According to the Guinness World Records, the fastest dog ever recorded was a Greyhound named Star Title, who reached an incredible 41.83 mph on a track in Wyong, New South Wales, Australia, back in 1994.
The Belgian Malinois, on the other hand, is celebrated not just for its speed but also for its strength, agility, and versatility. From police work and military operations to guarding, search and rescue, and tracking, this breed has earned a reputation as one of the hardworking and capable dogs in the world.
But when it comes to pure speed, the Malinois isn’t the only standout. There are several other breeds that can outrun it, and some even excel at the same demanding jobs. These lightning-fast pups are nature’s version of high-performance sports cars: sleek, powerful, and built for thrill.
Let’s take a closer look at the dog breeds that can leave even the Belgian Malinois in their dust.
Dog Breeds That Could Outrun the Belgian Malinois
1. Greyhound
If you’re a fan of speed, think of the Greyhound as the canine equivalent of the world’s fastest supercar. Built for aerodynamic efficiency, this breed can leave almost any other dog in the dust the moment it spots a lure, a squirrel, or even just the thrill of the chase.
Sleek and powerful, Greyhounds are capable of reaching up to 45 mph; nearly twice the top speed of Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive. This makes them not only faster but also far more specialized in sprinting than the Belgian Malinois, easily outrunning it in a race.
Their streamlined bodies, long legs, and shock-absorbing paw pads make them natural sprinters, perfectly designed for bursts of incredible speed.
Despite their racing reputation, Greyhounds are surprisingly gentle, calm, and independent. Known for their elegance and grace, they’ve fascinated artists, poets, and royalty for centuries. This “supercar of the dog world” combines breathtaking athleticism with a noble and affectionate temperament.
Unique Traits
The Greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with origins dating back thousands of years. Ancient drawings from the Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük in Turkey and a funeral vase depicting a Greyhound-like dog found in Fusa, Iran, suggest that this elegant breed has been by humanity’s side since the earliest civilizations.
2. Saluki
The Saluki is a swift and rugged sprinter, not only built for speed but also skilled at hiking, hunting, and chasing for fun. With their slim, long legs and perfectly balanced frame, they are natural athletes, like ballerinas with a competitive edge. Often compared to high-performance supercars, Salukis are truly nature’s version of a finely engineered speed machine.
These graceful hounds can easily outrun the Belgian Malinois, reaching speeds of up to 42 mph while maintaining remarkable stamina. Their aerodynamic build and light frame allow them to move with incredible efficiency and stability at top speed.
But Salukis aren’t just fast; they are also gentle, dignified, independent, and deeply loyal to their families. Believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent (modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Territories), this ancient breed has been admired for thousands of years.
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that Salukis are available in many colors and patterns. They remain a dream companion for speed lovers and active families alike.
Fun Fact
Most dogs can sprint faster than humans, usually around 15–20 mph over short distances. But lean, long-legged breeds with deep chests and powerful lungs are built for speed, and can rocket to an incredible 25–45 mph.
3. Sloughi
The Sloughi, often called the “Arabian Greyhound,” is a graceful and noble sighthound with roots in North Africa. Originally bred to chase fast game such as foxes, hares, gazelles, jackals, and even wild pigs, this elegant hunter is built for speed and stamina.
Picture the hot, rugged deserts of North Africa, and a slender, S-shaped hound with a light sand or mahogany-red coat gliding effortlessly across the terrain. With a top speed of around 30 mph, the Sloughi can easily outrun a Belgian Malinois, leaving it behind in a sprint.
But these dogs aren’t just athletes. Sloughis are deeply devoted to their families, gentle at home, and naturally aloof with strangers, making them excellent guardians.
They’re not meant for slow walks or confined spaces; they need room to stretch out and show the powerful stride that makes them one of the world’s most captivating speedsters.
Unique Traits
Sighthounds use a special running style called the double suspension gallop, where all four feet leave the ground twice in each stride, unlike horses, which lift off only once. They’re also built with larger hearts and more red blood cells, giving them incredible speed and endurance.
