How Fast French Bulldogs Can Run

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How Fast the French Bulldog 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 147 different French Bulldogs, the average speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the French Bulldog ran in a race is 25.12 mph (40.4 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a French Bulldog is 6.84 mph (11.0 kmph).

The name of the fastest French Bulldog in the AKC record is Winston Bolt BCAT, a male French Bulldog. This was the French Bulldog that set the 25.12 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the French Bulldog male versus the female, the average speed of the male French Bulldog is 18.3 mph (29.5 kmph), while the average speed of the female French Bulldog is 17.6 mph (28.3 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the French Bulldog ranks number 203 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 French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog Run Fast

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness Tracker for French Bulldog

Speed of French Bulldog Compared to Other Dog Breeds

French Bulldogs weigh around 16 to 28 pounds and height 11 to 12 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 French Bulldog compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the French Bulldog (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Czechoslovakian Vlcaks Can Run 26.2 mph (42.2 kmph)
How Fast Bohemian Shepherds Can Run 26.2 mph (42.2 kmph)
How Fast Weimaraners Can Run 24.7 mph (39.7 kmph)
How Fast German Pinschers Can Run 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph)
How Fast American Hairless Terriers Can Run 23.3 mph (37.5 kmph)
How Fast Standard Poodles Can Run 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph)
How Fast Great Pyreneess Can Run 19.7 mph (31.6 kmph)
How Fast Swedish Vallhunds Can Run 19.2 mph (31.0 kmph)
How Fast Chow Chows Can Run 18.2 mph (29.3 kmph)
How Fast French Bulldogs Can Run 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph)
How Fast Russian Toys Can Run 17.4 mph (28.0 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Alaskan Malamute?

The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph.

The fastest French Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest French Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed 6.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed of 9.7 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Alaskan Malamute

Learn more about how fast Alaskan Malamutes can run here.

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Bloodhound?

The Bloodhound can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Bloodhound is 19.7 mph.

The fastest French Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest French Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed 6.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Bloodhound on record ran at a speed of 22.1 mph, while the slowest Bloodhound competing in a race ran at a speed of 16.2 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Bloodhound

Learn more about how fast Bloodhounds can run here.

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Swedish Lapphund?

The Swedish Lapphund can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Swedish Lapphund is 18.3 mph.

The fastest French Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest French Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed 6.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Swedish Lapphund on record ran at a speed of 18.3 mph, while the slowest Swedish Lapphund competing in a race ran at a speed of 18.3 mph.

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Dutch Shepherd?

The Dutch Shepherd can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Dutch Shepherd is 27.0 mph.

The fastest French Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest French Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed 6.8 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.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Dutch Shepherd

Learn more about how fast Dutch Shepherds can run here.

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Affenpinscher?

The French Bulldog can run faster than the Affenpinscher.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Affenpinscher is 16.0 mph.

The fastest French Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest French Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed 6.8 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Affenpinscher on record ran at a speed of 19.7 mph, while the slowest Affenpinscher competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Affenpinscher

Learn more about how fast Affenpinschers can run here.

How Fast the French Bulldog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the French Bulldog run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the French Bulldog (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)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)
French Bulldog 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph)

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Usain Bolt can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Cheetah

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Squirrel can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Squirrel

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Horse

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Deer

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Wolf

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Red Fox

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the French Bulldog Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the French Bulldog.

The average running speed of the French Bulldog is 17.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of French Bulldog versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the French Bulldog 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 French Bulldog 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.