Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Rat Terrier Can Run
- How to Make Your Rat Terrier Run Fast
- Speed of Rat Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Rat Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Rat Terrier Can Run
How Fast the Rat Terrier 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 177 different Rat Terriers, the average speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Rat Terrier ran in a race is 28.88 mph (46.5 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Rat Terrier is 5.4 mph (8.7 kmph).
The name of the fastest Rat Terrier in the AKC record is Meraki Distinctively Different @ River Ridge BCAT, a female Rat Terrier. This was the Rat Terrier that set the 28.88 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Rat Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male Rat Terrier is 24.1 mph (38.7 kmph), while the average speed of the female Rat Terrier is 23.5 mph (37.9 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Rat Terrier ranks number 74 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 Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier Run Fast
If you want your Rat Terrier to run fast, make sure your Rat Terrier is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Rat Terrier for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Rat Terrier run fast:
- Make sure your Rat Terrier is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Rat Terrier is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Rat Terrier are well-formed before making your Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier for running: Before getting your Rat Terrier into serious running, first condition your Rat Terrier from running. First, start slow by exercising your Rat Terrier regularly. Also, play fetch with your Rat Terrier, take your Rat Terrier for regular walks. All these will make your Rat Terrier very fit for running.
- Make sure your Rat Terrier is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Rat Terrier`s growth to prevent your Rat Terrier from being overweight.
Get your Rat Terrier a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Rat Terrier is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Rat Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
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 Rat Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Bohemian Shepherds Can Run | 26.2 mph (42.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Mudis Can Run | 24.1 mph (38.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Kishu Kens Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Boerboels Can Run | 22.7 mph (36.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Standard Poodles Can Run | 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Boykin Spaniels Can Run | 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph) |
| How Fast English Springer Spaniels Can Run | 22.4 mph (36.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Border Terriers Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Lancashire Heelers Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.6 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 Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Norrbottenspets?
The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Norrbottenspets.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Norrbottenspets is 16.0 mph.
The fastest Rat Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Rat Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Norrbottenspets on record ran at a speed of 23.0 mph, while the slowest Norrbottenspets competing in a race ran at a speed 5.7 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Cocker Spaniel?
The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Cocker Spaniel.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cocker Spaniel is 18.0 mph.
The fastest Rat Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Rat Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Cocker Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 23.1 mph, while the slowest Cocker Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 9.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Cocker Spaniels can run here.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Leonberger?
The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Leonberger.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Leonberger is 20.0 mph.
The fastest Rat Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Rat Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Leonberger on record ran at a speed of 26.1 mph, while the slowest Leonberger competing in a race ran at a speed 10.2 mph.
Learn more about how fast Leonbergers can run here.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Spinone Italiano?
The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Spinone Italiano.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Spinone Italiano is 20.0 mph.
The fastest Rat Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Rat Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Spinone Italiano on record ran at a speed of 24.4 mph, while the slowest Spinone Italiano competing in a race ran at a speed 8.3 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Mountain Cur?
The Mountain Cur can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Mountain Cur is 25.9 mph.
The fastest Rat Terrier on record ran at a speed of 28.9 mph, while the slowest Rat Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.4 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Mountain Cur on record ran at a speed of 27.8 mph, while the slowest Mountain Cur competing in a race ran at a speed of 24.0 mph.
How Fast the Rat Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Rat Terrier 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) |
| Rat Terrier | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Rat Terrier can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Rat Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Rat Terrier.
The average running speed of the Rat Terrier is 23.8 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Rat Terrier 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 Rat Terrier 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.