Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Golden Retriever Can Run
- How to Make Your Golden Retriever Run Fast
- Speed of Golden Retriever Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Golden Retriever Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Golden Retriever Can Run
How Fast the Golden Retriever 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 751 different Golden Retrievers, the average speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Golden Retriever ran in a race is 35.52 mph (57.2 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Golden Retriever is 9.57 mph (15.4 kmph).
The name of the fastest Golden Retriever in the AKC record is MACH3 Topbrass Here Comes The Fireworks RN JH MXG PAD MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 DCAT, a male Golden Retriever. This was the Golden Retriever that set the 35.52 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Golden Retriever male versus the female, the average speed of the male Golden Retriever is 23.9 mph (38.4 kmph), while the average speed of the female Golden Retriever is 23.3 mph (37.4 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Golden Retriever ranks number 81 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 Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever Run Fast
If you want your Golden Retriever to run fast, make sure your Golden Retriever is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Golden Retriever for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Golden Retriever run fast:
- Make sure your Golden Retriever is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Golden Retriever is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Golden Retriever are well-formed before making your Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever for running: Before getting your Golden Retriever into serious running, first condition your Golden Retriever from running. First, start slow by exercising your Golden Retriever regularly. Also, play fetch with your Golden Retriever, take your Golden Retriever for regular walks. All these will make your Golden Retriever very fit for running.
- Make sure your Golden Retriever is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Golden Retriever`s growth to prevent your Golden Retriever from being overweight.
Get your Golden Retriever a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Golden Retriever is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Golden Retriever Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Golden Retrievers weigh around 55 to 75 pounds and height 21 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 Golden Retriever compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Dalmatians Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Mudis Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Golden Retrievers Can Run | 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Red and White Setters Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Boykin Spaniels Can Run | 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Danish-Swedish Farmdogs Can Run | 22.5 mph (36.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Shiba Inus Can Run | 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Samoyeds Can Run | 21.5 mph (34.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Basset Fauve de Bretagnes Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Cesky Terriers Can Run | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Pekingeses Can Run | 9.4 mph (15.1 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Tibetan Terrier?
The Golden Retriever can run faster than the Tibetan Terrier.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Tibetan Terrier is 21.0 mph.
The fastest Golden Retriever on record ran at a speed of 35.5 mph, while the slowest Golden Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Tibetan Terrier on record ran at a speed of 32.0 mph, while the slowest Tibetan Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Tibetan Terriers can run here.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Samoyed?
The Golden Retriever can run faster than the Samoyed.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Samoyed is 21.5 mph.
The fastest Golden Retriever on record ran at a speed of 35.5 mph, while the slowest Golden Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Samoyed on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Samoyed competing in a race ran at a speed 9.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Samoyeds can run here.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Harrier?
The Harrier can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Harrier is 25.0 mph.
The fastest Golden Retriever on record ran at a speed of 35.5 mph, while the slowest Golden Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Harrier on record ran at a speed of 33.0 mph, while the slowest Harrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 20.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Harriers can run here.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Lowchen?
The Golden Retriever can run faster than the Lowchen.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Lowchen is 19.6 mph.
The fastest Golden Retriever on record ran at a speed of 35.5 mph, while the slowest Golden Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Lowchen on record ran at a speed of 24.6 mph, while the slowest Lowchen competing in a race ran at a speed 10.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Lowchens can run here.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Saluki?
The Saluki can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph.
The fastest Golden Retriever on record ran at a speed of 35.5 mph, while the slowest Golden Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Saluki on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Saluki competing in a race ran at a speed of 11.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast Salukis can run here.
How Fast the Golden Retriever Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Golden Retriever 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) |
| Golden Retriever | 23.6 mph (38.0 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Golden Retriever can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Golden Retriever can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Golden Retriever Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Golden Retriever 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 Golden Retriever 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.