Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the West Highland White Terrier Can Run
- How to Make Your West Highland White Terrier Run Fast
- Speed of West Highland White Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the West Highland White Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the West Highland White Terrier Can Run
How Fast the West Highland White 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 147 different West Highland White Terriers, the average speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph (25.0 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the West Highland White Terrier ran in a race is 21.26 mph (34.2 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a West Highland White Terrier is 5.48 mph (8.8 kmph).
The name of the fastest West Highland White Terrier in the AKC record is Bella Vista`s Special Delivery! RN FDC FCAT ACT2, a female West Highland White Terrier. This was the West Highland White Terrier that set the 21.26 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the West Highland White Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male West Highland White Terrier is 15.9 mph (25.6 kmph), while the average speed of the female West Highland White Terrier is 15.2 mph (24.4 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the West Highland White Terrier ranks number 233 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier Run Fast
If you want your West Highland White Terrier to run fast, make sure your West Highland White Terrier is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your West Highland White Terrier for running. Here at the things you can do to make your West Highland White Terrier run fast:
- Make sure your West Highland White Terrier is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your West Highland White Terrier is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your West Highland White Terrier are well-formed before making your West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier for running: Before getting your West Highland White Terrier into serious running, first condition your West Highland White Terrier from running. First, start slow by exercising your West Highland White Terrier regularly. Also, play fetch with your West Highland White Terrier, take your West Highland White Terrier for regular walks. All these will make your West Highland White Terrier very fit for running.
- Make sure your West Highland White Terrier is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your West Highland White Terrier`s growth to prevent your West Highland White Terrier from being overweight.
Get your West Highland White Terrier a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your West Highland White Terrier is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of West Highland White Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
West Highland White Terriers weigh around 13 to 22 pounds and height 10 to 11 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 West Highland White Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Wirehaired Pointing Griffons Can Run | 24.7 mph (39.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Standard Poodles Can Run | 22.7 mph (36.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Briards Can Run | 21.5 mph (34.5 kmph) |
| How Fast Smooth Fox Terriers Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Finnish Lapphunds Can Run | 21.2 mph (34.1 kmph) |
| How Fast French Bulldogs Can Run | 17.9 mph (28.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Teddy Roosevelt Terriers Can Run | 17.8 mph (28.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Russian Toys Can Run | 17.4 mph (28.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Havaneses Can Run | 16.0 mph (25.8 kmph) |
| How Fast Biewer Terriers Can Run | 16.0 mph (25.7 kmph) |
| How Fast West Highland White Terriers Can Run | 15.6 mph (25.0 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Biewer Terrier?
The Biewer Terrier can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Biewer Terrier is 16.0 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest Biewer Terrier on record ran at a speed of 18.4 mph, while the slowest Biewer Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 11.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Biewer Terriers can run here.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Pharaoh Hound?
The Pharaoh Hound can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Pharaoh Hound is 26.3 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest Pharaoh Hound on record ran at a speed of 31.5 mph, while the slowest Pharaoh Hound competing in a race ran at a speed of 18.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Pharaoh Hounds can run here.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Sloughi?
The Sloughi can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Sloughi is 26.4 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest Sloughi on record ran at a speed of 31.8 mph, while the slowest Sloughi competing in a race ran at a speed of 19.2 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The American Staffordshire Terrier can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 24.1 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest American Staffordshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 29.6 mph, while the slowest American Staffordshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed of 3.5 mph.
Learn more about how fast American Staffordshire Terriers can run here.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Dalmatian?
The Dalmatian can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Dalmatian is 25.1 mph.
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.
On the other hand, the fastest Dalmatian on record ran at a speed of 32.2 mph, while the slowest Dalmatian competing in a race ran at a speed of 4.0 mph.
Learn more about how fast Dalmatians can run here.
How Fast the West Highland White Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the West Highland White 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) |
| Usain Bolt | 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph) |
| Squirrel | 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph) |
| West Highland White Terrier | 15.6 mph (25.1 kmph) |
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the West Highland White Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the West Highland White Terrier.
The average running speed of the West Highland White Terrier is 15.6 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the West Highland White 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 West Highland White 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.