Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Shetland Sheepdog Can Run
- How to Make Your Shetland Sheepdog Run Fast
- Speed of Shetland Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Shetland Sheepdog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Shetland Sheepdog Can Run
How Fast the Shetland Sheepdog 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 313 different Shetland Sheepdogs, the average speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph (32.1 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Shetland Sheepdog ran in a race is 27.56 mph (44.4 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Shetland Sheepdog is 4.85 mph (7.8 kmph).
The name of the fastest Shetland Sheepdog in the AKC record is Cheena Ll CA FCAT6 SCN SIN, a male Shetland Sheepdog. This was the Shetland Sheepdog that set the 27.56 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Shetland Sheepdog male versus the female, the average speed of the male Shetland Sheepdog is 20.4 mph (32.8 kmph), while the average speed of the female Shetland Sheepdog is 19.3 mph (31.1 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Shetland Sheepdog ranks number 170 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog Run Fast
If you want your Shetland Sheepdog to run fast, make sure your Shetland Sheepdog is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Shetland Sheepdog for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Shetland Sheepdog run fast:
- Make sure your Shetland Sheepdog is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Shetland Sheepdog is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Shetland Sheepdog are well-formed before making your Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog for running: Before getting your Shetland Sheepdog into serious running, first condition your Shetland Sheepdog from running. First, start slow by exercising your Shetland Sheepdog regularly. Also, play fetch with your Shetland Sheepdog, take your Shetland Sheepdog for regular walks. All these will make your Shetland Sheepdog very fit for running.
- Make sure your Shetland Sheepdog is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Shetland Sheepdog`s growth to prevent your Shetland Sheepdog from being overweight.
Get your Shetland Sheepdog a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Shetland Sheepdog is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Shetland Sheepdog Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Shetland Sheepdogs weigh around Starts at 20 pounds and height 13 to 16 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 Shetland Sheepdog compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Boxers Can Run | 25.4 mph (40.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Perro de Presa Canarios Can Run | 25.2 mph (40.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Flat-Coated Retrievers Can Run | 24.3 mph (39.2 kmph) |
| How Fast Bluetick Coonhounds Can Run | 22.5 mph (36.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Bullmastiffs Can Run | 22.2 mph (35.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Chinese Shar-Peis Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Kuvaszs Can Run | 21.7 mph (34.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Old English Sheepdogs Can Run | 21.6 mph (34.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Shetland Sheepdogs Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Coton de Tulears Can Run | 16.4 mph (26.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Biewer Terriers Can Run | 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Shih Tzu?
The Shetland Sheepdog can run faster than the Shih Tzu.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Shih Tzu is 15.1 mph.
The fastest Shetland Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Shetland Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 4.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Shih Tzu on record ran at a speed of 21.2 mph, while the slowest Shih Tzu competing in a race ran at a speed 8.9 mph.
Learn more about how fast Shih Tzus can run here.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the West Highland White Terrier?
The Shetland Sheepdog can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph.
The fastest Shetland Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Shetland Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 4.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest West Highland White Terrier on record ran at a speed of 21.3 mph, while the slowest West Highland White Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 5.5 mph.
Learn more about how fast West Highland White Terriers can run here.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Akita?
The Akita can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Akita is 21.8 mph.
The fastest Shetland Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Shetland Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 4.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Akita on record ran at a speed of 28.6 mph, while the slowest Akita competing in a race ran at a speed of 12.4 mph.
Learn more about how fast Akitas can run here.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Irish Red and White Setter?
The Irish Red and White Setter can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Irish Red and White Setter is 23.2 mph.
The fastest Shetland Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Shetland Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 4.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Irish Red and White Setter on record ran at a speed of 27.2 mph, while the slowest Irish Red and White Setter competing in a race ran at a speed of 11.7 mph.
Learn more about how fast Irish Red and White Setters can run here.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Lowchen?
The Shetland Sheepdog can run faster than the Lowchen.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Lowchen is 19.6 mph.
The fastest Shetland Sheepdog on record ran at a speed of 27.6 mph, while the slowest Shetland Sheepdog competing in a race ran at a speed 4.8 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Lowchen on record ran at a speed of 24.6 mph, while the slowest Lowchen competing in a race ran at a speed 10.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Lowchens can run here.
How Fast the Shetland Sheepdog Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Shetland Sheepdog 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) |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph) |
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Shetland Sheepdog Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Shetland Sheepdog.
The average running speed of the Shetland Sheepdog is 19.9 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Shetland Sheepdog 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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.