Ever tried racing your dog across the yard, only to get left behind in seconds? Some dogs aren’t just fast. They are built for speed. While we usually see dogs as loyal and playful friends, a few of them were originally bred to hunt, race, or guard at speeds that are hard to believe.
And here is a fun fact: during a full sprint, a dog’s heart rate can rise up to 300-360 beats per minute! This shows just how intense their drive and effort really are.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the fastest dog breeds in the world that are known for their agility and sprinting.
Most Fastest Dog Breeds In The World
1. Greyhound
Top Speed: 42 mph
Did you know that Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world? They can hit top speed in just six strides! Their sprint is smooth and powerful. AKC mentions that they stay in the air around 75% of the time while running at top speed.
But here’s the twist: Greyhounds are also known as couch potatoes. They sleep a lot and stay calm indoors. That makes them great for city life too. They are also great family pets and easy to live with.
Why they are fast:
They run in a double suspension gallop
Long legs and lean bodies
Light frame with strong muscles
Specifically bred for speed and chase
Built to move at high speeds over short distances
2. Whippet
Top speed: 39 mph
Whippets are one of the fastest dog breeds, especially for their size. They look like smaller Greyhounds, and that’s because they were developed from them. Even though they run fast, Whippets are quiet and gentle.
They love to cuddle and nap when not running. They don’t bark much and fit well in apartments. Whippets are also good with children. This makes them great family pets.
Why they are fast:
Light, slim, and lean body
Long legs with strong muscles
Came from racing dog breeds
Specifically bred to hunt using sight
Can run fast over long distances
3. Borzoi
Top speed: 36 mph
The Borzoi is a tall and elegant dog breed that was originally bred in Russia to hunt wolves, rabbits, and foxes. These hound dogs may look calm, but they have great speed. Even with their big size, they move fast and smoothly.
Borzois are great and love to relax with their family. They also do well in apartments, just like Greyhounds. Their long coat needs some care, but they are loving pups who enjoy a little sprint now and then.
Why they are fast:
Long legs and slim build
Strong hunting instinct
Originally bred to chase fast animals
Light and tall body
Can run well over short distances
4. Saluki
Top speed: 32 mph
Salukis are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Britannica says that the Saluki was popular among pharaohs and was used to hunt fast animals like gazelles and hares. Salukis are known for their speed and endurance.
This helps them run long distances at high speeds. They are gentle and quiet dogs, but have a strong chase instinct. People in North Africa and the Middle East still race them in dog events.
Why they are fast:
Long legs and a deep chest
Light and lean body
Originally bred to chase prey in open land
Strong sighthound instinct
Good at running over long distances at a steady speed
5. Afghan Hound
Top speed: 31 mph
The Afghan Hound is not just a pretty face. Beneath that silky coat is a strong and muscular body made for speed. These hound dogs were originally bred in the cold, rough mountains of Afghanistan to hunt big animals.
They can be a little stubborn, and training them takes patience. But they are smart dogs and are full of energy. They love to run and need space to stretch their long legs.
Why they are fast:
Long legs with large paws for rough ground
Strong instinct to chase moving animals
Originally bred to hunt over rocky land
Thick coat protects them while running in cold areas
Great stamina and agility for mountain runs
6. Weimaraner
Top speed: 31 mph
The Weimaraner may be big, but that doesn’t slow it down. This dog breed can race at top speed without breaking a sweat. They were originally bred in Germany to hunt tough animals like deer and even bears.
You can spot a Weimaraner by its smooth silver coat, long floppy ears, and bright blue or amber eyes. These medium-sized dogs are smart, strong, and always ready for action.
Why they are fast:
Bred to hunt large animals over long distances
Lean and muscular build
Full of natural energy
Sharp mind and strong body
Great at quick bursts and long runs
7. Border Collie
Top speed: 31 mph
The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds you’ll meet. They can hit a top speed of around 30 miles per hour, and they love every second of it. Border Collies need lots of movement every day.
Whether they are playing fetch or running on a farm, they stay happy when they stay busy. This is not the kind of dog that likes to sit still. They also make great running buddies and love mental games.
Why they are fast:
Originally bred to herd fast-moving animals
High energy and sharp focus
Great at agility and long runs
Quick reflexes and strong stamina
Smart and easy to train
8. Ibizan Hound
Top speed: 31 mph
Have you ever seen a dog leap straight into the air like a deer? That’s the Ibizan Hound. These dogs don’t just run fast. They fly (seriously!). PetMD states that they were originally bred in ancient Egypt, and then traders brought them to the islands, where they were used for hunting rabbits.
Their slim frame and tall legs say it all: this is a dog made to move. But don’t let the power fool you. They are also sweet, playful, and a little goofy. If you’ve got a fenced yard and some time to play, they’ll bring the fun (and the jumps).
Why they are fast:
Originally bred to chase fast animals like rabbits
Long legs and a lean body
Light build for quick movement
Strong legs with amazing jumping power
Sharp instinct and fast reaction time
9. Doberman Pinscher
Top speed: 31 mph
Let’s be honest: Dobermans have that look. That sharp and powerful build tells you they mean business. You’ve seen them in movies. One stare, and the bad guy runs the other way. But these dogs are more than tough. They’re fast. Really fast.
This working breed was originally bred to be both a protector and a runner. What surprises most people is how loyal and loving they are. They’re not just guard dogs. They’re playful pups who bond tightly with their family.
Why they are fast:
Strong and muscular frame made for sprinting
A fearless attitude keeps them quick on their feet
Originally bred as working dogs with guard duties
Sharp reflexes and fast reaction time
High energy levels and love to run
10. Great Dane
Top speed: 30 mph
Let’s get one thing straight: Great Danes are huge. Some weigh more than 150 pounds and stand over 32 inches tall. But don’t let the size fool you. A full-grown Dane can reach speeds up to 30 mph! That quickness isn’t random. It’s in their blood.
That said, your modern Dane probably prefers a comfy bed to a wild chase. They’re friendly and usually happy with a few daily walks and playtime. Just don’t exercise them right after meals. Big breeds like Danes are at risk for serious stomach issues if you do.
Why they are fast:
Originally bred to hunt fast and strong animals
Long legs and deep chests help with stride and breathing
Strong muscles under all that size
Good for quick bursts of speed, not for long runs
Still carries the instincts of a true working breed
Conclusion
So, what did we learn? The fastest dog breeds in the world aren’t just quick. They are powerful and full of energy. It can be the rocket-fast Greyhound or the strong and loyal Doberman. Then there are other dogs as well that are known for their speed. These include the German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Belgian Malinois, and Boxers.
But here’s the thing: not all dogs need to be fast to be amazing. What matters most is the bond they share with their owners. Still, if you’re looking for a pup who loves the thrill of the race, enjoys a good sprint at the dog run, and needs regular exercise, one of these breeds might be your perfect match. Just make sure you’re ready to keep up… or step aside and let them fly!
