Humanity loves dogs for many virtues - loyalty, dedication and constant positivity. But four-legged friends have one more quality that people needed to survive. The fastest dog in the world and representatives of its breed have saved human lives many times. And it was never a bad idea to catch game for food.
Therefore, the fastest dogs can be considered real guardian angels of humans. And they definitely deserve the monuments that will be discussed below!
Greyhound
The absolute record holder for speed among its relatives. Since their inception, Eastern European hounds have been used for hunting and racing. The Greyhound's spectacular aristocratic appearance is consistent with its intelligence and intelligence. He easily captures the owner’s mood by his speech and intonation. The animals reach a height of 70 cm and a weight of 40 kg. “High-speed couch potatoes,” as breeders call them, skillfully combine in their character a passion for high speed and a desire to bask on soft beds.
Can run at a speed of 72 km/h
When was the record set?
The last record holder, whose result remains unbeaten to this day, is the English greyhound. Research aimed at identifying how fast a dog runs was conducted in 1994 in Australia.
Many dogs love to run, and some even have a talent for it.
On March 5, a pet named Star Title was asked to cover a certain distance. At the same time, the time during which the animal could run from the beginning to the end of the path was measured. The dog managed a distance of 366 m in a surprisingly short time - only 1/3 of a minute. Thus, it was possible to calculate the speed of Star Title, which was 67.32 km/h.
For your information! Until this moment, no other animal had been able to reach this level. For this reason, the pet was included in the Guinness Book of Records, thereby receiving the title of the fastest among its relatives.
The studies were repeated several times. Although the result of the fastest dog remains the best, there are many other species that are capable of accelerating to equally impressive speeds.
Moreover, the speed depends not only on the physiological characteristics of the pet, but also on other factors:
- conditions of detention;
- training;
- active lifestyle.
Important! If the owner takes care of the dog, any mongrel will be able to show good results in running.
Saluki
The breed is ancient, the first information about it goes back to the 3rd millennium BC. Saluki is an indispensable partner in hunting fast animals: goats, foxes, hares. These graceful dogs reach a height of 71 cm and a weight of 27 kg. The coat can vary in length and come in a variety of shades.
Developing speeds of up to 68 km/h, the Saluki can not slow down for a long time.
Greyhounds
Brought out in ancient Egypt around 3 thousand years BC. They were used to hunt hares, rabbits, ungulates, wolves and foxes. Greyhounds can reach speeds from 49 to 60 km/h.
Among the fastest land animals, greyhounds are among the dozen leaders, slightly behind the cheetah with its acceleration to 120 km/h in 3 seconds. And in a race of several kilometers, a greyhound will catch up with the same cheetah.
Running greyhound
Interestingly, the cheetah can be considered a feline analogue of greyhounds - they have a similar constitution. Only the cheetah has semi-retractable claws that serve as additional spiked boots. In addition, in some Asian countries, animals were interchangeable in hunting.
Running cheetah
There are 13 greyhound breeds in the world (based on data from the International Canine Federation), not counting primitive species (Pharaoh Hound, Ibizan Hound, etc.).
It is surprising that the now fashionable pocket Italian greyhounds (small greyhounds, Italian greyhounds) are also greyhounds. They are the smallest of their kind - weighing up to 5 kg, they move at speeds of up to 50 km/h and easily catch up with squirrels and hares. But Italian greyhounds are fragile, vulnerable and afraid of the cold - perhaps that’s why they migrated from hunting grounds into the bags of glamorous young ladies.
Italian Greyhound
Greyhounds' bodies are simply made for running:
- long legs provide high speed;
- streamlined body shape;
- thin bones with lean muscles make dogs incredibly resilient;
- a strong heart and voluminous lungs.
The elongated skull provides good visibility in open areas and makes greyhounds better suited to hunting than hounds. Greyhounds can see a target several kilometers away, while hounds use their nose.
At the same time, greyhounds have absolutely no aggression towards humans (they can easily be lured by a stranger). In Tsarist Russia, a dog snarling at a greyhound was such a terrible breed defect that it was immediately killed.
