Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Basenji Can Run
- How to Make Your Basenji Run Fast
- Speed of Basenji Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Basenji Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Basenji Can Run
How Fast the Basenji 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 249 different Basenjis, the average speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Basenji ran in a race is 30.83 mph (49.6 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Basenji is 8.49 mph (13.7 kmph).
The name of the fastest Basenji in the AKC record is CH Remeseb`s King Zircon FDC CAA FCAT2 RATO ATT, a male Basenji. This was the Basenji that set the 30.83 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Basenji male versus the female, the average speed of the male Basenji is 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph), while the average speed of the female Basenji is 23.5 mph (37.8 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Basenji ranks number 77 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 Basenji 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 Basenji Run Fast
If you want your Basenji to run fast, make sure your Basenji is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Basenji for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Basenji run fast:
- Make sure your Basenji is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Basenji is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Basenji are well-formed before making your Basenji 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 Basenji for running: Before getting your Basenji into serious running, first condition your Basenji from running. First, start slow by exercising your Basenji regularly. Also, play fetch with your Basenji, take your Basenji for regular walks. All these will make your Basenji very fit for running.
- Make sure your Basenji is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Basenji`s growth to prevent your Basenji from being overweight.
Get your Basenji a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Basenji 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 Basenji`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Basenji is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Basenji Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Basenjis weigh around 22 to 24 pounds and height 16 to 17 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 Basenji compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Beaucerons Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Pointers Can Run | 24.3 mph (39.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Basenjis Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Kerry Blue Terriers Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Standard Poodles Can Run | 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Norwegian Buhunds Can Run | 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Bergamasco Sheepdogs Can Run | 20.1 mph (32.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Shetland Sheepdogs Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Kromfohrlanders Can Run | 19.5 mph (31.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Portuguese Podengo Pequenos Can Run | 19.2 mph (30.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Cesky Terriers Can Run | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Azawakh?
The Azawakh can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Azawakh is 25.4 mph.
The fastest Basenji on record ran at a speed of 30.8 mph, while the slowest Basenji competing in a race ran at a speed 8.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Azawakh on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Azawakh competing in a race ran at a speed of 8.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast Azawakhs can run here.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Brussels Griffon?
The Basenji can run faster than the Brussels Griffon.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Brussels Griffon is 17.1 mph.
The fastest Basenji on record ran at a speed of 30.8 mph, while the slowest Basenji competing in a race ran at a speed 8.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Brussels Griffon on record ran at a speed of 20.6 mph, while the slowest Brussels Griffon competing in a race ran at a speed 12.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Brussels Griffons can run here.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Norfolk Terrier?
The Basenji can run faster than the Norfolk Terrier.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Norfolk Terrier is 17.0 mph.
The fastest Basenji on record ran at a speed of 30.8 mph, while the slowest Basenji competing in a race ran at a speed 8.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Norfolk Terrier on record ran at a speed of 21.1 mph, while the slowest Norfolk Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 11.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Norfolk Terriers can run here.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Australian Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Australian Shepherd is 24.2 mph.
The fastest Basenji on record ran at a speed of 30.8 mph, while the slowest Basenji competing in a race ran at a speed 8.5 mph.
On the other hand, 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 of 3.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Australian Shepherds can run here.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Drever?
The Basenji can run faster than the Drever.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Drever is 19.1 mph.
The fastest Basenji on record ran at a speed of 30.8 mph, while the slowest Basenji competing in a race ran at a speed 8.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Drever on record ran at a speed of 23.0 mph, while the slowest Drever competing in a race ran at a speed 15.6 mph.
How Fast the Basenji Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Basenji 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) |
| Basenji | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Basenji can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Basenji can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Basenji Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Basenji.
The average running speed of the Basenji is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Basenji 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 Basenji 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.
