Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Bernese Mountain Dog Can Run
- How to Make Your Bernese Mountain Dog Run Fast
- Speed of Bernese Mountain Dog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Bernese Mountain Dog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Bernese Mountain Dog Can Run
How Fast the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 59 different Bernese Mountain Dogs, the average speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph (33.5 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Bernese Mountain Dog ran in a race is 25.51 mph (41.1 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Bernese Mountain Dog is 11.95 mph (19.2 kmph).
The name of the fastest Bernese Mountain Dog in the AKC record is Wagontale`s Exclusive Design CD BN RA OJP, a female Bernese Mountain Dog. This was the Bernese Mountain Dog that set the 25.51 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog male versus the female, the average speed of the male Bernese Mountain Dog is 21.3 mph (34.2 kmph), while the average speed of the female Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.5 mph (33.0 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog ranks number 159 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog Run Fast
If you want your Bernese Mountain Dog to run fast, make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Bernese Mountain Dog for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Bernese Mountain Dog run fast:- Make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Bernese Mountain Dog is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Bernese Mountain Dog are well-formed before making your Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog for running: Before getting your Bernese Mountain Dog into serious running, first condition your Bernese Mountain Dog from running. First, start slow by exercising your Bernese Mountain Dog regularly. Also, play fetch with your Bernese Mountain Dog, take your Bernese Mountain Dog for regular walks. All these will make your Bernese Mountain Dog very fit for running.
- Make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Bernese Mountain Dog`s growth to prevent your Bernese Mountain Dog from being overweight.
Get your Bernese Mountain Dog a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Bernese Mountain Dog is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Bernese Mountain Dog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
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 Bernese Mountain Dog compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Dogo Argentinos Can Run | 25.6 mph (41.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Curly-Coated Retrievers Can Run | 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes Can Run | 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Airedale Terriers Can Run | 23.1 mph (37.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Bernese Mountain Dogs Can Run | 20.8 mph (33.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Can Run | 19.4 mph (31.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Newfoundlands Can Run | 18.5 mph (29.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Glen of Imaal Terriers Can Run | 18.0 mph (29.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Shih Tzus Can Run | 15.1 mph (24.2 kmph) |
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Tibetan Mastiff?
The Bernese Mountain Dog can run faster than the Tibetan Mastiff.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Tibetan Mastiff is 20.4 mph.
The fastest Bernese Mountain Dog on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Bernese Mountain Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 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.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Chinook?
The Chinook can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Chinook is 22.1 mph.
The fastest Bernese Mountain Dog on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Bernese Mountain Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Chinook on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest Chinook competing in a race ran at a speed of 15.8 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier?
The Bernese Mountain Dog can run faster than the Dandie Dinmont Terrier.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier is 10.7 mph.
The fastest Bernese Mountain Dog on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Bernese Mountain Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Dandie Dinmont Terrier on record ran at a speed of 10.7 mph, while the slowest Dandie Dinmont Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 10.7 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Border Terrier?
The Border Terrier can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph.
The fastest Bernese Mountain Dog on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Bernese Mountain Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Border Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.2 mph, while the slowest Border Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 7.9 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Lhasa Apso?
The Bernese Mountain Dog can run faster than the Lhasa Apso.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Lhasa Apso is 12.8 mph.
The fastest Bernese Mountain Dog on record ran at a speed of 25.5 mph, while the slowest Bernese Mountain Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Lhasa Apso on record ran at a speed of 16.0 mph, while the slowest Lhasa Apso competing in a race ran at a speed 4.5 mph.
How Fast the Bernese Mountain Dog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Bernese Mountain Dog 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) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 20.8 mph (33.5 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Bernese Mountain Dog can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Bernese Mountain Dog Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The average running speed of the Bernese Mountain Dog is 20.8 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Bernese Mountain Dog 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.
