Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Boston Terrier Can Run
- How to Make Your Boston Terrier Run Fast
- Speed of Boston Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Boston Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Boston Terrier Can Run
How Fast the Boston 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 205 different Boston Terriers, the average speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Boston Terrier ran in a race is 27.01 mph (43.5 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Boston Terrier is 12.01 mph (19.3 kmph).
The name of the fastest Boston Terrier in the AKC record is Beanie CAA BCAT, a female Boston Terrier. This was the Boston Terrier that set the 27.01 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Boston Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph (34.2 kmph), while the average speed of the female Boston Terrier is 21.1 mph (33.9 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Boston Terrier ranks number 153 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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier Run Fast
If you want your Boston Terrier to run fast, make sure your Boston Terrier is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Boston Terrier for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Boston Terrier run fast:
- Make sure your Boston Terrier is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Boston Terrier is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Boston Terrier are well-formed before making your Boston 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 Boston Terrier for running: Before getting your Boston Terrier into serious running, first condition your Boston Terrier from running. First, start slow by exercising your Boston Terrier regularly. Also, play fetch with your Boston Terrier, take your Boston Terrier for regular walks. All these will make your Boston Terrier very fit for running.
- Make sure your Boston Terrier is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Boston Terrier`s growth to prevent your Boston Terrier from being overweight.
Get your Boston Terrier a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Boston 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 Boston Terrier`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Boston Terrier is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Boston Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Boston Terriers weigh around 10 to 25 pounds and height 12 to 15 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 Boston Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Salukis Can Run | 27.9 mph (45.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Gordon Setters Can Run | 22.4 mph (36.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Bullmastiffs Can Run | 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Schapendoess Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Boston Terriers Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Miniature Bull Terriers Can Run | 20.4 mph (32.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Glen of Imaal Terriers Can Run | 18.0 mph (29.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Bologneses Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Lancashire Heelers Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Skye Terriers Can Run | 16.3 mph (26.2 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph.
The fastest Boston Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Boston Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest German Shorthaired Pointer on record ran at a speed of 33.7 mph, while the slowest German Shorthaired Pointer competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast German Shorthaired Pointers can run here.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Shiba Inu?
The Shiba Inu can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Shiba Inu is 22.2 mph.
The fastest Boston Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Boston Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Shiba Inu on record ran at a speed of 29.4 mph, while the slowest Shiba Inu competing in a race ran at a speed of 3.4 mph.
Learn more about how fast Shiba Inus can run here.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Doberman Pinscher?
The Doberman Pinscher can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Doberman Pinscher is 24.0 mph.
The fastest Boston Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Boston Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.0 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.
Learn more about how fast Doberman Pinschers can run here.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Small Munsterlander?
The Small Munsterlander can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Small Munsterlander is 25.4 mph.
The fastest Boston Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Boston Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Small Munsterlander on record ran at a speed of 27.5 mph, while the slowest Small Munsterlander competing in a race ran at a speed of 23.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Small Munsterlanders can run here.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the American Eskimo Dog?
The Boston Terrier can run faster than the American Eskimo Dog.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the American Eskimo Dog is 21.0 mph.
The fastest Boston Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Boston Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 12.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest American Eskimo Dog on record ran at a speed of 25.3 mph, while the slowest American Eskimo Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 5.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast American Eskimo Dogs can run here.
How Fast the Boston Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Boston Terrier 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) |
| Boston Terrier | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Boston Terrier can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Boston Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Boston Terrier.
The average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Boston 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 Boston 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.