How Fast Australian Terriers Can Run

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How Fast the Australian 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 31 different Australian Terriers, the average speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph (30.4 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Australian Terrier ran in a race is 25.5 mph (41.0 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Australian Terrier is 12.78 mph (20.6 kmph).

The name of the fastest Australian Terrier in the AKC record is Notice Texas Hold `Em BN RN, a male Australian Terrier. This was the Australian Terrier that set the 25.5 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Australian Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male Australian Terrier is 19.8 mph (31.9 kmph), while the average speed of the female Australian Terrier is 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Australian Terrier ranks number 191 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 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 Australian Terrier Run Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Australian Terrier

Speed of Australian Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Australian Terriers weigh around 14 to 16 pounds with height 10 to 11 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 Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Australian Terrier (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Peruvian Inca Orchids Can Run 24.2 mph (39.0 kmph)
How Fast American English Coonhounds Can Run 23.7 mph (38.2 kmph)
How Fast Bull Terriers Can Run 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph)
How Fast Bullmastiffs Can Run 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph)
How Fast Welsh Terriers Can Run 20.3 mph (32.6 kmph)
How Fast Australian Terriers Can Run 18.9 mph (30.4 kmph)
How Fast Pembroke Welsh Corgis Can Run 17.4 mph (28.0 kmph)
How Fast Norrbottenspetss Can Run 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph)
How Fast Cardigan Welsh Corgis Can Run 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph)
How Fast Sussex Spaniels Can Run 15.6 mph (25.0 kmph)
How Fast Dandie Dinmont Terriers Can Run 10.7 mph (17.3 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Miniature Bull Terrier?

The Miniature Bull Terrier can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Miniature Bull Terrier is 20.4 mph.

The fastest Australian Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Australian Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Miniature Bull Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.4 mph, while the slowest Miniature Bull Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.2 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Miniature Bull Terrier

Learn more about how fast Miniature Bull Terriers can run here.

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Black and Tan Coonhound?

The Black and Tan Coonhound can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Black and Tan Coonhound is 19.9 mph.

The fastest Australian Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Australian Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Black and Tan Coonhound on record ran at a speed of 24.9 mph, while the slowest Black and Tan Coonhound competing in a race ran at a speed of 14.1 mph.

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Bloodhound?

The Bloodhound can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph.

The fastest Australian Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Australian Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Bloodhound on record ran at a speed of 22.1 mph, while the slowest Bloodhound competing in a race ran at a speed of 16.2 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Bloodhound

Learn more about how fast Bloodhounds can run here.

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Hamiltonstovare?

The Australian Terrier can run faster than the Hamiltonstovare.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Hamiltonstovare is 12.1 mph.

The fastest Australian Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Australian Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Hamiltonstovare on record ran at a speed of 15.4 mph, while the slowest Hamiltonstovare competing in a race ran at a speed 7.8 mph.

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Borzoi?

The Borzoi can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Borzoi is 28.4 mph.

The fastest Australian Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Australian Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Borzoi on record ran at a speed of 38.6 mph, while the slowest Borzoi competing in a race ran at a speed of 4.4 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Borzoi

Learn more about how fast Borzois can run here.

How Fast the Australian Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

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

The average speed of the Australian 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)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)
Australian Terrier 18.9 mph (30.4 kmph)

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Squirrel can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Horse

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Deer

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Wolf

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Australian Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Australian Terrier.

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of Grizzly Bear

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

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

The average running speed of the Australian Terrier is 18.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Australian Terrier versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Australian 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 Australian 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.