Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Akita Can Run
- Speed of Akita Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Akita Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- How to Make Your Akita Run Fast
- Conclusion on How Fast the Akita Can Run
How Fast the Akita Can Run
The American Kennel Association (AKC) and its local clubs regularly conduct timed races for dogs. This competition is called the Fast CAT®, which stands for Coursing Ability Test. The Fast CAT is a timed 100-yard (91.4 meters) race where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure.
The AKC has been conducting Fast CAT races for dogs since 2016. You can learn more about how the rules of the fast CAT race here.
Based on our analysis of the speeds of 81 different Akitas, the average speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Akita ran in a race is 28.55 mph (45.9 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Akita is 12.44 mph (20.0 kmph).
The name of the fastest Akita in the AKC record is Skylar Ellis CA DCAT RATCH CGCA CGCU TKN, a male Akita. This was the Akita that set the 28.55 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Akita male versus the female, the average speed of the male Akita is 22.8 mph (36.8 kmph), while the average speed of the female Akita is 21.3 mph (34.3 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Akita ranks number 135 out of 247 dog breeds in terms of its running speed..
The fastest dog breed is the Greyhound. Greyhounds can run at an average speed of 33.1 mph (53.3 kmph).
The slowest dog breed is the Pekingese. Pekingeses run at an average speed of 9.4 mph (15.1 mph).
Click here to see the list that rank dog breeds based on their running speeds. On the list, you will see how the Akita ranks compared to other 246 dog breeds
Note that all the speeds above are “average” speeds over a distance of 100 yards, and not peak speeds. A dog may be able to running faster than the numbers above, but it will be for a very very short distance (time).
Unlike some AKC events such as conformation shows which a dog has to be purebred to participate in, both purebred dogs and mixed dogs can compete in the AKC Fast CAT competition.
You should consider signing up your dog for this fun activity. Your dog could win a fancy AKC title! Visit the AKC website to learn more.
You can watch an AKC fast CAT tournament here on Youtube
Speed of Akita Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Akitas weigh around 70 to 130 pounds and height 2 feet to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the shoulder.
How fast a dog breed runs depends on its weight and height. Tall dog breeds tend to run faster than shorter dog breeds.
See how the speed of the Akita compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Belgian Tervurens Can Run | 24.5 mph (39.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Basenjis Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Airedale Terriers Can Run | 23.1 mph (37.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Eurasiers Can Run | 22.8 mph (36.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Bouvier des Flandress Can Run | 22.4 mph (36.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Akitas Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Welsh Springer Spaniels Can Run | 21.1 mph (33.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Bernese Mountain Dogs Can Run | 20.8 mph (33.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens Can Run | 19.0 mph (30.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Yorkshire Terriers Can Run | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Affenpinschers Can Run | 16.0 mph (25.8 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Drentsche Patrijshond?
The Drentsche Patrijshond can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Drentsche Patrijshond is 22.8 mph.
The fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed 12.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Drentsche Patrijshond on record ran at a speed of 22.8 mph, while the slowest Drentsche Patrijshond competing in a race ran at a speed of 22.8 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Norwegian Elkhound?
The Akita can run faster than the Norwegian Elkhound.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Norwegian Elkhound is 19.7 mph.
The fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed 12.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Norwegian Elkhound on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Norwegian Elkhound competing in a race ran at a speed 8.4 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Irish Water Spaniel?
The Irish Water Spaniel can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph.
The fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed 12.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed of 5.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Swedish Lapphund?
The Akita can run faster than the Swedish Lapphund.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Swedish Lapphund is 18.3 mph.
The fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed 12.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Swedish Lapphund on record ran at a speed of 18.3 mph, while the slowest Swedish Lapphund competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Chinese Crested?
The Akita can run faster than the Chinese Crested.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Chinese Crested is 20.1 mph.
The fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed 12.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Chinese Crested on record ran at a speed of 25.6 mph, while the slowest Chinese Crested competing in a race ran at a speed 6.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Chinese Cresteds can run here.
How Fast the Akita Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Akita run compared to other mammals below:
| Mammal | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| Cheetah | 75.0 mph (120.7 kmph) |
| Horse | 55.0 mph (88.5 kmph) |
| Jackrabbit | 45.0 mph (72.4 kmph) |
| Gray Fox | 42.0 mph (67.6 kmph) |
| Wolf | 37.0 mph (59.5 kmph) |
| Grizzly Bear | 35.0 mph (56.3 kmph) |
| Domestic Cat | 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph) |
| Deer | 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph) |
| Red Fox | 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph) |
| North American Black Bear | 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Akita | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Akita can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Akita Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Akita.
The average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
How to Make Your Akita Run Fast
If you want your Akita to run fast, make sure your Akita is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Akita for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Akita run fast:
- Make sure your Akita is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Akita is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Akita are well-formed before making your Akita run. Importantly, do not run with a puppy because you can damage a puppy`s joint and bone structure through the high impact of running on their joints.
- Condition your Akita for running: Before getting your Akita into serious running, first condition your Akita from running. First, start slow by exercising your Akita regularly. Also, play fetch with your Akita, take your Akita for regular walks. All these will make your Akita very fit for running.
- Make sure your Akita is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Akita`s growth to prevent your Akita from being overweight.
Get your Akita a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Akita is the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker
. This tracker is packed with other useful features in addition to fitness tracking. The tracker can also monitor your Akita`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Akita is scratching or licking itself too much.Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Conclusion on How Fast the Akita Can Run
Note that the AKC`s speed test for dogs upon which this article is based does not pit dogs against each other in races as it is done in human races. Rather, a dog runs the race by chasing a lure, and the dog`s speed is recorded, and compared to the speed of other dogs.
Furthermore, the AKC speed test leverages the fact that dogs like to chase things. However, some dog breeds have a higher tendency to chase things than some other dog breeds. Breeds such as greyhounds, afghan hounds, and whippets are naturally wired to chase objects. Therefore, these breeds tend to excel in sports like the AKC speed tests.
Finally, running is a good exercise for dogs. Also, exercise is good for your dog`s health. Exercise will make your Akita live long. However, if you want to get your dog into running without getting your dog injured, make sure that your dog has grown past the puppy state, with well-formed bones, before you get your dog into running.
