Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Fast the Yorkshire Terrier Can Run
- How to Make Your Yorkshire Terrier Run Fast
- Speed of Yorkshire Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- How Fast the Yorkshire Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
- Conclusion on How Fast the Yorkshire Terrier Can Run
How Fast the Yorkshire 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 28 different Yorkshire Terriers, the average speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Yorkshire Terrier ran in a race is 20.67 mph (33.3 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Yorkshire Terrier is 7.5 mph (12.1 kmph).
The name of the fastest Yorkshire Terrier in the AKC record is Queen Of Cleptomania FCAT TKN, a female Yorkshire Terrier. This was the Yorkshire Terrier that set the 20.67 mph record speed.
If it comes down to the speed of the Yorkshire Terrier male versus the female, the average speed of the male Yorkshire Terrier is 16.8 mph (27.0 kmph), while the average speed of the female Yorkshire Terrier is 15.3 mph (24.6 kmph).
Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier ranks number 223 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 Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier Run Fast
If you want your Yorkshire Terrier to run fast, make sure your Yorkshire Terrier is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Yorkshire Terrier for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Yorkshire Terrier run fast:
- Make sure your Yorkshire Terrier is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Yorkshire Terrier is in good health necessary for running.
- Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Yorkshire Terrier are well-formed before making your Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier for running: Before getting your Yorkshire Terrier into serious running, first condition your Yorkshire Terrier from running. First, start slow by exercising your Yorkshire Terrier regularly. Also, play fetch with your Yorkshire Terrier, take your Yorkshire Terrier for regular walks. All these will make your Yorkshire Terrier very fit for running.
- Make sure your Yorkshire Terrier is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Yorkshire Terrier`s growth to prevent your Yorkshire Terrier from being overweight.
Get your Yorkshire Terrier a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.
The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Terrier`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Yorkshire Terrier is scratching or licking itself too much.
Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.
Speed of Yorkshire Terrier Compared to Other Dog Breeds
Yorkshire Terriers weigh around 4 to 6 pounds and height 8 to 9 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 Yorkshire Terrier compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:
| Dog Breed | Average Speed |
|---|---|
| How Fast Basenjis Can Run | 23.8 mph (38.3 kmph) |
| How Fast Golden Retrievers Can Run | 23.6 mph (37.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Kerry Blue Terriers Can Run | 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Boerboels Can Run | 22.7 mph (36.6 kmph) |
| How Fast Barbets Can Run | 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph) |
| How Fast Welsh Springer Spaniels Can Run | 21.1 mph (33.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Bergamasco Sheepdogs Can Run | 20.1 mph (32.4 kmph) |
| How Fast Black and Tan Coonhounds Can Run | 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph) |
| How Fast Bichon Frises Can Run | 16.6 mph (26.7 kmph) |
| How Fast Yorkshire Terriers Can Run | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
| How Fast Dandie Dinmont Terriers Can Run | 10.7 mph (17.3 kmph) |
Read this article to learn about how fast dogs run.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Danish-Swedish Farmdog?
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is 22.5 mph.
The fastest Yorkshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 20.7 mph, while the slowest Yorkshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 7.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Danish-Swedish Farmdog on record ran at a speed of 25.7 mph, while the slowest Danish-Swedish Farmdog competing in a race ran at a speed of 18.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Plott?
The Plott can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Plott is 24.0 mph.
The fastest Yorkshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 20.7 mph, while the slowest Yorkshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 7.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Plott on record ran at a speed of 28.0 mph, while the slowest Plott competing in a race ran at a speed of 16.1 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Chinook?
The Chinook can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Chinook is 22.1 mph.
The fastest Yorkshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 20.7 mph, while the slowest Yorkshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 7.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Chinook on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest Chinook competing in a race ran at a speed of 15.8 mph.
Learn more about how fast Chinooks can run here.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Hokkaido?
The Hokkaido can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Hokkaido is 25.1 mph.
The fastest Yorkshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 20.7 mph, while the slowest Yorkshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 7.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Hokkaido on record ran at a speed of 25.1 mph, while the slowest Hokkaido competing in a race ran at a speed of 25.1 mph.
Learn more about how fast Hokkaidos can run here.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Broholmer?
The Broholmer can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Broholmer is 17.3 mph.
The fastest Yorkshire Terrier on record ran at a speed of 20.7 mph, while the slowest Yorkshire Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 7.5 mph.
On the other hand, the fastest Broholmer on record ran at a speed of 21.8 mph, while the slowest Broholmer competing in a race ran at a speed of 11.4 mph.
Learn more about how fast Broholmers can run here.
How Fast the Yorkshire Terrier Can Run Compared to Other Mammals
See how fast the Yorkshire 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) |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 16.1 mph (25.9 kmph) |
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?
The Usain Bolt can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Cheetah?
The Cheetah can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?
The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Squirrel?
The Squirrel can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Horse?
The Horse can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?
The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Deer?
The Deer can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Wolf?
The Wolf can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Red Fox?
The Red Fox can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Gray Fox?
The Gray Fox can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?
The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.
Can the Yorkshire Terrier Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?
The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Yorkshire Terrier.
The average running speed of the Yorkshire Terrier is 16.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.
Conclusion on How Fast the Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire 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.