Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Pug Can Run
- How to Make Your Pug Run Fast
- Speed of Pug Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Pug Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Pug Can Run
How Fast the Pug 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 26 different Pugs, the average speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph (25.2 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Pug ran in a race is 21.68 mph (34.9 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Pug is 4.35 mph (7.0 kmph).
The name of the fastest Pug in the AKC record is Chesapeake Bay`s Miss Buttercup NAJ NAP NJP NF FCAT SWNE SCA, a female Pug. This was the Pug that set the 21.68 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Pug male versus the female, the average speed of the male Pug is 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph), while the average speed of the female Pug is 15.1 mph (24.4 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Pug ranks number 232 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 Pug 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 Pug Run Fast
If you want your Pug to run fast, make sure your Pug is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Pug for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Pug run fast:
- Make sure your Pug is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Pug is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Pug are well-formed before making your Pug 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 Pug for running: Before getting your Pug into serious running, first condition your Pug from running. First, start slow by exercising your Pug regularly. Also, play fetch with your Pug, take your Pug for regular walks. All these will make your Pug very fit for running.
- Make sure your Pug is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Pug`s growth to prevent your Pug from being overweight.
Get your Pug a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Pug 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 Pug`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Pug is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Pug Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Pugs weigh around 14 to 18 pounds and height 10 to 14 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 Pug 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 Azawakhs Can Run | 25.4 mph (40.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Italian Greyhounds Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Kishu Kens Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.3 kmph) |
| How Fast American Leopard Hounds Can Run | 21.9 mph (35.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Barbets Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast American Eskimo Dogs Can Run | 21.0 mph (33.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Tibetan Mastiffs Can Run | 20.4 mph (32.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Miniature Bull Terriers Can Run | 20.4 mph (32.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens Can Run | 18.1 mph (29.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Pugs Can Run | 15.7 mph (25.2 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Brittany?
The Brittany can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Brittany is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Pug on record ran at a speed of 21.7 mph, while the slowest Pug competing in a race ran at a speed 4.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Brittany on record ran at a speed of 32.4 mph, while the slowest Brittany competing in a race ran at a speed of 7.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Brittanys can run here.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Spanish Water Dog?
The Spanish Water Dog can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Spanish Water Dog is 23.3 mph.
The fastest Pug on record ran at a speed of 21.7 mph, while the slowest Pug competing in a race ran at a speed 4.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Spanish Water Dog on record ran at a speed of 27.4 mph, while the slowest Spanish Water Dog competing in a race ran at a speed of 6.8 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Tibetan Mastiff?
The Tibetan Mastiff can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Tibetan Mastiff is 20.4 mph.
The fastest Pug on record ran at a speed of 21.7 mph, while the slowest Pug competing in a race ran at a speed 4.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Tibetan Mastiff on record ran at a speed of 24.0 mph, while the slowest Tibetan Mastiff competing in a race ran at a speed of 18.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Tibetan Mastiffs can run here.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Pekingese?
The Pug can run faster than the Pekingese.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Pekingese is 9.4 mph.
The fastest Pug on record ran at a speed of 21.7 mph, while the slowest Pug competing in a race ran at a speed 4.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Pekingese on record ran at a speed of 18.6 mph, while the slowest Pekingese competing in a race ran at a speed 4.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Pekingeses can run here.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Cesky Terrier?
The Cesky Terrier can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Cesky Terrier is 16.1 mph.
The fastest Pug on record ran at a speed of 21.7 mph, while the slowest Pug competing in a race ran at a speed 4.3 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Cesky Terrier on record ran at a speed of 18.6 mph, while the slowest Cesky Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 9.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Cesky Terriers can run here.
How Fast the Pug Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Pug 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) |
| Pug | 15.7 mph (25.3 kmph) |
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Pug Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Pug.
The average running speed of the Pug is 15.7 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Pug 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 Pug 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.