Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Saluki Can Run
- How to Make Your Saluki Run Fast
- Speed of Saluki Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Saluki Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Saluki Can Run
How Fast the Saluki 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 129 different Salukis, the average speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph (45.0 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Saluki ran in a race is 36.79 mph (59.2 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Saluki is 11.88 mph (19.1 kmph).
The name of the fastest Saluki in the AKC record is CH Aspen`s Zelda Zarina SC DCAT CGCA TKN, a female Saluki. This was the Saluki that set the 36.79 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Saluki male versus the female, the average speed of the male Saluki is 28.3 mph (45.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female Saluki is 27.5 mph (44.3 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Saluki ranks number 3 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 Saluki 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 Saluki Run Fast
If you want your Saluki to run fast, make sure your Saluki is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Saluki for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Saluki run fast:
- Make sure your Saluki is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Saluki is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Saluki are well-formed before making your Saluki 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 Saluki for running: Before getting your Saluki into serious running, first condition your Saluki from running. First, start slow by exercising your Saluki regularly. Also, play fetch with your Saluki, take your Saluki for regular walks. All these will make your Saluki very fit for running.
- Make sure your Saluki is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Saluki`s growth to prevent your Saluki from being overweight.
Get your Saluki a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Saluki 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 Saluki`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Saluki is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Saluki Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Salukis weigh around 35 to 70 pounds and height 23 to 28 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 Saluki compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Salukis Can Run | 27.9 mph (45.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Sloughis Can Run | 26.4 mph (42.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Small Munsterlanders Can Run | 25.4 mph (40.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Bracco Italianos Can Run | 24.6 mph (39.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Flat-Coated Retrievers Can Run | 24.3 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Manchester Terriers Can Run | 22.1 mph (35.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Norwegian Buhunds Can Run | 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Welsh Springer Spaniels Can Run | 21.1 mph (33.9 kmph) |
| How Fast American Eskimo Dogs Can Run | 21.0 mph (33.7 kmph) |
| How Fast English Cocker Spaniels Can Run | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Russell Terriers Can Run | 19.2 mph (30.9 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Affenpinscher?
The Saluki can run faster than the Affenpinscher.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Affenpinscher is 16.0 mph.
The fastest Saluki on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Saluki competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Affenpinscher on record ran at a speed of 19.7 mph, while the slowest Affenpinscher competing in a race ran at a speed 13.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Affenpinschers can run here.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Barbet?
The Saluki can run faster than the Barbet.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Barbet is 21.8 mph.
The fastest Saluki on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Saluki competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Barbet on record ran at a speed of 26.9 mph, while the slowest Barbet competing in a race ran at a speed 14.8 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Toy Fox Terrier?
The Saluki can run faster than the Toy Fox Terrier.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Toy Fox Terrier is 18.8 mph.
The fastest Saluki on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Saluki competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 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 Saluki Run Faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer?
The Saluki can run faster than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 25.3 mph.
The fastest Saluki on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Saluki competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest German Shorthaired Pointer on record ran at a speed of 33.7 mph, while the slowest German Shorthaired Pointer competing in a race ran at a speed 12.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast German Shorthaired Pointers can run here.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Cesky Terrier?
The Saluki can run faster than the Cesky Terrier.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cesky Terrier is 16.1 mph.
The fastest Saluki on record ran at a speed of 36.8 mph, while the slowest Saluki competing in a race ran at a speed 11.9 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 9.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Cesky Terriers can run here.
How Fast the Saluki Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Saluki 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) |
| Saluki | 27.9 mph (44.9 kmph) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Saluki can run faster than the Usain Bolt.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Saluki can run faster than the Squirrel.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Saluki Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Saluki.
The average running speed of the Saluki is 27.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Saluki 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 Saluki 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.
