Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Saint Bernard Can Run
- How to Make Your Saint Bernard Run Fast
- Speed of Saint Bernard Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Saint Bernard Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Saint Bernard Can Run
How Fast the Saint Bernard 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 18 different Saint Bernards, the average speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph (31.3 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Saint Bernard ran in a race is 23.84 mph (38.4 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Saint Bernard is 11.63 mph (18.7 kmph).
The name of the fastest Saint Bernard in the AKC record is Brandau Ridge Takn A Walk Thru Ur Heart BN RI NAP OJP NFP FCAT SWAE SWE SCM SEM SHDN RATS CGC TKI, a female Saint Bernard. This was the Saint Bernard that set the 23.84 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Saint Bernard male versus the female, the average speed of the male Saint Bernard is 18.5 mph (29.7 kmph), while the average speed of the female Saint Bernard is 20.2 mph (32.5 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Saint Bernard ranks number 182 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 Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard Run Fast
If you want your Saint Bernard to run fast, make sure your Saint Bernard is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Saint Bernard for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Saint Bernard run fast:
- Make sure your Saint Bernard is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Saint Bernard is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Saint Bernard are well-formed before making your Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard for running: Before getting your Saint Bernard into serious running, first condition your Saint Bernard from running. First, start slow by exercising your Saint Bernard regularly. Also, play fetch with your Saint Bernard, take your Saint Bernard for regular walks. All these will make your Saint Bernard very fit for running.
- Make sure your Saint Bernard is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Saint Bernard`s growth to prevent your Saint Bernard from being overweight.
Get your Saint Bernard a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Saint Bernard is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Saint Bernard Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Saint Bernards weigh around 120 to 180 pounds and height 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s.
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 Saint Bernard compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Scottish Deerhounds Can Run | 26.0 mph (41.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Italian Greyhounds Can Run | 24.4 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Flat-Coated Retrievers Can Run | 24.3 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Icelandic Sheepdogs Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Great Danes Can Run | 22.9 mph (36.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Bull Terriers Can Run | 22.6 mph (36.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Danish-Swedish Farmdogs Can Run | 22.5 mph (36.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Welsh Terriers Can Run | 20.3 mph (32.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Saint Bernards Can Run | 19.5 mph (31.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Russian Toys Can Run | 17.4 mph (28.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Brussels Griffons Can Run | 17.1 mph (27.5 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Australian Cattle Dog?
The Australian Cattle Dog can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Australian Cattle Dog is 24.0 mph.
The fastest Saint Bernard on record ran at a speed of 23.8 mph, while the slowest Saint Bernard competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Australian Cattle Dog on record ran at a speed of 30.0 mph, while the slowest Australian Cattle Dog competing in a race ran at a speed of 13.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Australian Cattle Dogs can run here.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Toy Fox Terrier?
The Saint Bernard can run faster than the Toy Fox Terrier.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Toy Fox Terrier is 18.8 mph.
The fastest Saint Bernard on record ran at a speed of 23.8 mph, while the slowest Saint Bernard competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 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 5.3 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Curly-Coated Retriever?
The Curly-Coated Retriever can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Curly-Coated Retriever is 23.6 mph.
The fastest Saint Bernard on record ran at a speed of 23.8 mph, while the slowest Saint Bernard competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Curly-Coated Retriever on record ran at a speed of 29.2 mph, while the slowest Curly-Coated Retriever competing in a race ran at a speed of 3.6 mph.
Learn more about how fast Curly-Coated Retrievers can run here.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Boston Terrier?
The Boston Terrier can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Boston Terrier is 21.2 mph.
The fastest Saint Bernard on record ran at a speed of 23.8 mph, while the slowest Saint Bernard competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Boston Terrier on record ran at a speed of 27.0 mph, while the slowest Boston Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Boston Terriers can run here.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Italian Greyhound?
The Italian Greyhound can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Italian Greyhound is 24.4 mph.
The fastest Saint Bernard on record ran at a speed of 23.8 mph, while the slowest Saint Bernard competing in a race ran at a speed 11.6 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Italian Greyhound on record ran at a speed of 35.8 mph, while the slowest Italian Greyhound competing in a race ran at a speed of 2.5 mph.
Learn more about how fast Italian Greyhounds can run here.
How Fast the Saint Bernard Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Saint Bernard 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) |
| Saint Bernard | 19.5 mph (31.4 kmph) |
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Saint Bernard Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Saint Bernard.
The average running speed of the Saint Bernard is 19.5 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard 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.