Puppy Education

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One of the fascinating things about dogs is the wildly varying different qualities that each of the different breeds harbour.

Some dogs are incredibly strong, others are tiny and cute. A few dog breeds are extremely energetic whilst some tend to be lazy. In this article, we explore the dogs that were built for speed. Here is a countdown of the top five fastest dog breeds.

#5 Border Collie

A border collie’s speed is one of the main reasons it is used a sheepdog. It has been clocked at speed exceeding 30mph, but what is perhaps more impressive is its ability to turn corners without losing any speed. It is this skill along with its steely determination that would see it through in a race against most other breeds.

#4 Borzoi

The borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a large breed and also one of the quietest. It rarely barks and has a calm temperament, so it doesn’t make much of a guard dog, which is a shame because it can cover long distances in record times.  In fact, the word “borzoi” means “swift” in Russian.

#3 Whippet

The whippet is a highly energetic breed which can reach top speeds of 40 miles an hour. Although it’s not the fastest breed, it’s commonly argued that it could beat any other dog around a track, as its small size allows for superior acceleration and turning speeds. In many sports, the tiny, fast, energetic player is often referred to as the whippet of the team.

#2 Saluki

The saluki is famous for being as a hunting dog by nomadic tribes – and there wasn’t much prey which could beat it in a foot race.

Salukis have a very similar body shape as Borzois. Both breeds originated in Russia. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s fastest Saluki could travel at 42.8 miles per hour. Its heavily padded feet takes a huge strain off of its body allowing it to maintain these speeds over far longer distances than its speedy peers.

#1 Greyhound

It will come as no surprise to anyone with a dog track near their house that greyhounds are the fastest dog breed by some distance.

At full pace, they can travel at 43 miles per hour. They can reach this speed within six strides. Only a cheetah, the fastest land mammal, has better acceleration. It’s better than most motor vehicles.

Greyhound racing is a popular sport in the UK, in which dogs chase an artificial hare around a track and punters can bet on the winner. There are 26 registered greyhound racing stadiums in the UK.

Owning a speedy dog

Owners of any of these breeds will warn other potential buyers that it’s a lot of effort making sure they burn off all their excess energy. A short walk round the block is rarely enough for any of the listed dogs, so make sure you have the time and energy to let it loose in your local field.