Many national breeds of European greyhounds were developed from imported Russian dogs, which were incredibly popular in Europe several centuries ago.
Slugi
Slugi (another name is Arabian greyhound) is an ancient hunting breed. Watching this animal in action is a pleasure. Graceful, maneuverable, it resembles a cheetah. The average height of adults is 72 cm, weight is 32 kg. The animal is distinguished by high legs, a strong skeleton and cast muscles. Long toes help with running. The coat is short and smooth, red in color. Servants can be good guards because they are wary of strangers. But they love the owner with boundless love and are very jealous if there are other pets in the house.
Maximum speed – 65 km/h.
Afghan Hound
A very ancient dog breed, bred in the mountains of Afghanistan. Distinctive features of the greyhound are its long, thick coat that can withstand the harsh mountain climate, a saber-shaped tail and a black muzzle. These animals reach a height of 60-74 cm and a weight of 20-27 kg. The first breeders used greyhounds as guards and shepherds. Over time, they lost their functional purpose, becoming more decorative pets. Naturally stubborn and independent, Afghan Hounds are difficult to train. In everyday life, “Afghans” love to make “crosses”, covering long distances in a short time, and chasing small animals. However, if a dog grew up in the same house with a cat from a young age, then it will not touch it.
The dog's speed is 64 km/h
Hungarian Vizsla
In its homeland in Hungary, the Vizsla has always been considered an excellent hunter, protector and simply an energetic companion. Lean, wiry dogs grow up to 63 cm, their weight ranges from 18-30 kg. They often have copper colored fur and other shades of brown. These short-haired pointers love to attract the attention of all family members, but, as a rule, they choose one person as their favorite. Vizslas are very sociable, they do not like to be left alone for a long time and begin to misbehave: howl and damage furniture. The dog needs an active owner who can devote about 3-4 hours daily to walking the pet.
Run at a speed of 64 km/h
Jack Russell Terrier
Miniature, stocky dogs are not suitable as indoor pets. Energetic and fast, they are excellent hunters. The breed was bred at the end of the 18th century in England for fox hunting. The white color of the coat was not chosen by chance - it helps the hunter to distinguish the pet from the prey at a distance. Jack Russell Terriers do not grow larger than 38 cm and 8 kg. The coat of the breed can be either short or long. Jack Russell Terriers should not be adopted as couch potatoes, as the animal needs regular activity and sufficient exercise.
Their maximum speed is 61 km/h.
The fastest dog breeds and their maximum running speed
Some animals are more predisposed to high performance in running than others. The following list offers 10 breeds that are capable of reaching incredible speeds.
Greyhound - 67 km/h
The largest dog in the world (Tibetan Mastiff)
The result of the famous Star Title, which belonged to the English greyhounds, led to the conclusion that these dogs are the fastest. Well-developed muscles help representatives of this breed cover long distances in a matter of seconds, which is why they often take part in races. However, these animals are not able to run for long because they tire easily.
Note! Greyhounds are considered prestigious and expensive dogs. They can become wonderful companions, true friends for both adults and small children. They are easy to keep even in an apartment.
Saluki (Persian Greyhound) - 67 km/h
These animals are only slightly inferior to the record holders, so they can also claim first place in their speed. The speed of a greyhound dog reaches 67 km/h, but unlike greyhounds, they are very durable. The Saluki can run for five hours.
By nature, these dogs are reserved and independent, but at the same time remain affectionate and friendly. They show incredible mental abilities and are easy to train. Salukis can be kept in an apartment, but it is advisable to have access to a spacious walking area.
Afghan Hound - 64 km/h
The speed of a hound dog is one of the highest. It is mainly used for hunting small animals, but it is also capable of tracking larger prey, such as a gazelle. These pets accelerate to speeds of 50–60 km/h.
A distinctive feature of this breed is its long, silky coat, which requires careful grooming.
Note! The Afghan dog has a complex character: it can be capricious and willful, but at the same time it is distinguished by courage and loves affection. To raise a good friend, you need to pay special attention to the socialization of your pet.
