Top 10 Fastest Dog Breeds in the World

Discover the canine speedsters that dominate the race tracks and open fields. These breeds aren’t just fast—they’re built for performance, stamina, and often, centuries of selective breeding. From lean sighthounds to muscular sprinters, here’s your countdown of the world’s fastest dog breeds—from the quick to the lightning-fast!

Doberman Pinscher

With a top speed of around 32 mph (51 km/h), the Doberman Pinscher combines strength, agility, and speed. Originally bred for protection, these sleek dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, making them ideal for roles in security and police work—where both brains and brawn are essential.

Border Collie

Famous for their herding instincts, Border Collies can reach speeds of 30 mph (48 km/h). But it’s not just their speed—it’s their stamina and agility that make them top performers in dog sports like flyball and agility competitions. They’re quick thinkers as much as quick runners.

Whippet

Often dubbed the “poor man’s racehorse,” Whippets are surprisingly fast for their size, clocking in at around 35 mph (56 km/h). Their slim build and powerful hind legs make them exceptional sprinters—ideal for short bursts of intense speed.

Weimaraner

Bred for hunting large game, Weimaraners can run up to 35 mph (56 km/h). Their strong muscles and boundless energy help them keep pace over long distances. They’re sleek, silver, and built like athletes.

Jack Russell Terrier

Don’t let the small size fool you—Jack Russells can hit speeds of 38 mph (61 km/h)! These compact, energetic terriers are known for their explosive speed and fearless nature. Their agility and quick reflexes make them thrilling to watch in obstacle courses and races.

Dalmatian

Reaching speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h), Dalmatians were once carriage dogs, running alongside horses to protect travelers. Their lean physique and high energy levels make them excellent endurance runners as well as quick sprinters.

Afghan Hound

Elegant and fast, Afghan Hounds can hit speeds of 40 mph (64 km/h). Don’t let their long, flowing coats deceive you—they’re fierce sprinters. These dogs were bred to chase game over rough, mountainous terrain, combining speed with surefootedness.

Vizsla

This Hungarian hunting dog isn’t just gorgeous—it’s incredibly fast, reaching speeds of 40 mph (64 km/h). Vizslas are also known for their gentle temperament and strong bonds with their owners. Their lean bodies and endless stamina make them fantastic running companions.

Saluki

The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world—and also one of the fastest. They’ve been clocked at 42 mph (67 km/h). These ancient sighthounds were bred by nomadic tribes to chase down gazelles across vast deserts, and they still carry that heritage of speed and endurance.

Greyhound

No surprise here—the Greyhound is the undisputed champion of canine speed, reaching up to 45 mph (72 km/h) in short bursts. Built like a four-legged missile, the Greyhound’s narrow body, long legs, and deep chest give it unmatched acceleration. Used in racing and lure coursing, these graceful speed demons are the ultimate sprinters of the dog world.

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