How Fast Alaskan Malamutes Can Run

Quick Links: Table of Contents

How Fast the Alaskan Malamute 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 74 different Alaskan Malamutes, the average speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Alaskan Malamute ran in a race is 26.44 mph (42.6 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Alaskan Malamute is 9.67 mph (15.6 kmph).

The name of the fastest Alaskan Malamute in the AKC record is Ixa`s Clever Cody BN RI FCAT2 ACT2 TKA, a male Alaskan Malamute. This was the Alaskan Malamute that set the 26.44 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Alaskan Malamute male versus the female, the average speed of the male Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph (35.3 kmph), while the average speed of the female Alaskan Malamute is 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute ranks number 132 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 Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Alaskan Malamutes weigh around 75 to 100 pounds and height 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sh.

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 Alaskan Malamute compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Alaskan Malamute (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Working Kelpies Can Run 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
How Fast Standard Poodles Can Run 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph)
How Fast Bluetick Coonhounds Can Run 22.5 mph (36.3 kmph)
How Fast German Spitzs Can Run 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph)
How Fast Alaskan Malamutes Can Run 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph)
How Fast Welsh Terriers Can Run 20.3 mph (32.6 kmph)
How Fast Spinone Italianos Can Run 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)
How Fast Swedish Vallhunds Can Run 19.2 mph (31.0 kmph)
How Fast Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens Can Run 18.1 mph (29.2 kmph)
How Fast Bologneses Can Run 17.8 mph (28.7 kmph)
How Fast Hamiltonstovares Can Run 12.1 mph (19.4 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Cesky Terrier?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Cesky Terrier.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cesky Terrier is 16.1 mph.

The fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed 9.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Cesky Terrier on record ran at a speed of 18.6 mph, while the slowest Cesky Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.8 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Cesky Terrier

Learn more about how fast Cesky Terriers can run here.

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Norrbottenspets?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Norrbottenspets.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Norrbottenspets is 16.0 mph.

The fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed 9.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Norrbottenspets on record ran at a speed of 23.0 mph, while the slowest Norrbottenspets competing in a race ran at a speed 5.7 mph.

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is 19.2 mph.

The fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed 9.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Portuguese Podengo Pequeno on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Portuguese Podengo Pequeno competing in a race ran at a speed 8.0 mph.

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Caucasian Shepherd Dog is 19.5 mph.

The fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed 9.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Caucasian Shepherd Dog on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Caucasian Shepherd Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 15.8 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Learn more about how fast Caucasian Shepherd Dogs can run here.

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Finnish Lapphund?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Finnish Lapphund.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Finnish Lapphund is 21.2 mph.

The fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed 9.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Finnish Lapphund on record ran at a speed of 26.6 mph, while the slowest Finnish Lapphund competing in a race ran at a speed 11.5 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Finnish Lapphund

Learn more about how fast Finnish Lapphunds can run here.

How Fast the Alaskan Malamute Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the Alaskan Malamute run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the Alaskan Malamute (in black) compared to the average speed of other mammals (in blue)
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)
Alaskan Malamute 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Horse

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Deer

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Wolf

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Alaskan Malamute Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Alaskan Malamute.

The average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Alaskan Malamute versus speed of North American Black Bear

How to Make Your Alaskan Malamute Run Fast

If you want your Alaskan Malamute to run fast, make sure your Alaskan Malamute is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Alaskan Malamute for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Alaskan Malamute run fast:

  • Make sure your Alaskan Malamute is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Alaskan Malamute is in good health necessary for running.
  • Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Alaskan Malamute are well-formed before making your Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute for running: Before getting your Alaskan Malamute into serious running, first condition your Alaskan Malamute from running. First, start slow by exercising your Alaskan Malamute regularly. Also, play fetch with your Alaskan Malamute, take your Alaskan Malamute for regular walks. All these will make your Alaskan Malamute very fit for running.
  • Make sure your Alaskan Malamute is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Alaskan Malamute`s growth to prevent your Alaskan Malamute from being overweight.

Get your Alaskan Malamute a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Alaskan Malamute is scratching or licking itself too much.

Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.

Fitness Tracker for Alaskan Malamute

Conclusion on How Fast the Alaskan Malamute 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 Alaskan Malamute 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.