How Fast Australian Cattle Dogs Can Run

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How Fast the Australian Cattle Dog 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 234 different Australian Cattle Dogs, the average speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph (38.7 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Australian Cattle Dog ran in a race is 29.96 mph (48.2 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Australian Cattle Dog is 13.07 mph (21.0 kmph).

The name of the fastest Australian Cattle Dog in the AKC record is Timber Iselin CD BN RA FDC CA FCAT ACT2 SWA SCE SIE SEE SHDN RATCHX CZ8G DS DJ CGC TKA, a female Australian Cattle Dog. This was the Australian Cattle Dog that set the 29.96 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Australian Cattle Dog male versus the female, the average speed of the male Australian Cattle Dog is 24.4 mph (39.3 kmph), while the average speed of the female Australian Cattle Dog is 23.7 mph (38.1 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Australian Cattle Dog ranks number 71 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog Run Fast

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

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

Get your Australian Cattle Dog a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Australian Cattle Dog

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Australian Cattle Dogs weigh around 30 to 50 pounds and height 17 to 20 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 Australian Cattle Dog compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Australian Cattle Dog (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 Afghan Hounds Can Run 24.6 mph (39.6 kmph)
How Fast Italian Greyhounds Can Run 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph)
How Fast Australian Cattle Dogs Can Run 24.0 mph (38.7 kmph)
How Fast Barbets Can Run 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph)
How Fast Irish Wolfhounds Can Run 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph)
How Fast Collies Can Run 21.2 mph (34.2 kmph)
How Fast Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Can Run 18.8 mph (30.3 kmph)
How Fast Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens Can Run 18.1 mph (29.2 kmph)
How Fast Cairn Terriers Can Run 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph)
How Fast Sealyham Terriers Can Run 15.0 mph (24.2 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Pekingese?

The Australian Cattle Dog can run faster than the Pekingese.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Pekingese is 9.4 mph.

The fastest Australian Cattle Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Cattle Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Pekingese on record ran at a speed of 18.6 mph, while the slowest Pekingese competing in a race ran at a speed 4.1 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Pekingese

Learn more about how fast Pekingeses can run here.

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno?

The Australian Cattle Dog can run faster than the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is 19.2 mph.

The fastest Australian Cattle Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Cattle Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 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 Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Japanese Terrier?

The Australian Cattle Dog can run faster than the Japanese Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Japanese Terrier is 23.5 mph.

The fastest Australian Cattle Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Cattle Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Japanese Terrier on record ran at a speed of 23.5 mph, while the slowest Japanese Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 23.5 mph.

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Weimaraner?

The Weimaraner can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Weimaraner is 24.7 mph.

The fastest Australian Cattle Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Cattle Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Weimaraner on record ran at a speed of 36.3 mph, while the slowest Weimaraner competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.2 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Weimaraner

Learn more about how fast Weimaraners can run here.

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is 25.1 mph.

The fastest Australian Cattle Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Cattle Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Chesapeake Bay Retriever on record ran at a speed of 29.3 mph, while the slowest Chesapeake Bay Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed of 9.2 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Learn more about how fast Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can run here.

How Fast the Australian Cattle Dog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the Australian Cattle Dog run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the Australian Cattle Dog (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)
Australian Cattle Dog 24.0 mph (38.6 kmph)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Australian Cattle Dog can run faster than the Usain Bolt.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Australian Cattle Dog can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Horse

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Deer

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Wolf

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Australian Cattle Dog Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Australian Cattle Dog.

The average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Cattle Dog versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Australian Cattle Dog 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 Australian Cattle Dog 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.