Hungarian Vizsla – 64 km/h
This animal is perfect for hunters because it can work in any conditions and can easily cope with prey of different sizes. The running speed of a dog can reach from 56 to 64 km/h.
The pet has an easily recognizable appearance and is endowed with an easy-going character. Being a balanced, affectionate, friendly dog, the Hungarian Vizsla gets along well in families with children and other animals. It is worth considering her high level of activity and the need for constant communication.
Jack Russell Terrier - 61 km/h
Despite its diminutive size compared to many other breeds on this list, the Jack Russell has a strong build and never ceases to amaze owners with its energy. The dog's speed reaches 61 km/h for an individual weighing 6 kg.
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most energetic and playful breeds.
It is recommended to have such a pet only for active people who are ready to walk a lot and for a long time with their ward, and constantly train him. Terriers can be harsh and noisy, but at the same time the dog is strongly attached to its owner and needs his company.
Russian Greyhound - 58 km/h
This is a breed that is traditionally kept by hunters. They were popular back in the 19th century, when keeping such pets was prestigious. The Russian greyhound has a running speed of 55–58 kilometers per hour, which makes it excellent at chasing prey.
Note! Despite the fact that today the speed of the Russian Borzoi is inferior to many other breeds, such as the Greyhound and Saluki, they are still popular. These are affectionate, easy-going pets that will become excellent hunters and best family friends.
Deerhound, or Scottish deerhound - 56 km/h
The seventh place in the top goes to an active and very hardy breed, which has been known to people since the 16th century. and is used by hunters to track and catch deer. The speed of a dog when running often reaches 15 m/s.
The pet is suitable for people who do not like noise. Deerhounds bark little and prefer peace and quiet. At the same time, they require activity from their owners and long walks.
Border Collie - 48 km/h
This is a herding dog bred on the border of England and Scotland. Although the breed is not intended for hunting, its representatives are very athletic and hardy. Curious owners who are interested in how fast the dog runs have calculated that this value can reach approximately 13 m/s.
Border collies are ideal for country living; an apartment will be cramped for them. Pets get along well with children and love to spend time with people and other animals. They are very active, so it is necessary to constantly develop their muscles and train their minds through training and play.
German Shepherd - 48 km/h
One of the most popular dog breeds, it has a strong build that allows it to reach a top speed of 48 km/h. This is an ideal option for active people who are willing to devote a lot of time to their dog. The Shepherd can become a good companion in sports, as well as a loyal friend and brave protector.
Important! Despite its menacing appearance, this German breed, when properly socialized, is friendly and needs affection. The dog loves children, often becomes very attached to its owners and strives to protect them, which is why it can be suspicious of strangers.
Italian Greyhound, or Italian Greyhound - 40 km/h
Although this dog looks fragile and miniature, its average speed reaches 11 m/s. At the same time, the Italian Greyhound is not an overly active pet; she prefers home comfort and tranquility.
For your information! The animal is considered the shortest representative of greyhounds.
The dog is suitable for families with older children, as it does not like noise and fuss. At the same time, she enjoys spending time with her owners and is not averse to frolicking on the street.
Other breeds
High speed indicators are demonstrated by huskies, which are capable of reaching 60 km/h while running. However, for this the dog must be really trained. Often only mounts can boast of such results.
Laika
Important! Dobermans usually run less quickly, only 15 km/h. At the same time, they have well-developed muscles and, with proper regular exercise, can accelerate to a maximum of 60 kilometers per hour.
Many breeds show good results in running, especially if the owners take care of their pets and train them. A dog's speed is influenced not only by the physiological characteristics of the species, but also by the conditions under which the individual is kept.
Azawakh
The history of the origin of the Azawakh, or African hound, is shrouded in many mysteries. It became widespread in Europe in the middle of the last century. The Azawakh is an excellent hunter of small and large game. Long legs and a toned belly allow the dog to run quickly, and its endurance helps it track prey for many hours without experiencing fatigue. The owner can safely entrust the dog to independently catch small game. The Azawakh grows to a height of 70-73 cm, its weight is 17-24 kg.
