Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Finnish Spitz Can Run
- How to Make Your Finnish Spitz Run Fast
- Speed of Finnish Spitz Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Finnish Spitz Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Finnish Spitz Can Run
How Fast the Finnish Spitz 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 3 different Finnish Spitzs, the average speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Finnish Spitz ran in a race is 20.98 mph (33.8 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Finnish Spitz is 17.19 mph (27.7 kmph).
The name of the fastest Finnish Spitz in the AKC record is GCH CH Pikkinokka`s We Are Golden RATCH, a male Finnish Spitz. This was the Finnish Spitz that set the 20.98 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Finnish Spitz male versus the female, the average speed of the male Finnish Spitz is 20.2 mph (32.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female Finnish Spitz is 19.7 mph (31.6 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Finnish Spitz ranks number 171 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 Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz Run Fast
If you want your Finnish Spitz to run fast, make sure your Finnish Spitz is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Finnish Spitz for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Finnish Spitz run fast:
- Make sure your Finnish Spitz is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Finnish Spitz is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Finnish Spitz are well-formed before making your Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz for running: Before getting your Finnish Spitz into serious running, first condition your Finnish Spitz from running. First, start slow by exercising your Finnish Spitz regularly. Also, play fetch with your Finnish Spitz, take your Finnish Spitz for regular walks. All these will make your Finnish Spitz very fit for running.
- Make sure your Finnish Spitz is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Finnish Spitz`s growth to prevent your Finnish Spitz from being overweight.
Get your Finnish Spitz a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Finnish Spitz is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Finnish Spitz Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Finnish Spitzs weigh around 20 to 35 pounds with height 15 to 20 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 Finnish Spitz compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Dogue de Bordeauxs Can Run | 27.2 mph (43.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Sloughis Can Run | 26.4 mph (42.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Pumis Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Labrador Retrievers Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Red and White Setters Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Shiba Inus Can Run | 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Parson Russell Terriers Can Run | 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Tibetan Terriers Can Run | 21.0 mph (33.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Finnish Spitzs Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Black Russian Terriers Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Australian Kelpie?
The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph.
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 17.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed of 25.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Australian Kelpies can run here.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph.
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 17.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Icelandic Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.7 mph, while the slowest Icelandic Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed of 6.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Dachshund?
The Finnish Spitz can run faster than the Dachshund.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Dachshund is 13.5 mph.
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 17.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Dachshund on record ran at a speed of 22.2 mph, while the slowest Dachshund competing in a race ran at a speed 2.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast Dachshunds can run here.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Akita?
The Akita can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph.
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 17.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.4 mph.
Learn more about how fast Akitas can run here.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Dutch Shepherd?
The Dutch Shepherd can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Dutch Shepherd is 27.0 mph.
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 17.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Dutch Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 32.1 mph, while the slowest Dutch Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed of 19.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast Dutch Shepherds can run here.
How Fast the Finnish Spitz Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Finnish Spitz 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) |
| Finnish Spitz | 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph) |
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Finnish Spitz Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.
The average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Finnish Spitz 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 Finnish Spitz 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.