Dogs can be our faithful friends, guardians, but there are those among them who amaze with their speed so that you can easily imagine them on the Olympic track with athletes! If you think your pet runs fast, you haven’t seen the real sprinters of the canine world. Let’s find out which breeds take the top spots in the Fastest Dog in the World ranking by looking at the TOP fastest dogs and what makes them so special.
Greyhound
If there were a race like Formula 1 in the dog world, greyhounds would certainly be among the favorites. They are able to accelerate to an impressive 72 km/h and lead the top of the fastest dogs. Imagine: you start to pick up speed in the car, and suddenly a greyhound appears next to you, which also seems to wink at you as you go! A slender body, long legs and an aerodynamic shape are the secrets of its impressive speed. Greyhound is literally made for racing, runs like an arrow, leaving everyone behind, so everyone rightly believes that this is the fastest breed of dog in the world.
But don’t be fooled by its speed on the track. At home, he turns into a real slacker who likes to stretch out on the sofa and enjoy the silence.
Azawakh
If you ever visit the African deserts, you may be lucky enough to meet the Azawakh, a dog that is graceful and fast as the wind. This breed can accelerate up to 64 km/h and easily covers long distances without losing strength. Azawak is created for life in harsh conditions: under the scorching sun and on the hot soil, it shows incredible endurance, remaining stable and tireless. His appearance only emphasizes his natural talents: a graceful physique, long slender legs and short hair allow the dog to easily tolerate the heat.
However, the Azawakh is not only known for its physical strength. This dog has a strong independent character. He respects only those who are able to gain his trust, and not everyone will be able to become his friend.
Saluki
Salukis, or Persian greyhounds, are running dogs with a thousand-year history. Bred in harsh desert conditions, they are not only fast, but also incredibly hardy. Their maximum speed of 60 km/h helps cover long distances with ease, like professional marathon runners.
The Saluki’s appearance is admirable: graceful forms, long slender legs, silky wool – all this creates the impression that this breed has just stepped off the catwalk. In the world of dogs, they can rightly be called real aristocrats.
Although they are known for their independent nature, this does not make them distant from their owners. On the contrary, Salukis are extremely loyal and devoted to those they love.
Russian greyhound
The Russian greyhound can reach speeds of up to 58 km/h, making it one of the fastest dogs in the world. But the greyhound is not only about speed. His elegant physique, long slender legs and stunning coat create the image of a true king, which combines strength and sophistication.
Historically, this breed was known for its endurance, capable of chasing wolves and hares in the boundless expanses of the Russian steppes. Despite their speed and energy, these dogs can be gentle and calm.
Whippet
A whippet is a small but incredibly agile version of a greyhound. Although the greyhound is the fastest dog in the world, the whippet is not inferior to it. Despite its more compact size, it can accelerate up to 56 km/h, and it does it so fast that you won’t even have time to take out your phone to capture the moment.
This breed, bred for hunting rabbits, shows incredible results in short races. But, interestingly, the whippet is not only a speed champion, but also a great pet. He easily adapts to life at home and knows when to have fun to the fullest and when to relax. During the day, he is a super runner who will turn a walk into a real sprint, and in the evening, he is your best friend who will quietly fall asleep next to him.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is known not only for its endurance, but also for its ability to chase game such as ducks for hours without losing strength. Not only does it look stylish thanks to its silver color, but it can also reach speeds of up to 56 km/h. His gray fur and almost silent movements earned him the nickname “ghost”. Imagine: you are jogging, and next to you, almost inaudibly, your ghost is running like a whirlwind!
In addition to its running abilities, the Weimaraner is a great family dog that loves to be around its owners.
Doberman
Dobermans, like real all-rounders, combine strength, speed and intelligence. They are not only excellent guards, but also incredible runners. Able to accelerate up to 48 km/h, Dobermans will not lose sight of either the offender or the ball, demonstrating their unparalleled agility and attention to detail.
