Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Belgian Sheepdog Can Run
- How to Make Your Belgian Sheepdog Run Fast
- Speed of Belgian Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Belgian Sheepdog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Belgian Sheepdog Can Run
How Fast the Belgian Sheepdog 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 137 different Belgian Sheepdogs, the average speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph (39.2 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Belgian Sheepdog ran in a race is 30.35 mph (48.8 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Belgian Sheepdog is 5.51 mph (8.9 kmph).
The name of the fastest Belgian Sheepdog in the AKC record is Bonntymes Quintessence CAX FCAT, a female Belgian Sheepdog. This was the Belgian Sheepdog that set the 30.35 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Belgian Sheepdog male versus the female, the average speed of the male Belgian Sheepdog is 24.6 mph (39.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female Belgian Sheepdog is 24.2 mph (38.9 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Belgian Sheepdog ranks number 56 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog Run Fast
If you want your Belgian Sheepdog to run fast, make sure your Belgian Sheepdog is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Belgian Sheepdog for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Belgian Sheepdog run fast:
- Make sure your Belgian Sheepdog is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Belgian Sheepdog is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Belgian Sheepdog are well-formed before making your Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog for running: Before getting your Belgian Sheepdog into serious running, first condition your Belgian Sheepdog from running. First, start slow by exercising your Belgian Sheepdog regularly. Also, play fetch with your Belgian Sheepdog, take your Belgian Sheepdog for regular walks. All these will make your Belgian Sheepdog very fit for running.
- Make sure your Belgian Sheepdog is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Belgian Sheepdog`s growth to prevent your Belgian Sheepdog from being overweight.
Get your Belgian Sheepdog a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Belgian Sheepdog is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Belgian Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Belgian Sheepdogs weigh around 60 to 75 pounds and height 22 to 26 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 Belgian Sheepdog compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Border Collies Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Belgian Sheepdogs Can Run | 24.3 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Setters Can Run | 23.1 mph (37.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Redbone Coonhounds Can Run | 23.0 mph (37.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Keeshonds Can Run | 21.3 mph (34.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Shetland Sheepdogs Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Miniature Pinschers Can Run | 19.2 mph (30.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Mastiffs Can Run | 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Clumber Spaniels Can Run | 16.7 mph (26.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Pomeranians Can Run | 15.7 mph (25.3 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 Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the German Shepherd Dog?
The German Shepherd Dog can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the German Shepherd Dog is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Belgian Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Belgian Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest German Shepherd Dog on record ran at a speed of 35.6 mph, while the slowest German Shepherd Dog competing in a race ran at a speed of 4.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast German Shepherd Dogs can run here.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Tibetan Mastiff?
The Belgian Sheepdog can run faster than the Tibetan Mastiff.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Tibetan Mastiff is 20.4 mph.
The fastest Belgian Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Belgian Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Tibetan Mastiff on record ran at a speed of 24.0 mph, while the slowest Tibetan Mastiff competing in a race ran at a speed 18.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Tibetan Mastiffs can run here.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Norwegian Elkhound?
The Belgian Sheepdog can run faster than the Norwegian Elkhound.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Norwegian Elkhound is 19.7 mph.
The fastest Belgian Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Belgian Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Norwegian Elkhound on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Norwegian Elkhound competing in a race ran at a speed 8.4 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Boxer?
The Boxer can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Boxer is 25.4 mph.
The fastest Belgian Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Belgian Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Boxer on record ran at a speed of 36.1 mph, while the slowest Boxer competing in a race ran at a speed of 11.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Boxers can run here.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Karelian Bear Dog?
The Belgian Sheepdog can run faster than the Karelian Bear Dog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Karelian Bear Dog is 22.9 mph.
The fastest Belgian Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Belgian Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Karelian Bear Dog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Karelian Bear Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.3 mph.
How Fast the Belgian Sheepdog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Belgian Sheepdog 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) |
| Belgian Sheepdog | 24.3 mph (39.1 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Belgian Sheepdog can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Belgian Sheepdog can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Belgian Sheepdog Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Belgian Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Belgian Sheepdog is 24.3 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Belgian Sheepdog 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 Belgian Sheepdog 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.