You probably think the cheetah holds the crown as the fastest animal on earth — and you’d be right. But here’s something surprising: some dogs are so incredibly fast, you might not even catch a glimpse of them as they race past.
In this guide, a few breeds will be highlighted that might not top every list but are truly renowned for their unbelievable speed and hunting skills. These hunting dog breeds are often seen in racing sports. You’ll only witness their racing power during a fetch game or when they’re dashing around the park.
These agile athletes combine lightning-fast reflexes with unwavering focus, turning every pursuit into a breathtaking display of instinct and precision. Their strength and endurance make them the ultimate partners for hunters and adventurers alike.
Together, let’s explore which of these athletic dogs stand out as the fastest breeds in the canine world, and surprisingly, also make great family pets.
Hunting Dog Breeds Known for Their Speed
1. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier may be small, but this little powerhouse runs with the heart of a true hunter.
The Russell Terrier was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 2012 and placed under the Terrier Group. They are vigilant, intrigued, and energetic in nature.
Despite their small yet sturdy build, Russell Terriers possess unmatched stamina. As a terrier breed, they were bred specifically for hunting in the mid-19th century.
Russells are lightning-fast, reaching top speeds of around 37 mph. Their muscular legs are driving their gait with incredible endurance. With their sharp eyesight, they can easily lock onto their prey from a huge distance, long before you even notice it.
About two centuries ago, hunting was quite popular in England. At that time in history, Parson John “Jack” Russell set out to create the perfect hunting companion — swift, fearless, and versatile. After years of dedication, he succeeded, giving us the remarkable Jack Russell Terrier.
ack Russell Terriers are bursting with energy and need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and balanced. They thrive on activities like running, agility training, fetch, and long walks — anything that challenges both their body and mind.
2. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a sleek hunting dog known for its incredible speed, endurance, and affectionate nature.
Hill’s Pet describes Vizslas as a lively, athletic breed with bursting energy. Thanks to their hunting roots, they are not confined to solitude and love being a part of a family with an active lifestyle. They are highly sociable and loyal hunting companions.
Vizslas are incredibly swift; they can even sprint at 40 mph (faster than you can imagine!) Their lean frame and strong muscular legs give them incredible agility. They even make great family pets and love being in households with children.
The story of the Vizsla begins centuries ago with the Magyars, a tribe of expert hunters. Originally bred for falconry, helping their handlers chase and retrieve game. Their quick reflexes, nimbleness, and athleticism made them truly one of a kind.
3. Saluki
Meet the Saluki, one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. With a sleek, slender frame and powerful muscles, this dog is perfectly designed for elegance and pursuit. They are a dignified and independent-minded breed that sets them apart from other dogs.
Saluki is among the fastest dog breeds, capable of reaching up to 48 mph. In old times, they were used to hunt the Dorcas gazelle, with a speed range of 50 mph. Salukis are exceptionally light-footed; they can twist and turn effortlessly even at high speeds.
This ability comes from their slender physique and their heritage as skilled hunting dogs.
Britannica reveals that the Saluki, an ancient hound, may trace back to 7000-6000 BCE. Back in time, the Saluki was considered to be a royal dog in Egypt and was admired by Pharaohs. They were used to hunt gazelles across the desert.
4. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a high-energy, fearless, and courageous breed that originated in Germany, where it was developed for hunting large game. Affectionately called, Gray Ghost, these energetic dogs are loved by hunters and pet parents alike for their obedient nature and elegant looks.
Weimaraners are active and spirited dogs with deep chests that need a lot of physical activity to stay healthy. They love to run, reaching top speeds of up to 35 mph.
They get along well with kids and enjoy being treated as a family member. Their trainability and willing-to-please nature make them a wonderful companion.
Grand Duke of Weimar, Karl August, played a key role in shaping the Weimaraner; he wanted a perfect hunting dog that also made a great companion.
Though first used for large games, the Weimaraner later proved its talent for hunting small game like upland bird hunting, effortlessly pointing out pheasants and quails. Their extraordinary diversity of skills still defines the Weimaraner today.
5. Ibizan Hound
People often compare Ibizan to deer for their sleek, racing bodies and prominent, erect ears. Not just similar in appearance, these dogs are quick on their feet and are capable of amazing jumps. Developed for chasing rabbits, it possesses both velocity and stamina.
In the Modern World, it’s known most for its affectionate, family-friendly nature.
According to the AKC, the Ibizan Hound once hit the highest speed of 36.79 mph. Their average running pace is around 25.9 mph. Though they make good house dogs, but are naturally athletic, so they need plenty of daily activity.
They are also capable of high jumps, so make sure your fences are tall and secure!
As far back as 3400 BC, the Phoenicians and Ancient Carthage settlers used this hound as a guard dog and hunting partner. Its origins lie back to the island of Ibiza, just off the Spanish coast. These dogs usually worked together in groups; female hounds are considered sharper and more skilled at the hunt.
6. Sloughi
The Sloughi, sometimes called the Arabian Greyhound, is an ancient, domesticated dog breed admired for its blazing speed, which earned favor among royalty. They have a robust build and are better known for their high prey drive.
Sloughis are known for their incredible swiftness; they typically run at around 35-40 mph. In terms of personality, they are soft-natured and a bit reserved. These dogs bond closely with their family but remain cautious around strangers.
Native to North Africa, the Sloughi is still rare in the United States. For centuries, Berber tribes have treasured this breed for its swiftness and hunting abilities. Traditionally, they were used to hunt foxes, hares, and gazelles with their remarkable nimbleness and sharp eyesight.
This breed holds so much significance that it came to be a symbol of nobility and wealth for its owner. They also have a history of companionship and are held dear by people.
7. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs with a striking white coat (peppered with a few dark spots). They are strong, muscular dogs with an athletic build. Dalmatians are outgoing, smart, and fun-loving. They have high track instincts, which define much of their hunting abilities.
Dalmatians can run 37 miles per hour. The Kennel Club says that they are “capable of great endurance and speed”. Because of their coaching competence, these dogs are repeatedly involved in road trials (where dogs run beside a horse or carriage)
According to the British Carriage Dog Society, in the 16th century, when spotted hounds were no longer needed, young British nobles brought these dogs as perfect carriage companions. They were appreciated for their well-built legs and kind demeanor with horses.
Conclusion
When it comes to the dog world, a versatile hunting dog isn’t just about remarkable speed, retrieving skills, or the ability to maintain high speeds across rough ground. The right breed can only work tirelessly and showcase its talent with an active owner.
Popular breeds like the Karelian Bear Dog are also hunting dogs who served as livestock guardians in the past and now entertain their families at the dog park. These active dogs are literally seen in many real-life activities, whether they are racing dogs or excelling in outdoor adventures.
Ultimately, all of the breeds mentioned in this article are great as housedogs too. The only secret to handling them is patience, for both the dog and the owner.
Any breed without training or positive reinforcement can lead to destructive behavior; one must know how to deal with these dog breeds, especially those with sharp instincts.
