Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Irish Wolfhound Can Run
- How to Make Your Irish Wolfhound Run Fast
- Speed of Irish Wolfhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Irish Wolfhound Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Wolfhound Can Run
How Fast the Irish Wolfhound 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 79 different Irish Wolfhounds, the average speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Irish Wolfhound ran in a race is 29.1 mph (46.8 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Irish Wolfhound is 7.24 mph (11.7 kmph).
The name of the fastest Irish Wolfhound in the AKC record is Lady Gyda Jeraz Of Odin Ridge Wolves JC, a female Irish Wolfhound. This was the Irish Wolfhound that set the 29.1 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Irish Wolfhound male versus the female, the average speed of the male Irish Wolfhound is 21.7 mph (34.9 kmph), while the average speed of the female Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound ranks number 138 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound Run Fast
If you want your Irish Wolfhound to run fast, make sure your Irish Wolfhound is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Irish Wolfhound for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Irish Wolfhound run fast:
- Make sure your Irish Wolfhound is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Irish Wolfhound is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Irish Wolfhound are well-formed before making your Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound for running: Before getting your Irish Wolfhound into serious running, first condition your Irish Wolfhound from running. First, start slow by exercising your Irish Wolfhound regularly. Also, play fetch with your Irish Wolfhound, take your Irish Wolfhound for regular walks. All these will make your Irish Wolfhound very fit for running.
- Make sure your Irish Wolfhound is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Irish Wolfhound`s growth to prevent your Irish Wolfhound from being overweight.
Get your Irish Wolfhound a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Irish Wolfhound is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Irish Wolfhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Irish Wolfhounds weigh around 115 to 180 pounds and height 32 to 35 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 Wolfhound compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Borzois Can Run | 28.4 mph (45.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Australian Kelpies Can Run | 27.1 mph (43.7 kmph) |
| How Fast German Shorthaired Pointers Can Run | 25.3 mph (40.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Catahoula Leopard Dogs Can Run | 25.2 mph (40.5 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 Irish Wolfhounds Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Lakeland Terriers Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Cairn Terriers Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Biewer Terriers Can Run | 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Basset Hounds Can Run | 14.4 mph (23.1 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Shetland Sheepdog?
The Irish Wolfhound can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph.
The fastest Irish Wolfhound on record ran at a speed of 29.1 mph, while the slowest Irish Wolfhound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Shetland Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Shetland Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 4.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Shetland Sheepdogs can run here.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Flat-Coated Retriever?
The Flat-Coated Retriever can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Flat-Coated Retriever is 24.3 mph.
The fastest Irish Wolfhound on record ran at a speed of 29.1 mph, while the slowest Irish Wolfhound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Flat-Coated Retriever on record ran at a speed of 28.4 mph, while the slowest Flat-Coated Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed of 15.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Flat-Coated Retrievers can run here.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier?
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is 22.9 mph.
The fastest Irish Wolfhound on record ran at a speed of 29.1 mph, while the slowest Irish Wolfhound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 14.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers can run here.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Alaskan Malamute?
The Alaskan Malamute can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Alaskan Malamute is 21.9 mph.
The fastest Irish Wolfhound on record ran at a speed of 29.1 mph, while the slowest Irish Wolfhound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Alaskan Malamute on record ran at a speed of 26.4 mph, while the slowest Alaskan Malamute competing in a race ran at a speed of 9.7 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Japanese Terrier?
The Japanese Terrier can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Japanese Terrier is 23.5 mph.
The fastest Irish Wolfhound on record ran at a speed of 29.1 mph, while the slowest Irish Wolfhound competing in a race ran at a speed 7.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Japanese Terrier on record ran at a speed of 23.5 mph, while the slowest Japanese Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 23.5 mph.
How Fast the Irish Wolfhound Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Irish Wolfhound can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Irish Wolfhound Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Irish Wolfhound.
The average running speed of the Irish Wolfhound is 21.8 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Irish Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound 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.