Representatives of the breed can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h
The fastest dog breed in the world
Greyhound
The fastest dog breed in the world is the Greyhound . The Eastern European hunter, brought to the UK, can reach speeds of up to 72 kilometers per hour ! The breed uses its natural skills both in hunting and in a unique sporting activity – greyhound racing. Dogs are distinguished by their aristocracy and ability to present themselves, communicate well with people, and are distinguished by their intelligence. They grow up to 70 cm tall, can weigh up to 40 kg, have a small head, thin neck and thin body. There are many colors, there are more than 30 of them.
Interesting: The fastest animals - list, speed, names, where they live, photos and videos
Thus, hounds are actually the fastest hunting dogs. This is natural, because pursuing prey requires the dog to have high speed qualities, as well as decent mental abilities, the ability to work in a pack and understand people. Dogs from the listed breeds should not be taken for home if you want a calm indoor companion, but if you like long walks and are ready to devote time to playing with your pet, and even more so, if you live outside the city and are fond of hunting, then it would simply be better not to have a partner find!
Dalmatian
Charming, fast-moving spotted quadrupeds have long earned a reputation as guard dogs and companions. The animals' endurance allowed them to run behind their owners' carriages throughout the entire trip to protect them from robbers. Dalmatians are intelligent, sociable and cheerful animals, but willful, so early socialization and training are of great importance in their maintenance. Height reaches 61 cm, weight – 32 kg. The coat is short. It is noteworthy that Dalmatians are born absolutely snow-white, and black (less often brown spots) begin to appear in puppies at two weeks of age.
The maximum speed of Dalmatians is 60 km/h.
Hungarian Vizsla – 60 km/h (record – 64 km/h)
The Hungarian Cops are very different in appearance from the other finalists. Vizslas are very muscular, strongly built dogs with a wide, proportional skull. Unpretentious to care for, but very sociable animals are loved by many people. Vizslas are one of the 10 fastest dogs: their speed can exceed 60 km/h!
Russian greyhound
Russian breeders created this breed specifically for the extermination of wolves. It has also proven itself well in hunting fur-bearing animals. This dog owes its name to its luxurious long curly coat, which can be dyed in different colors. The dogs are quite large. Their height reaches 83 cm and weight up to 48 kg. An excellent hunter and devoted friend, the Russian greyhound is a completely useless guard. It takes a lot of effort to provoke barking from these graceful, calm animals.
This type of greyhound can reach speeds of up to 58 km/h.
Siberian Husky
Incredibly hardy northern fast sled dogs. The height of the animal at the withers can reach 60 cm, weight – 28 kg. Cheerful, good-natured and sociable huskies are extremely supportive not only of their owners’ family members, but also of strangers. Curiosity and passion for everything new allow them to easily withstand long walks and even long journeys. They are distinguished by good health and good learning abilities. They get along well with other dogs. Huskies are laconic. The disadvantages of keeping “Siberians” are the tendency to run away and hyperactivity, which often affects the environment. But all this manifests itself mainly at a young age and is corrected by proper training.
Their running speed reaches 55 km/h.
Whippet
Since its creation, the Small English Greyhound has been considered a hunting dog. Ancient Rome is considered the birthplace of the breed. But subsequently, due to the miniature size of the animals, environmental organizations banned their use for hunting. Whippets fought rodents and became participants in dog racing. I must say that they succeeded in the latter. The whippet's height does not exceed 57 cm, its weight can reach 19 kg, and its coat color can be very diverse. Dogs do not tolerate loud noises and can only get along with calm, balanced owners.
Some representatives of the breed managed to reach speeds of up to 64 km/h
Top 10 fastest breeds
No. 1. Greyhound
The English Greyhound is often called the cheetah of dogs. The main advantage of the Greyhound is its rapid running. True, only for short distances.
The breed was bred to pursue animals over short distances, so its standards value speed over endurance. But this figure is really impressive.
The maximum recorded speed of the breed is 72 km/h. It is not for nothing that the Greyhound is especially popular among greyhound racing enthusiasts.