4. Afghan hound
The Afghan Hound has the looks of a supermodel paired with the stamina of an athlete. With their silky, flowing coat and powerful build, these glamorous dogs have the strength and endurance to hunt all day long.
Their large, shock-absorbing paw pads help them glide across rough terrain, while their speed allows them to easily outrun the Belgian Malinois, leaving it far behind in a sprint.
According to the Continental Kennel Club, Afghan Hounds are highly intelligent, elegant, and deeply loyal. They can track game over long distances, endure cold climates, and keep up with even the most active joggers without tiring.
And while swimming isn’t their natural strength, many Afghans can learn to enjoy the water. With keen eyesight, remarkable speed, and unwavering courage, the Afghan Hound isn’t just one of the most beautiful dogs in the world — it’s also one of the most capable.
Unique Traits
The Afghan Hound, known as Sag-e Tāzī in its homeland, originates from the cold, rugged mountains of Afghanistan, where it was prized for its beauty, speed, and endurance.
5. Vizsla
The Vizsla takes us back to Europe, where this Hungarian sporting dog has been treasured for centuries. With its striking golden-rust coat and natural talents in hunting, retrieving, swimming, and agility, the Vizsla is both versatile and athletic.
Light-footed and sensitive, these dogs form strong bonds with their humans and move with a graceful, effortless trot. Experts note that a Vizsla needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation; without it, you’re not giving this intelligent dog the full life it deserves.
Often called “Velcro dogs” for their loyalty, Vizslas are also ideal jogging or biking companions. With a top speed of around 30 mph, they can easily outrun the Belgian Malinois when it comes to running.
Smart, energetic, and affectionate, they are anything but average, combining rugged stamina with elegance and devotion.
Fun Fact
The Vizsla’s history is linked to the Magyar people, a tough, fast, and agile tribe who arrived from the Russian steppe in the 9th century and spread across Western Europe. These hunting dogs were developed to match their speed and stamina, making them enduring partners in both work and companionship.
6. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound, often called the Beezer, looks like it stepped straight out of ancient art. With its long, narrow head and tall, upright ears, this breed closely resembles motifs seen in ancient Egypt. These elegant rabbit coursers have been around since the dawn of civilization and were developed on the rocky shores of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
Lightweight, agile, and incredibly fast, the Ibizan Hound can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after sighthounds in the world. Known for their spring-like leaps, they can jump high above shrubs to keep their prey in sight, a unique skill that sets them apart.
According to PetMD, Ibizan Hounds were originally bred to hunt rabbits and other small game. With smooth or wire coats in red and white, they are playful, intelligent, and affectionate family dogs when given proper training, exercise, and socialization.
With love and consistent care, you’ll have not just a rare piece of living history, but also a long-legged champion built for both speed and companionship.
7. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is instantly recognizable with its striking spots, outgoing personality, and high intelligence. Best known as loyal firehouse mascots (and even as Marshall in Paw Patrol), these athletic dogs are natural hikers, joggers, and outdoor enthusiasts who can reach speeds of around 30 mph.
But Dalmatians are more than just good looks. Historically, they were bred as protective guard dogs in their homeland, later serving as coach dogs who ran beside carriages to ward off bandits and clear the way.
They went on to accompany the first fire wagons, help in wars, and prove themselves as tireless working dogs. With the ability to maintain speed and stamina for long periods, Dalmatians can easily outrun and outlast a Belgian Malinois in pure endurance running.
Often described as the “super sports cars” of the canine world, Dalmatians combine stamina, beauty, and strength. These muscular dogs are not only capable of speed but also of going the distance, rivaling even Huskies when it comes to endurance. Loyal, athletic, and eye-catching, they are a true masterpiece of power and elegance.
Fun Fact
The exact origins of the Dalmatian remain a mystery, partly because the breed often traveled with the nomadic Romani people throughout history.
