Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Irish Terrier Can Run
- How to Make Your Irish Terrier Run Fast
- Speed of Irish Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Irish Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Terrier Can Run
How Fast the Irish Terrier 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 39 different Irish Terriers, the average speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Irish Terrier ran in a race is 30.41 mph (48.9 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Irish Terrier is 8.97 mph (14.4 kmph).
The name of the fastest Irish Terrier in the AKC record is Red Branch Voyager Of Kinsale CD BN RE CA FCAT CGC, a female Irish Terrier. This was the Irish Terrier that set the 30.41 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Irish Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male Irish Terrier is 24.0 mph (38.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female Irish Terrier is 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Irish Terrier ranks number 76 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 Terrier 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 Terrier Run Fast
If you want your Irish Terrier to run fast, make sure your Irish Terrier is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Irish Terrier for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Irish Terrier run fast:
- Make sure your Irish Terrier is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Irish Terrier is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Irish Terrier are well-formed before making your Irish Terrier 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 Terrier for running: Before getting your Irish Terrier into serious running, first condition your Irish Terrier from running. First, start slow by exercising your Irish Terrier regularly. Also, play fetch with your Irish Terrier, take your Irish Terrier for regular walks. All these will make your Irish Terrier very fit for running.
- Make sure your Irish Terrier is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Irish Terrier`s growth to prevent your Irish Terrier from being overweight.
Get your Irish Terrier a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Irish Terrier is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Irish Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Irish Terriers weigh around 25 to 27 pounds and height 18 to 20 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 Irish Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Dogue de Bordeauxs Can Run | 27.2 mph (43.8 kmph) |
| How Fast German Longhaired Pointers Can Run | 26.4 mph (42.4 kmph) |
| How Fast German Wirehaired Pointers Can Run | 25.7 mph (41.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Boxers Can Run | 25.4 mph (40.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Italian Greyhounds Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Labrador Retrievers Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast American English Coonhounds Can Run | 23.7 mph (38.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Norwegian Buhunds Can Run | 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Australian Terriers Can Run | 18.9 mph (30.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Dachshunds Can Run | 13.5 mph (21.7 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Swedish Vallhund?
The Irish Terrier can run faster than the Swedish Vallhund.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Swedish Vallhund is 19.2 mph.
The fastest Irish Terrier on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Irish Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Swedish Vallhund on record ran at a speed of 24.6 mph, while the slowest Swedish Vallhund competing in a race ran at a speed 6.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Swedish Vallhunds can run here.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Australian Kelpie?
The Australian Kelpie can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Australian Kelpie is 27.1 mph.
The fastest Irish Terrier on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Irish Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Australian Kelpie on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Kelpie competing in a race ran at a speed of 25.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Australian Kelpies can run here.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Pumi?
The Pumi can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Pumi is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Irish Terrier on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Irish Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Pumi on record ran at a speed of 28.8 mph, while the slowest Pumi competing in a race ran at a speed of 9.9 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Golden Retriever?
The Irish Terrier can run faster than the Golden Retriever.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Golden Retriever is 23.6 mph.
The fastest Irish Terrier on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Irish Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.0 mph.
On the other hand, 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.
Learn more about how fast Golden Retrievers can run here.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Bohemian Shepherd?
The Bohemian Shepherd can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Bohemian Shepherd is 26.2 mph.
The fastest Irish Terrier on record ran at a speed of 30.4 mph, while the slowest Irish Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 9.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Bohemian Shepherd on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Bohemian Shepherd competing in a race ran at a speed of 25.4 mph.
How Fast the Irish Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Irish Terrier 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) |
| Irish Terrier | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Irish Terrier can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Irish Terrier can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Irish Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Irish Terrier.
The average running speed of the Irish Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Terrier 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 Terrier 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.
