Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Chihuahua Can Run
- How to Make Your Chihuahua Run Fast
- Speed of Chihuahua Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Chihuahua Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Chihuahua Can Run
How Fast the Chihuahua 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 44 different Chihuahuas, the average speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Chihuahua ran in a race is 23.38 mph (37.6 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Chihuahua is 6.6 mph (10.6 kmph).
The name of the fastest Chihuahua in the AKC record is Dancing To A Different BeetBox MX MXJ XF DCAT TKI, a female Chihuahua. This was the Chihuahua that set the 23.38 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Chihuahua male versus the female, the average speed of the male Chihuahua is 16.3 mph (26.2 kmph), while the average speed of the female Chihuahua is 15.9 mph (25.6 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Chihuahua ranks number 224 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 Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua Run Fast
If you want your Chihuahua to run fast, make sure your Chihuahua is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Chihuahua for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Chihuahua run fast:
- Make sure your Chihuahua is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Chihuahua is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Chihuahua are well-formed before making your Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua for running: Before getting your Chihuahua into serious running, first condition your Chihuahua from running. First, start slow by exercising your Chihuahua regularly. Also, play fetch with your Chihuahua, take your Chihuahua for regular walks. All these will make your Chihuahua very fit for running.
- Make sure your Chihuahua is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Chihuahua`s growth to prevent your Chihuahua from being overweight.
Get your Chihuahua a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Chihuahua is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Chihuahua Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Chihuahuas weigh around 3 to 6 pounds and height 6 inches to 9 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 Chihuahua compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Xoloitzcuintlis Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.3 kmph) |
| How Fast American Bulldogs Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast American Staffordshire Terriers Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph) |
| How Fast English Setters Can Run | 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes Can Run | 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Alaskan Malamutes Can Run | 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Wolfhounds Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Bedlington Terriers Can Run | 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Shetland Sheepdogs Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Cesky Terriers Can Run | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Chihuahuas Can Run | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the American Water Spaniel?
The American Water Spaniel can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest American Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest American Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed of 21.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast American Water Spaniels can run here.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Danish-Swedish Farmdog?
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is 22.5 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest Danish-Swedish Farmdog on record ran at a speed of 25.7 mph, while the slowest Danish-Swedish Farmdog competing in a race ran at a speed of 18.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Kerry Blue Terrier?
The Kerry Blue Terrier can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 23.2 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest Kerry Blue Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.4 mph, while the slowest Kerry Blue Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.9 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Boxer?
The Boxer can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Boxer is 25.4 mph.
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.
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 Chihuahua Run Faster than the German Pinscher?
The German Pinscher can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the German Pinscher is 24.1 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest German Pinscher on record ran at a speed of 34.0 mph, while the slowest German Pinscher competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast German Pinschers can run here.
How Fast the Chihuahua Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Chihuahua 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) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
| Chihuahua | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Chihuahua Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Chihuahua.
The average running speed of the Chihuahua is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua 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.