No. 2. Whippet
Another fast-footed hunting breed. The Whippet is a small, smooth-haired dog that combines features of a Greyhound and Italian Greyhound. The average speed when running is 50-60 km/h, the maximum when running in a straight line is 70 km/h.
No. 3. Solyuki
Bronze is taken by the graceful and swift Egyptian hound, bred to hunt hares, gazelles and other small game. The maximum recorded speed is 69 km/h.
No. 4. Afghan Hound
"Afghans" are unusually graceful dogs with long and silky hair. They are used for hunting antelope and small game; when pursuing prey, they reach speeds of up to 64 km/h.
No. 5. Russian greyhound
This is a real aristocrat with a dry, but at the same time strong build, an excellent hunting assistant. The breed got its name from the ancient word “dog,” which means wavy hair.
The Russian Greyhound is a real sprinter. During a jerk, the dog rushes even faster than a greyhound - its speed reaches 90 km/h. The average long-distance running speed is 55 km/h.
No. 6. Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds (also called Italian Greyhounds) are the shortest members of the greyhound group. Despite their small height and light weight, they are excellent at hunting small animals - for example, squirrels or hares. Running speed – up to 50 km/h.
True, in our country Italian Greyhounds are kept mainly as companions. This is because this breed is relatively vulnerable due to its fragile build and intolerance to cold.
No. 7. Deerhound
One of the oldest hunting breeds. The Deerhound (Scottish greyhound) was bred for unarmed deer hunting, hence another name for the breed - deerhound.
In addition to their direct duty, in the Middle Ages, deerhounds often ran behind carriages in order to protect their owners in the event of an attack by robbers. Average speed – 45 km/h.
Doberman
The breed of short-haired working dogs, bred at the end of the 19th century in Germany, was originally called the Thuringian Pinscher (after the name of the area). It received its modern name after the death of its creator, breeder Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann. These fast animals are still excellent guards and faithful companions of the military and law enforcement officers. The height of the average Doberman is 70 cm, weight can reach up to 45 kg. Typically the breed is black with tan markings on the head, chest and limbs.
Maximum travel speed up to 51.5 km/h
German Shepherd
Previously, dogs accompanied shepherds tending flocks of sheep. Nowadays, these four-legged animals serve in law enforcement agencies, rescue teams, and are used as guides for blind and visually impaired people. German Shepherds are endowed with an exceptional sense of smell, so they are indispensable when carrying out rescue operations and searching for narcotic and explosive substances. The head of the breed has the shape of an elongated wedge with pointed triangular ears. The height of adult individuals reaches 66 cm, weight – 40 kg. The coat is thick, medium length, usually black and red in color.
The speed of a German Shepherd when running is 48 km/h.
Border Collie
Smart, obedient, attentive, and at the same time cheerful and energetic, the fidgety Border Collie in the past served as a faithful companion to shepherds. Bred in the harsh conditions of the Borderland, this breed is not a gentle one, capable of surviving in rather unfavorable conditions. The dogs are up to 56 cm tall and have thick, long black and white hair. Now representatives of this universal sporting breed are active participants in various dog tournaments.
The average speed is 48 km/h.
Poodle
The largest variety of the breed, the large poodle is capable of running very fast. The ancestor of the poodle cannot be identified, but it is known that the breed was selected for duck hunting. In addition to being fast, these animals are excellent swimmers. They are also one of the most intelligent dogs, as ranked by canine psychologist Stanley Coren. It is impossible to confuse a poodle with another breed. His “calling card”, dense curly wool, can have a wide range of colors - from snow-white to motley. The Poodle has a square body and long, drooping ears. The average height of an adult animal reaches 38 cm.
Running speed reaches 48 km/h.
Deerhound
The homeland of this breed is Scotland. The first mention of the ancestors of Deerhounds dates back to the first century BC. It is from this time period that fragments of ceramic utensils depicting a hunting scene of a dog that looks very similar to a Scottish deer greyhound are dated. Deerhounds have a well-developed muscle corset, long and even legs, a medium-sized head with an elongated muzzle. On the head, withers and body the hair is longer and stiffer, on the neck, chest and belly it is shorter and silkier. The coat color is often gray or blue-gray. The height of the animal is 71-81 cm, weight ranges from 33-60 kg.
