5 to 10 mph for short distances, many toy breeds have stubby noses and upturned jaws that inhibit their breathing. Like people, they can have asthma attacks. Their bodies are not suited for serious running.

Theories/Speculation

Sight hounds such as the Afghan, Borzoi, Ibizan Hound and Saluki may be as fast or faster than the Greyhound. Ohio veterinarian Anne Midgarden conducted sprint trials timing Borzoi running over 35 mph. The Arabian Saluki Center reports that Salukis can run at 40 mph for three miles or more. The difficulty in proving dog speeds for any breed is that while the Greyhound will chase a mechanical lure on a fixed course for speed trials, most dogs are not motivated to participate in timed track runs.

Resources

• Speed of Animals
• Borzoi Speed Study
• Saluki Club of America