How Fast Border Terriers Can Run

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How Fast the Border Terrier 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 337 different Border Terriers, the average speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Border Terrier ran in a race is 27.24 mph (43.8 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Border Terrier is 7.93 mph (12.8 kmph).

The name of the fastest Border Terrier in the AKC record is CH Loch Cu Artful Dodger BN RN FDC MXP AJP FCAT DJ CGCA CGCU TKE ATT, a male Border Terrier. This was the Border Terrier that set the 27.24 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Border Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male Border Terrier is 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph), while the average speed of the female Border Terrier is 20.7 mph (33.4 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Border Terrier ranks number 150 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 Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier Run Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Border Terrier

Speed of Border Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Border Terriers weigh around 11 to 15 pounds and height 10 to 11 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 Border Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Border Terrier (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Azawakhs Can Run 25.4 mph (40.8 kmph)
How Fast Border Collies Can Run 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
How Fast Beaucerons Can Run 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph)
How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph)
How Fast Parson Russell Terriers Can Run 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph)
How Fast Border Terriers Can Run 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph)
How Fast Boston Terriers Can Run 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph)
How Fast Glen of Imaal Terriers Can Run 18.0 mph (29.0 kmph)
How Fast French Bulldogs Can Run 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph)
How Fast Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Can Run 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph)
How Fast Shih Tzus Can Run 15.1 mph (24.2 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Chihuahua?

The Border Terrier can run faster than the Chihuahua.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph.

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 7.9 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Chihuahua on record ran at a speed of 23.4 mph, while the slowest Chihuahua competing in a race ran at a speed 6.6 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Chihuahua

Learn more about how fast Chihuahuas can run here.

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the English Springer Spaniel?

The English Springer Spaniel can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the English Springer Spaniel is 22.4 mph.

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 7.9 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest English Springer Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 28.5 mph, while the slowest English Springer Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed of 3.3 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of English Springer Spaniel

Learn more about how fast English Springer Spaniels can run here.

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Hamiltonstovare?

The Border Terrier can run faster than the Hamiltonstovare.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Hamiltonstovare is 12.1 mph.

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 7.9 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Hamiltonstovare on record ran at a speed of 15.4 mph, while the slowest Hamiltonstovare competing in a race ran at a speed 7.8 mph.

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the American Hairless Terrier?

The American Hairless Terrier can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the American Hairless Terrier is 23.3 mph.

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 7.9 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest American Hairless Terrier on record ran at a speed of 31.3 mph, while the slowest American Hairless Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 4.3 mph.

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Japanese Chin?

The Border Terrier can run faster than the Japanese Chin.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Japanese Chin is 13.8 mph.

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 7.9 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Japanese Chin on record ran at a speed of 15.5 mph, while the slowest Japanese Chin competing in a race ran at a speed 12.3 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Japanese Chin

Learn more about how fast Japanese Chins can run here.

How Fast the Border Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the Border Terrier run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the Border Terrier (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)
Border Terrier 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Border Terrier can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Horse

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Deer

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Wolf

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Border Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Border Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Terrier versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Border Terrier 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 Border Terrier 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.