Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Labrador Retriever Can Run
- How to Make Your Labrador Retriever Run Fast
- Speed of Labrador Retriever Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Labrador Retriever Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Labrador Retriever Can Run
How Fast the Labrador Retriever 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 662 different Labrador Retrievers, the average speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Labrador Retriever ran in a race is 33.59 mph (54.1 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Labrador Retriever is 6.54 mph (10.5 kmph).
The name of the fastest Labrador Retriever in the AKC record is Twister BN RI FCAT ACT2 SCN DE DMA AM CGCA ATT, a male Labrador Retriever. This was the Labrador Retriever that set the 33.59 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Labrador Retriever male versus the female, the average speed of the male Labrador Retriever is 24.5 mph (39.4 kmph), while the average speed of the female Labrador Retriever is 23.7 mph (38.2 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Labrador Retriever ranks number 68 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever Run Fast
If you want your Labrador Retriever to run fast, make sure your Labrador Retriever is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Labrador Retriever for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Labrador Retriever run fast:
- Make sure your Labrador Retriever is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Labrador Retriever is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Labrador Retriever are well-formed before making your Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever for running: Before getting your Labrador Retriever into serious running, first condition your Labrador Retriever from running. First, start slow by exercising your Labrador Retriever regularly. Also, play fetch with your Labrador Retriever, take your Labrador Retriever for regular walks. All these will make your Labrador Retriever very fit for running.
- Make sure your Labrador Retriever is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Labrador Retriever`s growth to prevent your Labrador Retriever from being overweight.
Get your Labrador Retriever a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Labrador Retriever is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Labrador Retriever Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Labrador Retrievers weigh around 55 to 80 pounds and height 21 to 24 inches 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 Labrador Retriever compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Rhodesian Ridgebacks Can Run | 25.3 mph (40.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Vizslas Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Weimaraners Can Run | 24.7 mph (39.7 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 Staffordshire Bull Terriers Can Run | 22.9 mph (36.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Anatolian Shepherd Dogs Can Run | 22.3 mph (35.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Bullmastiffs Can Run | 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Australian Terriers Can Run | 18.9 mph (30.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Mastiffs Can Run | 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Pugs Can Run | 15.7 mph (25.2 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Bouvier des Flandres?
The Labrador Retriever can run faster than the Bouvier des Flandres.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Bouvier des Flandres is 22.4 mph.
The fastest Labrador Retriever on record ran at a speed of 33.6 mph, while the slowest Labrador Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 6.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Bouvier des Flandres on record ran at a speed of 28.7 mph, while the slowest Bouvier des Flandres competing in a race ran at a speed 4.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Bouvier des Flandress can run here.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Finnish Lapphund?
The Labrador Retriever can run faster than the Finnish Lapphund.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Finnish Lapphund is 21.2 mph.
The fastest Labrador Retriever on record ran at a speed of 33.6 mph, while the slowest Labrador Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 6.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Finnish Lapphund on record ran at a speed of 26.6 mph, while the slowest Finnish Lapphund competing in a race ran at a speed 11.5 mph.
Learn more about how fast Finnish Lapphunds can run here.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the American Bulldog?
The American Bulldog can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the American Bulldog is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Labrador Retriever on record ran at a speed of 33.6 mph, while the slowest Labrador Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 6.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest American Bulldog on record ran at a speed of 27.9 mph, while the slowest American Bulldog competing in a race ran at a speed of 19.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast American Bulldogs can run here.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Tibetan Terrier?
The Labrador Retriever can run faster than the Tibetan Terrier.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Tibetan Terrier is 21.0 mph.
The fastest Labrador Retriever on record ran at a speed of 33.6 mph, while the slowest Labrador Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 6.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Tibetan Terrier on record ran at a speed of 32.0 mph, while the slowest Tibetan Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Tibetan Terriers can run here.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Bichon Frise?
The Labrador Retriever can run faster than the Bichon Frise.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Bichon Frise is 16.6 mph.
The fastest Labrador Retriever on record ran at a speed of 33.6 mph, while the slowest Labrador Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed 6.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Bichon Frise on record ran at a speed of 20.6 mph, while the slowest Bichon Frise competing in a race ran at a speed 8.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Bichon Frises can run here.
How Fast the Labrador Retriever Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Labrador Retriever 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) |
| Labrador Retriever | 24.1 mph (38.8 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Labrador Retriever can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Labrador Retriever can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Labrador Retriever Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Labrador Retriever.
The average running speed of the Labrador Retriever is 24.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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.