Runs at a speed of 45 km/h.
A little about the leader
The Greyhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Photos of the animal can be viewed online. But our ancestors (in the 6th century BC) depicted their pet even on household utensils. Despite the fact that Greyhounds are large in size, this does not prevent them from being elegant and graceful. Smooth coat, slender constitution, narrow head, long neck, long and muscular legs, deep chest - English greyhounds have all this, and it is these qualities that make them ideal hunting assistants. At the same time, oddly enough, unlike its other greyhound relatives, the greyhound can be called a sloth, thanks to which it copes well with the role of a companion and dog-friend. Another quality that adds to this breed’s popularity is that it has a stable psyche and excellent health. So, with good care, representatives of this breed live up to 15 years and retain all their qualities, including speed. By the way, due to its speed limit, a representative of this breed is classified as both hunting and sporting. If there is a unique runner in the world of pets, it is the greyhound, which has long been at the top of the top 10 fastest dogs.
As for the origin, today there are several versions of the appearance of the English greyhound:
- according to the first version, the ancestor of the English greyhound is the Asian greyhound (Saluki or Slugi);
- according to the second version, the ancestor of the greyhound is a Celtic dog, which was brought to the territory of Foggy Albion somewhere in 500 AD. e.
The fact that the English greyhound is a high-status breed is evidenced by the following historical fact - only members of the nobility, and only the very rich, had the right to breed representatives of this species.
If you look at photos of such breeds as:
- Whipplet and Irish Wolfhound;
- Deerhound and Galgo;
- Hungarian agar and setter:
- pointer, great dane and doberman,
then you can clearly trace the presence of certain features of English greyhounds, and this means that greyhounds were used in the selection process of these breeds.
Due to its excellent health, a dog of this sporting breed does not require any special care, except perhaps more activity and physical exercise. But when walking an animal, you need to remember that a hound and a greyhound are two very different things. That is, the greyhound is positioned as a sprinter who cannot run for hours, but like a cheetah it makes one lightning-fast dash. That is, during a walk, the English greyhound must be as active as possible for a minimum amount of time, after which the sprinter turns into a calm and almost slow animal.
Giant Schnauzer
The most impressive representative of the Schnauzer, originally from Bavaria, was created for guarding and herding purposes. With the importation of dogs into cities, they began to be used everywhere to protect commercial real estate. Giant Schnauzers are elegant dogs with thick, coarse hair, usually jet-black in color (silver-colored individuals are less common). They have a square body, their height at the withers can reach 70 cm. The ears are small and folded. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by intelligence, calm disposition and devotion to the owner.
The speed of Giant Schnauzers is 45 km/h.
Saluki (Persian Greyhound): about 70 km/h
The fleet-footed, lean Saluki ranks second on the list of the fastest dogs in the world. The first mentions of this breed appeared in Ancient Egypt, but dog experts suggest that the greyhound got its name from the Arab city of Saluk.
According to some reports, nomadic Bedouins walked with such dogs, considering them a blessing from Allah. Since that time, the appearance of the Persian greyhound has undergone almost no changes, as well as its character. She is an excellent hunter, jumps well and develops impressive speed.
Irish Wolfhound
Hardy and fast animals are able to maintain their running speed for a long time. Bred to kill gray forest predators, these large, wire-haired greyhounds today serve more as companions than as full-fledged hunters. They grow up to 79 cm and 54 kg. By nature, intolerant of large predators, these dogs are non-aggressive and fit perfectly into the role of a pet. Despite his peaceful nature, it is possible to piss off even the phlegmatic “Irish”. The dog will not tolerate it if someone threatens its owner, and will immediately rush to his defense.
Speed up to 40 km/h.
Podenco Ibicenco
It is believed that the ancestors of this breed were the favorite dogs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Historically, Ibizan Greyhounds were considered primarily hunting dogs. Fast and agile dogs can easily cope with birds, hares and foxes. The “soft grip” of these animals allows them to bring their prey to the owner alive. Acute vision and sense of smell make hunting accessible to the greyhound even in the dark. Podenco Ibicenco is still used for hunting, and is also used in greyhound racing or simply kept as a pet. This breed can grow up to 72 cm in height and weigh up to 30 kg.