Although the appearance of the Doberman may look harsh, in the family circle it shows incredible tenderness and devotion. These dogs are always nearby, ready not only to protect, but also to give their love and care.
Jack Russell Terrier
If big dogs are racing cars, then the Jack Russell Terrier is a small sports motorcycle. This restless dog can run at a speed of up to 38 km/h, chasing a ball or a squirrel. For its size, this is an incredible result!
Jack Russells are always ready for adventure and never sit still. If you dream of a dog that will charge you with positivity every day, help you stay active and keep you from getting bored, the Jack Russell Terrier is the perfect choice.
Common features of running dogs
Wondering what exactly makes the above breeds so fast and how they achieve such high results? The secret is hidden in the combination of several natural factors.
First of all, the fastest dog breeds, such as greyhounds, whippets and salukis, have one thing in common – an aerodynamic body structure. They have a slim, light build that helps them cut through the air with minimal resistance.
However, speed is not only about lightness, but also about strength. These dogs have extremely developed muscles, especially on the legs and back, which allows them to accelerate instantly, like sprinters at the start. Add to this a low percentage of adipose tissue.
Their cardiovascular system is no less important. The fastest dogs have a powerful heart and voluminous lungs that help efficiently transport oxygen to the muscles during intense running.
Interestingly, these breeds also have excellent eyesight and hunting instincts. Most of them were bred to hunt fast prey, so they manage to instantly find a target and tirelessly pursue it at high speed.
But what is even more impressive is not only their speed, but also their endurance. For example, salukis are able not only to develop a speed of up to 60 km/h, but also to maintain it over long distances, making them real marathon runners among dogs. They can run long distances while remaining energetic and focused.
And, of course, one cannot forget about their intelligence. They not only run fast, but also learn quickly, adapting to new teams and situations. They were used for various tasks, where not only physical capabilities were important, but also intelligence and speed of reaction.
So, the fastest dogs are an amazing combination of strength, speed, endurance and intelligence.
How do the fastest dogs train?
It is quite clear that the incredible speed of running dogs is not just a gift of nature. To achieve such results, they undergo special training that helps them develop strength, endurance and agility. What does their training look like?
Physical training for four-legged sprinters is very similar to the training of real athletes. They have regular running sessions, during which they chase a mechanical hare on special tracks. In this way, they also practice maneuverability, because sharp turns and changes of direction are the key to winning races. Strength training, on the other hand, involves running up hills or even pulling weights, which helps to increase muscle mass and make them stronger. And for those who need additional endurance without excessive stress on the joints, water training is organized.
However, it is not only physical activity that makes a dog a champion. To compete at a high level, they need a properly balanced diet. Just like athletes: increased protein to build muscle, and fat and carbohydrates to maintain energy. It is interesting that some dogs even have their own nutritionists who monitor their diet as carefully as the diet of Olympic champions.
And, of course, one should not forget about psychological preparation. Did you think that only muscles are trained? No, dogs also need mental training. They are taught to focus on the prey, ignoring distractions, which helps maintain concentration during races. It turns out that being the fastest in the dog world isn’t just chasing a hare, it’s a real discipline.
As a result, dog racing is a spectacle no less exciting than sports racing. On special tracks or in open conditions, dogs start from boxes and begin an exciting pursuit of mechanical prey. But here victory depends not only on speed, but also on the ability to maintain a high pace until the very finish. Spectators enthusiastically support their favorites, and dogs, like real stars, have their fans and even their own pages in social networks. The next time you see a dog running, remember that behind every record is not only natural talent, but also many hours of training, proper nutrition and mental preparation.
So, from majestic racing kings like Greyhounds to restless little sprinters like Jack Russell Terriers, these breeds prove that speed isn’t just about running. It is about strength, grace, inexhaustible energy and boundless devotion to their masters. So, if one day you decide to run with the fastest dog breeds, be prepared that they can easily leave you far behind.
