Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Maltese Can Run
- How to Make Your Maltese Run Fast
- Speed of Maltese Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Maltese Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Maltese Can Run
How Fast the Maltese 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 9 different Malteses, the average speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph (23.6 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Maltese ran in a race is 24.41 mph (39.3 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Maltese is 8.18 mph (13.2 kmph).
The name of the fastest Maltese in the AKC record is Sawyer Brown NAJ FCAT2 CGC, a male Maltese. This was the Maltese that set the 24.41 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Maltese male versus the female, the average speed of the male Maltese is 15.9 mph (25.5 kmph), while the average speed of the female Maltese is 11.9 mph (19.1 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Maltese ranks number 238 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 Maltese 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 Maltese Run Fast
If you want your Maltese to run fast, make sure your Maltese is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Maltese for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Maltese run fast:
- Make sure your Maltese is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Maltese is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Maltese are well-formed before making your Maltese 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 Maltese for running: Before getting your Maltese into serious running, first condition your Maltese from running. First, start slow by exercising your Maltese regularly. Also, play fetch with your Maltese, take your Maltese for regular walks. All these will make your Maltese very fit for running.
- Make sure your Maltese is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Maltese`s growth to prevent your Maltese from being overweight.
Get your Maltese a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Maltese 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 Maltese`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Maltese is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Maltese Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Malteses weigh around Up to 7 pounds with height 8 to 10 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 Maltese compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs Can Run | 26.1 mph (42.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Dalmatians Can Run | 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Transylvanian Hounds Can Run | 24.7 mph (39.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Xoloitzcuintlis Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Rottweilers Can Run | 22.9 mph (36.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Danish-Swedish Farmdogs Can Run | 22.5 mph (36.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Collies Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Leonbergers Can Run | 20.0 mph (32.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Shetland Sheepdogs Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Kromfohrlanders Can Run | 19.5 mph (31.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Malteses Can Run | 14.7 mph (23.6 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Newfoundland?
The Newfoundland can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Newfoundland is 18.5 mph.
The fastest Maltese on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Maltese competing in a race ran at a speed 8.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Newfoundland on record ran at a speed of 23.9 mph, while the slowest Newfoundland competing in a race ran at a speed of 8.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Newfoundlands can run here.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Toy Fox Terrier?
The Toy Fox Terrier can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Toy Fox Terrier is 18.8 mph.
The fastest Maltese on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Maltese competing in a race ran at a speed 8.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Toy Fox Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.3 mph, while the slowest Toy Fox Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 5.3 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Great Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Great Pyrenees is 19.7 mph.
The fastest Maltese on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Maltese competing in a race ran at a speed 8.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Great Pyrenees on record ran at a speed of 24.3 mph, while the slowest Great Pyrenees competing in a race ran at a speed of 10.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Great Pyreneess can run here.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Vizsla?
The Vizsla can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Vizsla is 25.1 mph.
The fastest Maltese on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Maltese competing in a race ran at a speed 8.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Vizsla on record ran at a speed of 32.3 mph, while the slowest Vizsla competing in a race ran at a speed of 7.3 mph.
Learn more about how fast Vizslas can run here.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Manchester Terrier?
The Manchester Terrier can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Manchester Terrier is 22.1 mph.
The fastest Maltese on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Maltese competing in a race ran at a speed 8.2 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Manchester Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.4 mph, while the slowest Manchester Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 13.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Manchester Terriers can run here.
How Fast the Maltese Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Maltese 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) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
| Maltese | 14.7 mph (23.7 kmph) |
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Maltese Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Maltese.
The average running speed of the Maltese is 14.7 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Maltese 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 Maltese 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.