Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Irish Water Spaniel Can Run
- How to Make Your Irish Water Spaniel Run Fast
- Speed of Irish Water Spaniel Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Irish Water Spaniel Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Water Spaniel Can Run
How Fast the Irish Water Spaniel 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 41 different Irish Water Spaniels, the average speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Irish Water Spaniel ran in a race is 26.78 mph (43.1 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Irish Water Spaniel is 5.02 mph (8.1 kmph).
The name of the fastest Irish Water Spaniel in the AKC record is CH Castlehill`s When Stars Collide At Donnybrook RN BCAT SWA TKN, a female Irish Water Spaniel. This was the Irish Water Spaniel that set the 26.78 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Irish Water Spaniel male versus the female, the average speed of the male Irish Water Spaniel is 22.3 mph (35.8 kmph), while the average speed of the female Irish Water Spaniel is 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel ranks number 131 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 Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel Run Fast
If you want your Irish Water Spaniel to run fast, make sure your Irish Water Spaniel is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Irish Water Spaniel for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Irish Water Spaniel run fast:
- Make sure your Irish Water Spaniel is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Irish Water Spaniel is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Irish Water Spaniel are well-formed before making your Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel for running: Before getting your Irish Water Spaniel into serious running, first condition your Irish Water Spaniel from running. First, start slow by exercising your Irish Water Spaniel regularly. Also, play fetch with your Irish Water Spaniel, take your Irish Water Spaniel for regular walks. All these will make your Irish Water Spaniel very fit for running.
- Make sure your Irish Water Spaniel is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Irish Water Spaniel`s growth to prevent your Irish Water Spaniel from being overweight.
Get your Irish Water Spaniel a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Irish Water Spaniel is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Irish Water Spaniel Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Irish Water Spaniels weigh around 45 to 65 pounds with height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet 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 Water Spaniel compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Vizslas Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Xoloitzcuintlis Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Flat-Coated Retrievers Can Run | 24.3 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Great Danes Can Run | 22.9 mph (36.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Irish Water Spaniels Can Run | 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Briards Can Run | 21.5 mph (34.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Welsh Springer Spaniels Can Run | 21.1 mph (33.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs Can Run | 19.4 mph (31.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Miniature Schnauzers Can Run | 19.0 mph (30.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Coton de Tulears Can Run | 16.4 mph (26.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Cardigan Welsh Corgis Can Run | 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Mudi?
The Mudi can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Mudi is 24.1 mph.
The fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 5.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Mudi on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Mudi competing in a race ran at a speed of 19.5 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
The Irish Water Spaniel can run faster than the Welsh Springer Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Welsh Springer Spaniel is 21.1 mph.
The fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 5.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Welsh Springer Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 24.0 mph, while the slowest Welsh Springer Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 15.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Welsh Springer Spaniels can run here.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Basset Hound?
The Irish Water Spaniel can run faster than the Basset Hound.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Basset Hound is 14.4 mph.
The fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 5.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Basset Hound on record ran at a speed of 20.4 mph, while the slowest Basset Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Basset Hounds can run here.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Swedish Lapphund?
The Irish Water Spaniel can run faster than the Swedish Lapphund.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Swedish Lapphund is 18.3 mph.
The fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 5.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Swedish Lapphund on record ran at a speed of 18.3 mph, while the slowest Swedish Lapphund competing in a race ran at a speed 18.3 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Bearded Collie?
The Irish Water Spaniel can run faster than the Bearded Collie.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Bearded Collie is 21.3 mph.
The fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 5.0 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Bearded Collie on record ran at a speed of 27.4 mph, while the slowest Bearded Collie competing in a race ran at a speed 9.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Bearded Collies can run here.
How Fast the Irish Water Spaniel Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel | 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Irish Water Spaniel can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Irish Water Spaniel Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Water Spaniel 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 Water Spaniel 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.
