Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Australian Shepherd Can Run
- How to Make Your Australian Shepherd Run Fast
- Speed of Australian Shepherd Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Australian Shepherd Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Australian Shepherd Can Run
How Fast the Australian Shepherd 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 815 different Australian Shepherds, the average speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph (38.9 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Australian Shepherd ran in a race is 31.86 mph (51.3 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Australian Shepherd is 3.81 mph (6.1 kmph).
The name of the fastest Australian Shepherd in the AKC record is Lookaway Live, Laugh, Love BN RN CA FCAT ACT1 ONYX DJ CGC TKA, a male Australian Shepherd. This was the Australian Shepherd that set the 31.86 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Australian Shepherd male versus the female, the average speed of the male Australian Shepherd is 24.4 mph (39.3 kmph), while the average speed of the female Australian Shepherd is 23.9 mph (38.5 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd ranks number 62 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 Shepherd 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 Shepherd Run Fast
If you want your Australian Shepherd to run fast, make sure your Australian Shepherd is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Australian Shepherd for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Australian Shepherd run fast:
- Make sure your Australian Shepherd is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Australian Shepherd is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Australian Shepherd are well-formed before making your Australian Shepherd 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 Shepherd for running: Before getting your Australian Shepherd into serious running, first condition your Australian Shepherd from running. First, start slow by exercising your Australian Shepherd regularly. Also, play fetch with your Australian Shepherd, take your Australian Shepherd for regular walks. All these will make your Australian Shepherd very fit for running.
- Make sure your Australian Shepherd is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Australian Shepherd`s growth to prevent your Australian Shepherd from being overweight.
Get your Australian Shepherd a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Australian Shepherd 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 Shepherd`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Australian Shepherd is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Australian Shepherd Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Australian Shepherds weigh around 40 to 65 pounds and height 18 to 23 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 Shepherd compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Mountain Curs Can Run | 25.9 mph (41.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Weimaraners Can Run | 24.7 mph (39.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Australian Shepherds Can Run | 24.2 mph (38.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Can Run | 24.0 mph (38.7 kmph) |
| How Fast American English Coonhounds Can Run | 23.7 mph (38.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Miniature American Shepherds Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Bull Terriers Can Run | 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Border Terriers Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Bernese Mountain Dogs Can Run | 20.8 mph (33.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Swedish Lapphunds Can Run | 18.3 mph (29.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Tibetan Spaniels Can Run | 15.7 mph (25.2 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Havanese?
The Australian Shepherd can run faster than the Havanese.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Havanese is 16.0 mph.
The fastest Australian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 31.9 mph, while the slowest Australian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed 3.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Havanese on record ran at a speed of 24.1 mph, while the slowest Havanese competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
Learn more about how fast Havaneses can run here.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Cirneco dell`Etna?
The Cirneco dell`Etna can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Cirneco dell`Etna is 26.3 mph.
The fastest Australian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 31.9 mph, while the slowest Australian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed 3.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Cirneco dell`Etna on record ran at a speed of 34.6 mph, while the slowest Cirneco dell`Etna competing in a race ran at a speed of 19.1 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Bohemian Shepherd?
The Bohemian Shepherd can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Bohemian Shepherd is 26.2 mph.
The fastest Australian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 31.9 mph, while the slowest Australian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed 3.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Bohemian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Bohemian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed of 25.4 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the French Bulldog?
The Australian Shepherd can run faster than the French Bulldog.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph.
The fastest Australian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 31.9 mph, while the slowest Australian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed 3.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest French Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest French Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed 6.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast French Bulldogs can run here.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Ibizan Hound?
The Ibizan Hound can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Ibizan Hound is 25.9 mph.
The fastest Australian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 31.9 mph, while the slowest Australian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed 3.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Ibizan Hound on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Ibizan Hound competing in a race ran at a speed of 13.4 mph.
Learn more about how fast Ibizan Hounds can run here.
How Fast the Australian Shepherd Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Australian Shepherd run compared to other mammals below:
| 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 Shepherd | 24.2 mph (38.9 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Australian Shepherd can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Australian Shepherd can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Australian Shepherd Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Australian Shepherd.
The average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Australian Shepherd 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 Shepherd 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.