How Fast American Water Spaniels Can Run

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How Fast the American Water Spaniel 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 3 different American Water Spaniels, the average speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the American Water Spaniel ran in a race is 25.44 mph (40.9 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a American Water Spaniel is 21.63 mph (34.8 kmph).

The name of the fastest American Water Spaniel in the AKC record is Little Bit Brick Bruce RN CA BCAT RATN CGCA, a male American Water Spaniel. This was the American Water Spaniel that set the 25.44 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the American Water Spaniel male versus the female, the average speed of the male American Water Spaniel is 25.4 mph (40.9 kmph), while the average speed of the female American Water Spaniel is 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the American Water Spaniel ranks number 88 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel Run Fast

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

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

Get your American Water Spaniel a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

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

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

Fitness Tracker for American Water Spaniel

Speed of American Water Spaniel Compared to Other Dog Breeds

American Water Spaniels weigh around 25 to 45 pounds with height 1 foot, 3 inches to 1 foot, 6 inches tall at the s.

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 Water Spaniel compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the American Water Spaniel (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Thai Ridgebacks Can Run 27.8 mph (44.7 kmph)
How Fast Catahoula Leopard Dogs Can Run 25.2 mph (40.5 kmph)
How Fast Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Can Run 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
How Fast Brittanys Can Run 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph)
How Fast American Water Spaniels Can Run 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph)
How Fast Irish Red and White Setters Can Run 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph)
How Fast Yakutian Laikas Can Run 22.9 mph (36.9 kmph)
How Fast Bull Terriers Can Run 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph)
How Fast Akitas Can Run 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph)
How Fast Glen of Imaal Terriers Can Run 18.0 mph (29.0 kmph)
How Fast Coton de Tulears Can Run 16.4 mph (26.4 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Shih Tzu?

The American Water Spaniel can run faster than the Shih Tzu.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Shih Tzu is 15.1 mph.

The fastest American Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest American Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 21.6 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Shih Tzu on record ran at a speed of 21.2 mph, while the slowest Shih Tzu competing in a race ran at a speed 8.9 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Shih Tzu

Learn more about how fast Shih Tzus can run here.

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Dalmatian?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph.

The fastest American Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest American Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 21.6 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed of 4.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Dalmatian

Learn more about how fast Dalmatians can run here.

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Leonberger?

The American Water Spaniel can run faster than the Leonberger.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Leonberger is 20.0 mph.

The fastest American Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest American Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 21.6 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Leonberger on record ran at a speed of 26.1 mph, while the slowest Leonberger competing in a race ran at a speed 10.2 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Leonberger

Learn more about how fast Leonbergers can run here.

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Lhasa Apso?

The American Water Spaniel can run faster than the Lhasa Apso.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Lhasa Apso is 12.8 mph.

The fastest American Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest American Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 21.6 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Lhasa Apso on record ran at a speed of 16.0 mph, while the slowest Lhasa Apso competing in a race ran at a speed 4.5 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Lhasa Apso

Learn more about how fast Lhasa Apsos can run here.

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Toy Fox Terrier?

The American Water Spaniel can run faster than the Toy Fox Terrier.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Toy Fox Terrier is 18.8 mph.

The fastest American Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest American Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 21.6 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Toy Fox Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.3 mph, while the slowest Toy Fox Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.3 mph.

How Fast the American Water Spaniel Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the American Water Spaniel run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the American Water Spaniel (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)
American Water Spaniel 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Cheetah

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The American Water Spaniel can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Squirrel

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Horse

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Deer

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Wolf

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Red Fox

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the American Water Spaniel Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of American Water Spaniel versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the American Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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.