How Fast Basset Hounds Can Run

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How Fast the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hounds, the average speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph (23.1 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Basset Hound ran in a race is 20.42 mph (32.9 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Basset Hound is 7.28 mph (11.7 kmph).

The name of the fastest Basset Hound in the AKC record is Paris of Creekside BCAT, a female Basset Hound. This was the Basset Hound that set the 20.42 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Basset Hound male versus the female, the average speed of the male Basset Hound is 14.7 mph (23.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female Basset Hound is 14.1 mph (22.7 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Basset Hound ranks number 240 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 Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound Run Fast

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

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

Get your Basset Hound a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Basset Hound

Speed of Basset Hound Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Basset Hounds weigh around 50 to 65 pounds and height Up to 14 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 Basset Hound compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Basset Hound (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Can Run 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
How Fast Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Can Run 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph)
How Fast Miniature American Shepherds Can Run 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph)
How Fast Irish Red and White Setters Can Run 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph)
How Fast Kishu Kens Can Run 23.2 mph (37.3 kmph)
How Fast Stabyhouns Can Run 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph)
How Fast Bull Terriers Can Run 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph)
How Fast Old English Sheepdogs Can Run 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph)
How Fast Wire Fox Terriers Can Run 20.4 mph (32.8 kmph)
How Fast Basset Hounds Can Run 14.4 mph (23.1 kmph)
How Fast Dachshunds Can Run 13.5 mph (21.7 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Ibizan Hound?

The Ibizan Hound can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Ibizan Hound is 25.9 mph.

The fastest Basset Hound on record ran at a speed of 20.4 mph, while the slowest Basset Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.3 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.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Ibizan Hound

Learn more about how fast Ibizan Hounds can run here.

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Great Pyrenees?

The Great Pyrenees can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Great Pyrenees is 19.7 mph.

The fastest Basset Hound on record ran at a speed of 20.4 mph, while the slowest Basset Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.3 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Great Pyrenees on record ran at a speed of 24.3 mph, while the slowest Great Pyrenees competing in a race ran at a speed of 10.6 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Great Pyrenees

Learn more about how fast Great Pyreneess can run here.

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Glen of Imaal Terrier?

The Glen of Imaal Terrier can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Glen of Imaal Terrier is 18.0 mph.

The fastest Basset Hound on record ran at a speed of 20.4 mph, while the slowest Basset Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.3 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 of 5.8 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Glen of Imaal Terrier

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

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Beagle?

The Beagle can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Beagle is 19.6 mph.

The fastest Basset Hound on record ran at a speed of 20.4 mph, while the slowest Basset Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.3 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Beagle on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Beagle competing in a race ran at a speed of 6.2 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Beagle

Learn more about how fast Beagles can run here.

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Doberman Pinscher?

The Doberman Pinscher can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Doberman Pinscher is 24.0 mph.

The fastest Basset Hound on record ran at a speed of 20.4 mph, while the slowest Basset Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.3 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Doberman Pinscher on record ran at a speed of 31.2 mph, while the slowest Doberman Pinscher competing in a race ran at a speed of 5.1 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Doberman Pinscher

Learn more about how fast Doberman Pinschers can run here.

How Fast the Basset Hound Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the Basset Hound run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the Basset Hound (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)
Basset Hound 14.4 mph (23.2 kmph)

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Squirrel can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Horse

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Deer

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Wolf

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Basset Hound Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Basset Hound.

The average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Basset Hound versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound 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.