How Fast Bloodhounds Can Run

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How Fast the Bloodhound 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 10 different Bloodhounds, the average speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph (31.7 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Bloodhound ran in a race is 22.08 mph (35.5 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Bloodhound is 16.24 mph (26.1 kmph).

The name of the fastest Bloodhound in the AKC record is St. Francis In The Heat Of The Night FCAT, a male Bloodhound. This was the Bloodhound that set the 22.08 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Bloodhound male versus the female, the average speed of the male Bloodhound is 20.1 mph (32.4 kmph), while the average speed of the female Bloodhound is 18.8 mph (30.2 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Bloodhound ranks number 176 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 Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound Run Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Bloodhound

Speed of Bloodhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Bloodhounds weigh around 80 to 110 pounds and height 23 to 27 inches ttall 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 Bloodhound compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Bloodhound (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Borzois Can Run 28.4 mph (45.7 kmph)
How Fast Rhodesian Ridgebacks Can Run 25.3 mph (40.6 kmph)
How Fast Harriers Can Run 25.0 mph (40.2 kmph)
How Fast Shikokus Can Run 23.9 mph (38.5 kmph)
How Fast Shiba Inus Can Run 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph)
How Fast Tibetan Terriers Can Run 21.0 mph (33.7 kmph)
How Fast Bergamasco Sheepdogs Can Run 20.1 mph (32.4 kmph)
How Fast Norwegian Elkhounds Can Run 19.7 mph (31.8 kmph)
How Fast Bloodhounds Can Run 19.7 mph (31.7 kmph)
How Fast Chihuahuas Can Run 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph)
How Fast Affenpinschers Can Run 16.0 mph (25.8 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Flat-Coated Retriever?

The Flat-Coated Retriever can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Flat-Coated Retriever is 24.3 mph.

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 16.2 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Flat-Coated Retriever on record ran at a speed of 28.4 mph, while the slowest Flat-Coated Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed of 15.2 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Flat-Coated Retriever

Learn more about how fast Flat-Coated Retrievers can run here.

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Finnish Spitz?

The Finnish Spitz can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph.

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 16.2 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Finnish Spitz on record ran at a speed of 21.0 mph, while the slowest Finnish Spitz competing in a race ran at a speed of 17.2 mph.

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Rat Terrier?

The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph.

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 16.2 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Rat Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Rat Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 5.4 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Rat Terrier

Learn more about how fast Rat Terriers can run here.

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Kromfohrlander?

The Bloodhound can run faster than the Kromfohrlander.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Kromfohrlander is 19.5 mph.

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 16.2 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Kromfohrlander on record ran at a speed of 24.3 mph, while the slowest Kromfohrlander competing in a race ran at a speed 16.1 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Kromfohrlander

Learn more about how fast Kromfohrlanders can run here.

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Canaan Dog?

The Canaan Dog can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Canaan Dog is 25.0 mph.

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 16.2 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Canaan Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Canaan Dog competing in a race ran at a speed of 16.7 mph.

How Fast the Bloodhound Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the Bloodhound run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the Bloodhound (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)
Bloodhound 19.7 mph (31.7 kmph)

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Squirrel can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Horse

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Deer

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Wolf

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Bloodhound Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Bloodhound.

The average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Bloodhound versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound 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.