How Fast Dalmatians Can Run

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How Fast the Dalmatian 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 403 different Dalmatians, the average speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Dalmatian ran in a race is 32.17 mph (51.8 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Dalmatian is 3.99 mph (6.4 kmph).

The name of the fastest Dalmatian in the AKC record is CH Brightwood N Merrygoround Say It With A Kiss RI CAA DCAT TKN, a female Dalmatian. This was the Dalmatian that set the 32.17 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Dalmatian male versus the female, the average speed of the male Dalmatian is 25.6 mph (41.3 kmph), while the average speed of the female Dalmatian is 24.8 mph (39.8 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Dalmatian ranks number 30 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 Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian Run Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness Tracker for Dalmatian

Speed of Dalmatian Compared to Other Dog Breeds

Dalmatians weigh around 48 to 55 pounds and height 19 to 24 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 Dalmatian compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Dalmatian (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Sloughis Can Run 26.4 mph (42.5 kmph)
How Fast Dalmatians Can Run 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
How Fast Brittanys Can Run 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph)
How Fast Spanish Water Dogs Can Run 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph)
How Fast Karelian Bear Dogs Can Run 22.9 mph (36.8 kmph)
How Fast Boykin Spaniels Can Run 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph)
How Fast Samoyeds Can Run 21.5 mph (34.6 kmph)
How Fast American Eskimo Dogs Can Run 21.0 mph (33.7 kmph)
How Fast Saint Bernards Can Run 19.5 mph (31.3 kmph)
How Fast Tibetan Spaniels Can Run 15.7 mph (25.2 kmph)
How Fast Basset Hounds Can Run 14.4 mph (23.1 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Russell Terrier?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the Russell Terrier.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Russell Terrier is 19.2 mph.

The fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed 4.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Russell Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.1 mph, while the slowest Russell Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.2 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Russell Terrier

Learn more about how fast Russell Terriers can run here.

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Great Pyrenees?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the Great Pyrenees.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Great Pyrenees is 19.7 mph.

The fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed 4.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Great Pyrenees on record ran at a speed of 24.3 mph, while the slowest Great Pyrenees competing in a race ran at a speed 10.6 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Great Pyrenees

Learn more about how fast Great Pyreneess can run here.

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the American Water Spaniel?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the American Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the American Water Spaniel is 23.3 mph.

The fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed 4.0 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 21.6 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of American Water Spaniel

Learn more about how fast American Water Spaniels can run here.

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Norwich Terrier?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the Norwich Terrier.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Norwich Terrier is 15.4 mph.

The fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed 4.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Norwich Terrier on record ran at a speed of 24.3 mph, while the slowest Norwich Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.1 mph.

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Kerry Blue Terrier?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the Kerry Blue Terrier.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Kerry Blue Terrier is 23.2 mph.

The fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed 4.0 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 12.9 mph.

How Fast the Dalmatian Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

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

The average speed of the Dalmatian (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)
Dalmatian 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the Usain Bolt.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Dalmatian can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Horse

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Deer

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Wolf

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Dalmatian Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Dalmatian.

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of Grizzly Bear

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

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

The average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Dalmatian versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Dalmatian 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 Dalmatian 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.