Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Icelandic Sheepdog Can Run
- How to Make Your Icelandic Sheepdog Run Fast
- Speed of Icelandic Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Icelandic Sheepdog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Icelandic Sheepdog Can Run
How Fast the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 72 different Icelandic Sheepdogs, the average speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Icelandic Sheepdog ran in a race is 27.68 mph (44.5 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Icelandic Sheepdog is 6.02 mph (9.7 kmph).
The name of the fastest Icelandic Sheepdog in the AKC record is GCH CH Mceremon`s Sako Of Arcticridge RN FDC CAA BCAT RATN CGC TKN, a male Icelandic Sheepdog. This was the Icelandic Sheepdog that set the 27.68 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog male versus the female, the average speed of the male Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph), while the average speed of the female Icelandic Sheepdog is 22.5 mph (36.1 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Icelandic Sheepdog ranks number 90 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Run Fast
If you want your Icelandic Sheepdog to run fast, make sure your Icelandic Sheepdog is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Icelandic Sheepdog for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Icelandic Sheepdog run fast:
- Make sure your Icelandic Sheepdog is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Icelandic Sheepdog is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Icelandic Sheepdog are well-formed before making your Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog for running: Before getting your Icelandic Sheepdog into serious running, first condition your Icelandic Sheepdog from running. First, start slow by exercising your Icelandic Sheepdog regularly. Also, play fetch with your Icelandic Sheepdog, take your Icelandic Sheepdog for regular walks. All these will make your Icelandic Sheepdog very fit for running.
- Make sure your Icelandic Sheepdog is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Icelandic Sheepdog`s growth to prevent your Icelandic Sheepdog from being overweight.
Get your Icelandic Sheepdog a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Icelandic Sheepdog is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Icelandic Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh around 20 to 30 pounds with height 16 to 18 inchestall 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 Icelandic Sheepdog compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Portuguese Podengos Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Appenzeller Sennenhundes Can Run | 24.2 mph (39.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Entlebucher Mountain Dogs Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Labrador Retrievers Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Doberman Pinschers Can Run | 24.0 mph (38.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Shikokus Can Run | 23.9 mph (38.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Icelandic Sheepdogs Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Smooth Fox Terriers Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Welsh Springer Spaniels Can Run | 21.1 mph (33.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Bergamasco Sheepdogs Can Run | 20.1 mph (32.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Miniature Schnauzers Can Run | 19.0 mph (30.6 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Ibizan Hound?
The Ibizan Hound can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Ibizan Hound is 25.9 mph.
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 6.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Ibizan Hound on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Ibizan Hound competing in a race ran at a speed of 13.4 mph.
Learn more about how fast Ibizan Hounds can run here.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Pug?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph.
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 6.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Pug on record ran at a speed of 21.7 mph, while the slowest Pug competing in a race ran at a speed 4.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Pugs can run here.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Norfolk Terrier?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can run faster than the Norfolk Terrier.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Norfolk Terrier is 17.0 mph.
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 6.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Norfolk Terrier on record ran at a speed of 21.1 mph, while the slowest Norfolk Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 11.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Norfolk Terriers can run here.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Karelian Bear Dog?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can run faster than the Karelian Bear Dog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Karelian Bear Dog is 22.9 mph.
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 6.0 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 Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Dogue de Bordeaux?
The Dogue de Bordeaux can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Dogue de Bordeaux is 27.2 mph.
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 6.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Dogue de Bordeaux on record ran at a speed of 27.2 mph, while the slowest Dogue de Bordeaux competing in a race ran at a speed of 27.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Dogue de Bordeauxs can run here.
How Fast the Icelandic Sheepdog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Icelandic Sheepdog 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) |
| Icelandic Sheepdog | 23.2 mph (37.3 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Icelandic Sheepdog Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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.