How Fast Australian Kelpies Can Run

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How Fast the Australian Kelpie 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 Australian Kelpies, the average speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph (43.7 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Australian Kelpie ran in a race is 27.97 mph (45.0 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Australian Kelpie is 25.83 mph (41.6 kmph).

The name of the fastest Australian Kelpie in the AKC record is The New Guy FCAT2 RATM, a male Australian Kelpie. This was the Australian Kelpie that set the 27.97 mph record speed.

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Australian Kelpie ranks number 6 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 Kelpie 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 Kelpie Run Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Australian Kelpie

Speed of Australian Kelpie Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Australian Kelpies weigh around 25 to 46 pounds with height 15 to 20 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 Australian Kelpie compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Australian Kelpie (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Australian Kelpies Can Run 27.1 mph (43.7 kmph)
How Fast Labrador Retrievers Can Run 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph)
How Fast Curly-Coated Retrievers Can Run 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph)
How Fast Redbone Coonhounds Can Run 23.0 mph (37.0 kmph)
How Fast Standard Poodles Can Run 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph)
How Fast German Spitzs Can Run 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph)
How Fast Finnish Lapphunds Can Run 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph)
How Fast Black Russian Terriers Can Run 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph)
How Fast Bloodhounds Can Run 19.7 mph (31.7 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)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Glen of Imaal Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 18.0 mph.

The fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed 25.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Glen of Imaal Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.7 mph, while the slowest Glen of Imaal Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.8 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Glen of Imaal Terrier

Learn more about how fast Glen of Imaal Terriers can run here.

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is 17.4 mph.

The fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed 25.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Pembroke Welsh Corgi on record ran at a speed of 24.5 mph, while the slowest Pembroke Welsh Corgi competing in a race ran at a speed 3.5 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Learn more about how fast Pembroke Welsh Corgis can run here.

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Italian Greyhound?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Italian Greyhound.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Italian Greyhound is 24.4 mph.

The fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed 25.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Italian Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 35.8 mph, while the slowest Italian Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed 2.5 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Italian Greyhound

Learn more about how fast Italian Greyhounds can run here.

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Chihuahua?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Chihuahua.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph.

The fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed 25.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Chihuahua on record ran at a speed of 23.4 mph, while the slowest Chihuahua competing in a race ran at a speed 6.6 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Chihuahua

Learn more about how fast Chihuahuas can run here.

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Papillon?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Papillon.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Papillon is 17.8 mph.

The fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed 25.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Papillon on record ran at a speed of 28.7 mph, while the slowest Papillon competing in a race ran at a speed 5.3 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Papillon

Learn more about how fast Papillons can run here.

How Fast the Australian Kelpie Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

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

The average speed of the Australian Kelpie (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 Kelpie 27.1 mph (43.6 kmph)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Usain Bolt.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Horse

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Deer

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Wolf

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Australian Kelpie.

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Australian Kelpie Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

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

The average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Kelpie versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Australian Kelpie 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 Kelpie 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.