8. Whippet
The Whippet is the fastest medium-sized dog in the world, often described as a smaller, refined version of the Greyhound. Sleek, graceful, and sweet-natured, these gentle dogs can reach speeds of up to 39 mph, making them lightning-quick sprinters.
Built for speed, Whippets were designed to shatter records and push the limits of canine agility. Watching one run is like witnessing pure physics in motion; a blur of elegance, power, and precision.
Their light, aerodynamic frames make them natural athletes, much like finely tuned supercars built for the track.
Despite their racing abilities, Whippets are calm and affectionate companions at home. They excel in agility sports, love to sprint, and, true to their name, run like the wind.
Unique Fact
In Victorian England, coal miners often spent their days off racing dogs or hunting rabbits. Since they couldn’t afford the space or upkeep for larger Greyhound-type dogs, they developed a smaller, more practical version. This new breed became the Whippet; though the exact mix of breeds used to create it remains unknown.
9. Borzoi
The Borzoi, once a favorite of Russian Tsars, is a breed of elegance, speed, and history. Originally bred in Russia to hunt wolves, foxes, and hares across the countryside, these long, silky-coated hounds embody both grace and power.
Athletic yet calm, Borzois are affectionate companions but can be independent learners who quickly grow bored with repetitive training.
They thrive with variety, mental stimulation, and plenty of serious exercise. With their ability to sprint at impressive speeds, they are far faster and more graceful in motion than the Belgian Malinois.
Despite their racing ability, Borzois have a dual nature: they love short bursts of speed but also enjoy long, leisurely walks and relaxing with their families. This balance of energy makes them both unique sprinters and gentle home companions.
Unique Fact
Often compared to the Pagani Huayra of the dog world, sleek, powerful, and precision-built, the Borzoi is a striking mix of beauty, endurance, and unmatched speed.
10. Doberman Pinscher
Many admire the Belgian Malinois for being a handsome, agile multitasker; a fearless soldier, a hyper-alert protector, and a ready-to-please working dog. But have you ever met the Doberman Pinscher? Just like the Malinois, the Doberman is a versatile working breed; fast, intelligent, and incredibly enduring, but with its own unique flair that makes it one of the most dynamic dogs in the world.
The Doberman was developed as a carefully crafted mix of breeds, including the German Shepherd, Beauceron, German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Weimaraner, and Manchester Terrier. This diverse background gives the Doberman a wide range of talents, from speed to guarding to companionship.
Capable of running at speeds of around 30–32 mph, the Doberman can easily match or outrun the Belgian Malinois. Think of it as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 of the dog world; sleek, powerful, and precision-built for performance.
Beyond speed, Dobermans excel as hunting companions, search-and-rescue dogs, military and police partners, and loyal family guardians. They are vigilant, courageous, and always on the lookout to protect their “pack.” At the same time, they are affectionate, playful, and bond deeply with their families, often thriving in homes with children when properly trained and socialized.
Historical Fact
During World War II, Dobermans played a vital role in the U.S. Marine Corps’ War Dogs program. In the South Pacific, they were used to lead patrols through the dense, tropical jungles, where their loyalty, intelligence, and alertness made them invaluable companions to the Marines.
Conclusion
Even though the Belgian Malinois is a wonderfully exceptional breed on its own, these pups with a higher top speed and qualities are a whole different ball game. Because they aren’t just keeping up with the Belgian Malinois, they are leaving this icon in the dust with their intelligence, endurance, and diversity.
Hence if you want to adopt these high speed dogs that are known for constantly chasing that adrenaline in life then we also have more options for you like the beautiful grey ghost aka the Weimaraner, the blue eyed husky, the small sized jack Russell terrier, the spunky Australian cattle dog, the zooming border collie, the rambunctious Australian shepherd, the sweet labrador and the long legged standard poodle.
All these pups have exceptional beauty, grace, and power; hence, whenever you decide to bring in one of these pups, be prepared for gaining compliments every day from pet parents in the neighborhood and all around the globe. Because that’s how good these pooches are.
