Think speed is reserved for big dogs like Greyhounds and Huskies? Think again! Some of the world’s fastest pups come in surprisingly small packages. These fastest small dog breeds may not tower over other dogs, but they can definitely outrun them in short sprints, tight turns, and backyard zoomies that blur the eye.
Small but mighty, these pups are built for agility, endurance, and lightning-fast reactions. Whether you’re looking for a pint-sized jogging partner, an agility champ, or just a high-energy companion that never runs out of gas, this list will introduce you to some of the speediest little legs in the dog world.
But speed isn’t just about movement—it’s often a sign of high intelligence, curiosity, and boundless enthusiasm. That means these dogs don’t just run—they think fast, too.
We’ll spotlight the quickest small breeds, exploring what makes them so agile, how to keep up with their energy, and what kind of home suits them best. Get ready to meet the tiny speed demons of the canine kingdom!
Fastest Small Dog Breeds
1. Jack Russell Terrier
Speed – 38 mph
Don’t let their small size fool you—Jack Russells are basically tiny, four-legged rockets. These little dynamos can leave bigger dogs—and even humans—in the dust during a quick sprint.
Originally bred in England for Fox hunting, the Jack Russell’s compact body is pure muscle and determination. Think of them as the sprinters of the dog world: short bursts of incredible speed mixed with a nose for adventure and a heart full of tenacity.
They are curious, smart, and stubborn as a mule — in the best way possible. They’re bold little characters with a playful streak a mile wide, always ready to turn your living room into their personal obstacle course.
Why Jacks are the Usain Bolts of small dogs:
Boundless energy that keeps them zooming all day long
Compact and quick, perfect for chasing anything that moves
Fiercely loyal, with a charming mix of mischief and affection
These dogs are practically powered by endless energy. They require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, which means lots of running, playing, and mental challenges. If you’re not prepared to keep up, you might just find your shoes mysteriously disappearing!
Bonus: Challenge one to a race and prepare to lose (and probably get showered with happy kisses afterward).
2. Italian Greyhound
Speed – 25 mph
Don’t let their delicate frame fool you—Italian Greyhounds are sleek little rockets that can reach speeds up to 25 mph. These graceful runners have a royal history, being one of the original “founding” breeds recognized by the AKC. Picture a tiny racehorse with velvet paws and an affectionate soul.
The Italian Greyhound is the tiniest of the sighthound family, measuring 13 to 15 inches and weighing between 7 and 14 pounds. They feature a slender, narrow head with a refined, elongated muzzle and a delicate nose.
Social butterflies through and through, these pups thrive on affection and companionship, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). They’re gentle, loving, and sensitive, so expect lots of snuggles and soulful eyes looking for your attention.
Why Italian Greyhounds are the Usain Bolts of small dogs:
Lightweight and lightning-fast, with the elegance of a ballet dancer on wheels
Social charmers who love to play and snuggle equally
Sensitive souls who bond deeply with their family
Greyhounds shed minimally, but occasional brushing is recommended to remove loose hair and maintain a soft, shiny, and healthy coat.
Italian Greyhounds need daily bursts of running or playtime to keep their muscles toned and spirits high. They also adore social time, especially with other dogs—loneliness is their arch-nemesis.
Bonus: Perfect for anyone who wants a lapdog that’s also a speed demon—just don’t forget the blanket for those chilly naps!
3. Rat Terrier
Speed – 28 mph
Once America’s favorite farm dog, the Rat Terrier packs a punch with a speed of up to 28 mph. Compact but muscular, these pups are built for action, whether it’s chasing down critters or playing with the kids. Their sleek coat and sturdy build make them as tough as they are charming.
Rat Terriers are small to medium-sized dogs, typically measuring 10 to 18 inches in length and weighing between 8 and 35 pounds. Despite their compact size, they are muscular with a sturdy, sleek build.
Their short coats usually feature a pied pattern, with large patches of white alongside colored areas. Rat Terriers have slightly elongated bodies and distinctive V-shaped ears that often stand upright.
They’re social, affectionate, and great with families, but don’t be fooled—they can be a bit stubborn. Luckily, their smarts make them highly trainable, especially when treats are involved. Bonus points if you get them into agility or obedience sports!
Why Rat Terriers are the Usain Bolts of small dogs:
Compact, muscular, and quick—always ready to chase, explore, or play
Friendly and fun-loving, with a knack for charming the whole family
Low-maintenance coat but high-maintenance enthusiasm
WebMD says Rat Terriers are pretty low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their sleek, short coats only need a good brushing about once a week. They do shed more during certain seasons, but using a deshedding brush during those times can help keep things under control.
Rat Terriers need at least 20–30 minutes of moderate exercise daily—think brisk walks, jogging, or chasing after the kids. Mental stimulation is key, too, since these clever pups love a good challenge.
Bonus: Expect a smart, energetic buddy who will keep you entertained—and on your toes!
4. Papillon
Speed: (Around 25 mph, unofficially)
Don’t let their dainty size fool you—Papillons are tiny entertainers with a speed and agility that’ll surprise you. These smart little dogs can zoom through agility courses like pros and love being the star of the show at home with their endless tricks.
Standing 8–11 inches tall and weighing 5–10 pounds, Papillons are compact and adaptable dogs. Despite their delicate size and elegant coat, they thrive in various climates and environments.
Papillons also excel in agility competitions and often serve as therapy and service dogs, says PetMD. Friendly to everyone—from strangers to family—they wear their hearts on their paws. They do have a loud bark, though, so early training to keep that in check is key unless you want a furry little town crier.
Why Papillons are the Usain Bolts of tiny dogs:
Agile acrobats with butterfly-wing ears and lightning-fast moves
Brilliant learners who love showing off tricks and winning hearts
Social butterflies who treat everyone like their best friend
Papillons are deeply responsive to those they’re bonded with, which can sometimes make them prone to separation anxiety when their owners are away. Fortunately, they often form strong bonds with other pets, which can help reduce such behaviors.
