How Fast American Staffordshire Terriers Can Run

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How Fast the American Staffordshire Terrier 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 152 different American Staffordshire Terriers, the average speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the American Staffordshire Terrier ran in a race is 29.55 mph (47.6 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a American Staffordshire Terrier is 3.48 mph (5.6 kmph).

The name of the fastest American Staffordshire Terrier in the AKC record is Desert Pearl AXP OJP OFP DCAT DM DS CGC, a male American Staffordshire Terrier. This was the American Staffordshire Terrier that set the 29.55 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.5 mph (39.4 kmph), while the average speed of the female American Staffordshire Terrier is 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the American Staffordshire Terrier ranks number 64 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 American Staffordshire Terrier 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

How to Make Your American Staffordshire Terrier Run Fast

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

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

Get your American Staffordshire Terrier a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

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

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

Fitness Tracker for American Staffordshire Terrier

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds

American Staffordshire Terriers weigh around 40 to 60 pounds and height 16 to 19 inches.

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 American Staffordshire Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast American Staffordshire Terriers Can Run 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph)
How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph)
How Fast Rottweilers Can Run 22.9 mph (36.9 kmph)
How Fast Treeing Walker Coonhounds Can Run 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph)
How Fast Samoyeds Can Run 21.5 mph (34.6 kmph)
How Fast Smooth Fox Terriers Can Run 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph)
How Fast American Eskimo Dogs Can Run 21.0 mph (33.7 kmph)
How Fast Chinese Cresteds Can Run 20.1 mph (32.3 kmph)
How Fast Spinone Italianos Can Run 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)
How Fast Mastiffs Can Run 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph)
How Fast Yorkshire Terriers Can Run 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Skye Terrier?

The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the Skye Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Skye Terrier is 16.3 mph.

The fastest American Staffordshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest American Staffordshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 3.5 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Skye Terrier on record ran at a speed of 17.7 mph, while the slowest Skye Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 14.3 mph.

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen?

The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is 18.1 mph.

The fastest American Staffordshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest American Staffordshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 3.5 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen on record ran at a speed of 22.9 mph, while the slowest Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen competing in a race ran at a speed 11.1 mph.

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Parson Russell Terrier?

The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the Parson Russell Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Parson Russell Terrier is 22.1 mph.

The fastest American Staffordshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest American Staffordshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 3.5 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Parson Russell Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.7 mph, while the slowest Parson Russell Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 10.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Parson Russell Terrier

Learn more about how fast Parson Russell Terriers can run here.

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Mountain Cur?

The Mountain Cur can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Mountain Cur is 25.9 mph.

The fastest American Staffordshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest American Staffordshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 3.5 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Mountain Cur on record ran at a speed of 27.8 mph, while the slowest Mountain Cur competing in a race ran at a speed of 24.0 mph.

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog?

The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is 22.3 mph.

The fastest American Staffordshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest American Staffordshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 3.5 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Anatolian Shepherd Dog on record ran at a speed of 26.0 mph, while the slowest Anatolian Shepherd Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 11.8 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Anatolian Shepherd Dog

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

How Fast the American Staffordshire Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the American Staffordshire Terrier run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier (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)
American Staffordshire Terrier 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the Usain Bolt.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Cheetah

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Squirrel

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Horse

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Deer

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Wolf

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Red Fox

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the American Staffordshire Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Staffordshire Terrier versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the American Staffordshire Terrier 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 American Staffordshire Terrier 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.