How Fast German Shorthaired Pointers Can Run

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How Fast the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 271 different German Shorthaired Pointers, the average speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph (40.8 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the German Shorthaired Pointer ran in a race is 33.7 mph (54.2 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a German Shorthaired Pointer is 12.03 mph (19.4 kmph).

The name of the fastest German Shorthaired Pointer in the AKC record is Sonrise Valentine CD BN RA FDC NAP NJP NFP CAA DCAT RATM CZ8S DE DMX AM ASA CGC TKN, a male German Shorthaired Pointer. This was the German Shorthaired Pointer that set the 33.7 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer male versus the female, the average speed of the male German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.7 mph (41.3 kmph), while the average speed of the female German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.1 mph (40.3 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the German Shorthaired Pointer ranks number 25 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer Run Fast

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

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

Get your German Shorthaired Pointer a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

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

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

Fitness Tracker for German Shorthaired Pointer

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer Compared to Other Dog Breeds

German Shorthaired Pointers weigh around 45 to 70 pounds and height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho.

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 German Shorthaired Pointer compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Salukis Can Run 27.9 mph (45.0 kmph)
How Fast Dutch Shepherds Can Run 27.0 mph (43.5 kmph)
How Fast German Shorthaired Pointers Can Run 25.3 mph (40.8 kmph)
How Fast Korean Jindo Dogs Can Run 24.6 mph (39.6 kmph)
How Fast Belgian Tervurens Can Run 24.5 mph (39.4 kmph)
How Fast Drentsche Patrijshonds Can Run 22.8 mph (36.7 kmph)
How Fast Russell Terriers Can Run 19.2 mph (30.9 kmph)
How Fast Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens Can Run 19.0 mph (30.5 kmph)
How Fast Newfoundlands Can Run 18.5 mph (29.7 kmph)
How Fast Cardigan Welsh Corgis Can Run 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph)
How Fast Shih Tzus Can Run 15.1 mph (24.2 kmph)

Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Karelian Bear Dog?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Karelian Bear Dog.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Karelian Bear Dog is 22.9 mph.

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 12.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Karelian Bear Dog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Karelian Bear Dog competing in a race ran at a speed 13.3 mph.

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Russian Toy?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Russian Toy.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Russian Toy is 17.4 mph.

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 12.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Russian Toy on record ran at a speed of 20.5 mph, while the slowest Russian Toy competing in a race ran at a speed 11.8 mph.

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Lhasa Apso?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Lhasa Apso.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Lhasa Apso is 12.8 mph.

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 12.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Lhasa Apso on record ran at a speed of 16.0 mph, while the slowest Lhasa Apso competing in a race ran at a speed 4.5 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Lhasa Apso

Learn more about how fast Lhasa Apsos can run here.

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Miniature American Shepherd?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Miniature American Shepherd.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Miniature American Shepherd is 23.2 mph.

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 12.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Miniature American Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest Miniature American Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed 7.1 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Miniature American Shepherd

Learn more about how fast Miniature American Shepherds can run here.

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Sealyham Terrier?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Sealyham Terrier.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Sealyham Terrier is 15.0 mph.

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 12.0 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Sealyham Terrier on record ran at a speed of 17.9 mph, while the slowest Sealyham Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 8.3 mph.

How Fast the German Shorthaired Pointer Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the German Shorthaired Pointer run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer (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)
German Shorthaired Pointer 25.3 mph (40.7 kmph)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Usain Bolt.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Cheetah

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The German Shorthaired Pointer can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Squirrel

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Horse

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Deer

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Wolf

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Red Fox

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the German Shorthaired Pointer Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of German Shorthaired Pointer versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the German Shorthaired Pointer 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 German Shorthaired Pointer 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.