Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Greyhound Can Run
- How to Make Your Greyhound Run Fast
- Speed of Greyhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Greyhound Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Greyhound Can Run
How Fast the Greyhound 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 172 different Greyhounds, the average speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph (53.3 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Greyhound ran in a race is 40.09 mph (64.5 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Greyhound is 18.3 mph (29.5 kmph).
The name of the fastest Greyhound in the AKC record is Rml Jewel BCAT, a female Greyhound. This was the Greyhound that set the 40.09 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Greyhound male versus the female, the average speed of the male Greyhound is 33.1 mph (53.2 kmph), while the average speed of the female Greyhound is 33.1 mph (53.3 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Greyhound ranks number 0 out of 247 dog breeds in terms of its running speed..
The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed.
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 Greyhound 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 Greyhound Run Fast
If you want your Greyhound to run fast, make sure your Greyhound is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Greyhound for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Greyhound run fast:
- Make sure your Greyhound is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Greyhound is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Greyhound are well-formed before making your Greyhound 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 Greyhound for running: Before getting your Greyhound into serious running, first condition your Greyhound from running. First, start slow by exercising your Greyhound regularly. Also, play fetch with your Greyhound, take your Greyhound for regular walks. All these will make your Greyhound very fit for running.
- Make sure your Greyhound is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Greyhound`s growth to prevent your Greyhound from being overweight.
Get your Greyhound a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Greyhound 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 Greyhound`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Greyhound is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Greyhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Greyhounds weigh around 50 to 85 pounds and height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 6 inches 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 Greyhound compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Greyhounds Can Run | 33.1 mph (53.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Dogo Argentinos Can Run | 25.6 mph (41.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Can Run | 24.7 mph (39.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Brittanys Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Plotts Can Run | 24.0 mph (38.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Basenjis Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Gordon Setters Can Run | 22.4 mph (36.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Manchester Terriers Can Run | 22.1 mph (35.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Barbets Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens Can Run | 18.1 mph (29.2 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Wire Fox Terrier?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Wire Fox Terrier.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wire Fox Terrier is 20.4 mph.
The fastest Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 40.1 mph, while the slowest Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Wire Fox Terrier on record ran at a speed of 23.8 mph, while the slowest Wire Fox Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 8.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Wire Fox Terriers can run here.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Briard?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Briard.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Briard is 21.5 mph.
The fastest Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 40.1 mph, while the slowest Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Briard on record ran at a speed of 28.4 mph, while the slowest Briard competing in a race ran at a speed 13.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Briards can run here.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is 22.9 mph.
The fastest Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 40.1 mph, while the slowest Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Staffordshire Bull Terrier on record ran at a speed of 36.9 mph, while the slowest Staffordshire Bull Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 10.7 mph.
Learn more about how fast Staffordshire Bull Terriers can run here.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Brittany?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Brittany.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Brittany is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 40.1 mph, while the slowest Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Brittany on record ran at a speed of 32.4 mph, while the slowest Brittany competing in a race ran at a speed 7.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Brittanys can run here.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Cocker Spaniel?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Cocker Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cocker Spaniel is 18.0 mph.
The fastest Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 40.1 mph, while the slowest Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Cocker Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 23.1 mph, while the slowest Cocker Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Cocker Spaniels can run here.
How Fast the Greyhound Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Greyhound 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) |
| Greyhound | 33.1 mph (53.3 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) |
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Greyhound.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Domestic Cat.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Greyhound.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Greyhound.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Deer?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Deer.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Greyhound.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Greyhound can run faster than the Red Fox.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Greyhound.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Greyhound.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Greyhound Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The Greyhound can run faster than the North American Black Bear.
The average running speed of the Greyhound is 33.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Greyhound 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 Greyhound 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.
