Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Irish Setter Can Run
- How to Make Your Irish Setter Run Fast
- Speed of Irish Setter Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Irish Setter Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Setter Can Run
How Fast the Irish Setter 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 64 different Irish Setters, the average speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph (37.3 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Irish Setter ran in a race is 27.26 mph (43.9 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Irish Setter is 12.05 mph (19.4 kmph).
The name of the fastest Irish Setter in the AKC record is GCH CH Mcauley My Cup Runneth Over FCAT, a male Irish Setter. This was the Irish Setter that set the 27.26 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Irish Setter male versus the female, the average speed of the male Irish Setter is 23.5 mph (37.9 kmph), while the average speed of the female Irish Setter is 22.8 mph (36.7 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Irish Setter ranks number 94 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 Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter Run Fast
If you want your Irish Setter to run fast, make sure your Irish Setter is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Irish Setter for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Irish Setter run fast:
- Make sure your Irish Setter is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Irish Setter is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Irish Setter are well-formed before making your Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter for running: Before getting your Irish Setter into serious running, first condition your Irish Setter from running. First, start slow by exercising your Irish Setter regularly. Also, play fetch with your Irish Setter, take your Irish Setter for regular walks. All these will make your Irish Setter very fit for running.
- Make sure your Irish Setter is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Irish Setter`s growth to prevent your Irish Setter from being overweight.
Get your Irish Setter a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Irish Setter is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Irish Setter Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Irish Setters weigh around 60 to 70 pounds and height 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 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 Irish Setter compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Salukis Can Run | 27.9 mph (45.0 kmph) |
| How Fast German Wirehaired Pointers Can Run | 25.7 mph (41.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Bracco Italianos Can Run | 24.6 mph (39.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Pyrenean Shepherds Can Run | 23.4 mph (37.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Setters Can Run | 23.1 mph (37.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Great Danes Can Run | 22.9 mph (36.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Parson Russell Terriers Can Run | 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Chinooks Can Run | 22.1 mph (35.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Alaskan Klee Kais Can Run | 20.6 mph (33.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Norwich Terriers Can Run | 15.4 mph (24.8 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 Irish Setter Run Faster than the Icelandic Sheepdog?
The Icelandic Sheepdog can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Icelandic Sheepdog is 23.2 mph.
The fastest Irish Setter on record ran at a speed of 27.3 mph, while the slowest Irish Setter competing in a race ran at a speed 12.1 mph.
On the other hand, 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 of 6.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Old English Sheepdog?
The Irish Setter can run faster than the Old English Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Old English Sheepdog is 21.6 mph.
The fastest Irish Setter on record ran at a speed of 27.3 mph, while the slowest Irish Setter competing in a race ran at a speed 12.1 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Old English Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 28.1 mph, while the slowest Old English Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 10.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Old English Sheepdogs can run here.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen?
The Irish Setter can run faster than the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is 19.0 mph.
The fastest Irish Setter on record ran at a speed of 27.3 mph, while the slowest Irish Setter competing in a race ran at a speed 12.1 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen on record ran at a speed of 22.5 mph, while the slowest Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Cocker Spaniel?
The Irish Setter can run faster than the Cocker Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cocker Spaniel is 18.0 mph.
The fastest Irish Setter on record ran at a speed of 27.3 mph, while the slowest Irish Setter competing in a race ran at a speed 12.1 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.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Harrier?
The Harrier can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Harrier is 25.0 mph.
The fastest Irish Setter on record ran at a speed of 27.3 mph, while the slowest Irish Setter competing in a race ran at a speed 12.1 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.
How Fast the Irish Setter Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Irish Setter 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) |
| Irish Setter | 23.1 mph (37.2 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Irish Setter can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Irish Setter Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Irish Setter.
The average running speed of the Irish Setter is 23.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Setter 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 Irish Setter 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.