Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback Can Run
- How to Make Your Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Fast
- Speed of Rhodesian Ridgeback Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback Can Run
How Fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 467 different Rhodesian Ridgebacks, the average speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph (40.6 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Rhodesian Ridgeback ran in a race is 33.37 mph (53.7 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Rhodesian Ridgeback is 7.86 mph (12.6 kmph).
The name of the fastest Rhodesian Ridgeback in the AKC record is FC Mwen-yezi`s Single Malt Scotch SC DCAT, a male Rhodesian Ridgeback. This was the Rhodesian Ridgeback that set the 33.37 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback male versus the female, the average speed of the male Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.2 mph (40.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph (40.7 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks number 26 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Fast
If you want your Rhodesian Ridgeback to run fast, make sure your Rhodesian Ridgeback is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Rhodesian Ridgeback for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Rhodesian Ridgeback run fast:
- Make sure your Rhodesian Ridgeback is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Rhodesian Ridgeback are well-formed before making your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback for running: Before getting your Rhodesian Ridgeback into serious running, first condition your Rhodesian Ridgeback from running. First, start slow by exercising your Rhodesian Ridgeback regularly. Also, play fetch with your Rhodesian Ridgeback, take your Rhodesian Ridgeback for regular walks. All these will make your Rhodesian Ridgeback very fit for running.
- Make sure your Rhodesian Ridgeback is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Rhodesian Ridgeback`s growth to prevent your Rhodesian Ridgeback from being overweight.
Get your Rhodesian Ridgeback a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Rhodesian Ridgeback is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Rhodesian Ridgeback Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh around 70 to 85 pounds and height 24 to 27 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Mountain Curs Can Run | 25.9 mph (41.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Rhodesian Ridgebacks Can Run | 25.3 mph (40.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Wirehaired Vizslas Can Run | 24.8 mph (39.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Rat Terriers Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Can Run | 22.9 mph (36.8 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 Bloodhounds Can Run | 19.7 mph (31.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Mastiffs Can Run | 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Clumber Spaniels Can Run | 16.7 mph (26.9 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Brittany?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Brittany.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Brittany is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Rhodesian Ridgeback on record ran at a speed of 33.4 mph, while the slowest Rhodesian Ridgeback competing in a race ran at a speed 7.9 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 7.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Brittanys can run here.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Hovawart?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Hovawart.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Hovawart is 24.2 mph.
The fastest Rhodesian Ridgeback on record ran at a speed of 33.4 mph, while the slowest Rhodesian Ridgeback competing in a race ran at a speed 7.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Hovawart on record ran at a speed of 25.6 mph, while the slowest Hovawart competing in a race ran at a speed 23.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Hovawarts can run here.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Kromfohrlander?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Kromfohrlander.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Kromfohrlander is 19.5 mph.
The fastest Rhodesian Ridgeback on record ran at a speed of 33.4 mph, while the slowest Rhodesian Ridgeback competing in a race ran at a speed 7.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Kromfohrlander on record ran at a speed of 24.3 mph, while the slowest Kromfohrlander competing in a race ran at a speed 16.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Kromfohrlanders can run here.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Drever?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Drever.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Drever is 19.1 mph.
The fastest Rhodesian Ridgeback on record ran at a speed of 33.4 mph, while the slowest Rhodesian Ridgeback competing in a race ran at a speed 7.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Drever on record ran at a speed of 23.0 mph, while the slowest Drever competing in a race ran at a speed 15.6 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Basset Fauve de Bretagne.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Basset Fauve de Bretagne is 17.8 mph.
The fastest Rhodesian Ridgeback on record ran at a speed of 33.4 mph, while the slowest Rhodesian Ridgeback competing in a race ran at a speed 7.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Basset Fauve de Bretagne on record ran at a speed of 18.8 mph, while the slowest Basset Fauve de Bretagne competing in a race ran at a speed 16.1 mph.
How Fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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) |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | 25.3 mph (40.7 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Rhodesian Ridgeback can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Rhodesian Ridgeback Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.
The average running speed of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 25.3 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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.