Develop speed up to 40 km/h
How fast do dogs run?
But there are unique people who are able to show results almost twice as fast. The speed of these fleet-footed nuggets is fantastic - up to 65 km/h.
The fastest dogs in the world
The English hunting greyhound is recognized as the champion of all champions. Its speed of 67.32 km/h is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Incredibly, this is more than 18 meters per second - none of her relatives runs that fast.
These slender champions are tall at the withers - at least 70 cm, with an average weight of no more than 40 kg. These fleet-footed individuals have long limbs and a muscular body structure. They are extremely good at short distances, but long runs are beyond their strength and are clearly contraindicated. They are unable to pursue game for long due to lack of stamina.
Persian greyhounds - Salukis - are slightly inferior to greyhounds in speed - their limit is 65 km/h. But they are distinguished by greater endurance. Their height at the withers does not exceed 70 cm, weight – up to 25 kg. Despite their rather lean build, these are physically strong dogs.
Arabian greyhounds - Sluggi - reach speeds of up to 65 km/h, and in terms of endurance they are absolutely not inferior to Salukis. True, unlike them, sluggi are incredibly flexible, capable of sharp turns. Their height at the withers is up to 72 cm, weight – up to 32 kg. These dogs have beautiful, thin skin and tall, muscular limbs.
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Greyhound racing
The first races of greyhounds for an artificial hare date back to 1776, when the British began to practice them. Since then, certain rules have been developed regulating these ancient competitions. For example, a dog can begin its running career no earlier than nine months old, and end it at nine years old.
Only dogs of one breed are allowed to compete. To ensure that the dogs run out onto the track at the same time, the starting boxes have doors at the back where the dogs are launched, and a grate at the front. When the grate rises, the dogs quickly run into the distance in pursuit of “game”.
The winner is the dog that is lucky enough to cross the finish line first.
In Europe, special stadiums for racing (cinemadromes) began to appear more than a hundred years ago. Each dog track has its own specifics: the length of the track is from 450 to 500 meters and the rules are a start with a handicap, a long track with barriers.
It is known that in our country dog races were held at the Moscow Hippodrome in the 1930s. Then it was all forgotten for sixty long years. In modern times, the first open Russian greyhound racing championship took place only in 1990.
Today, the former Moscow stadium "Bitsa" has been converted into a movie theater, where races are sometimes held on weekends. The distance on it is very short - only 180 meters, but this makes the competition even more intense.
Italian Greyhound
The breed of small Italian hound is more than two thousand years old. It was bred on the territory of the current states of Turkey and Greece. Miniature, graceful, easy-going, they especially attracted Europeans, becoming companions and pets of many royalty. Their height does not exceed 40 cm, and the weight of an adult is on average 5 kg, the coat is smooth, monochrome or polychrome in color. Now considered decorative, Italian greyhounds are unusually strong and resilient; they are excellent hunters of hares, squirrels and other small rodents.
Their average running speed is 40 km/h.
Read 20 red (orange) dog breeds with photos
Dog running speed
The running speed of a dog directly depends on the breed. Body type, fast and long legs determine the quality and duration of the race. The average running speed of domestic dogs is 10 to 15 km/h, which is not so different from human running. The average person who does not play sports runs at a speed of 8 to 12 km/h.
However, there are dog breeds that are designed for running. The speed they can reach is almost phenomenal, like the speed of a car within the city - above 60 km/h. Naturally, lap dogs belonging to decorative breeds cannot develop such a speed. As a result of selection, they lost the need to run anywhere to escape other predatory animals or to get food for themselves.
Guard and service dogs are not known for their running speed. For example, the popular German Shepherd service dog can reach speeds of up to 35 km/h, on par with Doberman Pinschers and Caucasian Shepherds. This is due to the structure of their body and muscles. Hunting breeds are considered the fastest among dogs.