Papillons need daily playtime and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A dog park with agility equipment is their playground paradise, where they can sprint, jump, and show off their impressive skills.
Bonus: Warning—these tiny charmers might just outshine you on the dance floor (or the agility course)!
5. Dachshund
Speed 15–20 mph
While Dachshunds might not win any sprinting medals with their top speeds of 15–20 mph, don’t underestimate their stamina. Originally bred to hunt badgers, these long-bodied pups have the heart of a champion chaser, with enough endurance to keep going long after others have tapped out.
Their charming personality and distinctive long, low body have made them one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
They come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and coat types. Additionally, there are two size varieties:
Standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds and stand about 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder.
Miniature Dachshunds weigh under 11 pounds and stand about 5 to 6 inches tall.
Stubborn and spirited, Dachshunds have big personalities packed into a small frame. They’re brave, loyal, and sometimes a little stubborn, which only adds to their charm. Despite their small size, Dachshunds require regular exercise to stay fit and develop strong muscles that help support and protect their long backs, which are prone to injury.
Why Dachshunds are the Usain Bolts of tiny dogs (well, almost):
Built for endurance, not sprinting—slow and steady wins the race
Fearless hunters with a nose for adventure and a heart full of spunk
Adorable long bodies with short legs—speed’s relative, after all!
The average Dachshund lifespan is 12–16 years, which is typical for a smaller dog breed. However, they are unfortunately prone to several health issues throughout their lives, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), obesity, hip dysplasia, and dental problems. Regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle can help manage these risks.
Dachshunds need regular, moderate exercise to keep their strong little bodies in shape, but don’t expect marathon speed. Walks, playtime, and some sniffing adventures keep them happy and healthy.
Bonus: If you want a little dog with a big personality and a relentless spirit, this is your champion!
6. Pomeranian
Speed: Around 15 mph (small but speedy!)
Don’t let their fluffy, adorable appearance fool you—Pomeranians are small but mighty. These pint-sized bundles of energy zip around with spunk and attitude, making them feel much bigger than their size suggests.
The Pomeranian is a small dog breed, typically standing between 6 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 3 to 7 pounds. They have a thick double coat that gives them a fluffy appearance, making them popular as both companion and show dogs.
Known for their boldness and curiosity, Poms are like little watchdogs in a fur coat, always alert and ready to announce the next interesting thing (yes, that means lots of barking).
Loyal and affectionate with their people, but independent enough to keep you on your toes, as noted by Purina. These fast dogs are confident, curious, and sometimes downright sassy—think of them as the feisty roommate who always wants attention.
Why Pomeranians are the Usain Bolts of petite dogs:
Small but turbocharged, with energy that can light up a whole room
Fearless alertness that keeps you on your toes (and sometimes makes your neighbors raise an eyebrow)
Loyal companions who love cuddles but expect you to keep up with their lively spirit
Like many Toy breeds, Pomeranians can be prone to separation anxiety and do best in homes where someone is present for most of the day to keep them company, PetPlan noted.
Because of their small size, Pomeranians typically do well with two 15-minute walks each day. However, this curious little dog also loves exploring a secure garden or outdoor area, so be sure to give them time to run and play outside between walks. A happy Pom is a busy Pom!
Bonus: Prepare for the occasional “tiny boss” moment—they might be small, but they run the show.
7. Manchester Terrier
Speed: Up to 25 mph
Manchester Terriers are little bundles of lightning—fast, agile, and always ready to chase a ball or conquer an agility course. These sleek pups aren’t just built for speed; they’re clever and confident, making them fantastic companions for active families who love a good workout and a loyal friend.
The standard Manchester Terrier typically stands 15 to 16 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 22 pounds. There is also a smaller variety known as the Toy Manchester Terrier, or Miniature Manchester Terrier, which is considered a separate breed.
Clever, courageous, and fiercely loyal, Manchester Terriers bond quickly with their people. They love attention and affection, but also have a watchdog’s alertness that makes them excellent protectors of their home and family.
Why Manchester Terriers are the Usain Bolts of tiny dogs:
Athletic and agile, built to sprint and jump with grace
Smart and loving, always ready to show off their tricks and loyalty
Confident companions who balance zoomies with quiet moments of cuddles
The Manchester Terrier breed can be prone to barking and digging due to their terrier instincts, but with proper training and behavior modification, many of these behaviors can be managed.
They also tend to have a high prey drive because of their history as ratters, so it’s important to supervise them when outside to prevent them from chasing after squirrels or other small animals.
They thrive on at least 45 minutes of daily vigorous activity—think running, playing fetch, and dog sports that challenge both body and brain. Couch potato days are rare but well-deserved after a full day of zoomies.
Bonus: These pups will win your heart—and the race to the treat jar.
Conclusion
While the fastest dog breeds like Whippets, Afghan Hounds, and other sighthounds boast top speeds and exceptional stamina over long distances, smaller contenders such as the Jack Russell Terrier, Toy Poodle, and Standard Poodle—specifically bred to start running at high speeds over short distances—offer an athletic yet gentle companion ideal for active households. These energetic, intelligent, and capable working dogs not only excel in speed but also in their versatility, making them great family pets that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation.
From the highly trainable Border Collie and the agile Vizsla to larger runners like Siberian Huskies, Doberman Pinschers, and Great Danes, these breeds combine strength, speed, and endurance with affectionate and gentle temperaments. Whether sprinting across fields or engaging in dog sports, these fast dogs continue to inspire wonder and admiration in owners and onlookers alike, showcasing the remarkable diversity and capability found within the canine world.
