The 10 Fastest Dog Breeds in the World That Will Astonish You

Jack Russell Terrier, also known as Parson Jack Russell, is a small breed originating in England in the 19th century, bred primarily for hunting foxes. This breed is known for its incredible digging skills and ability to catch small rodents. Jack Russells are small but mighty, standing between 10 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 13 to 18 pounds. There are two main types: the shorter 'Shorty Jack' variety, which is compact and similar to breeds like Dachshunds and Corgis, and the taller, more athletic Parson Russell. Despite their small size, Jack Russells are strong, energetic, and capable of jumping as high as 5 feet (1.5 meters). These dogs can reach a top speed of up to 38 miles per hour (61 km/h).

Known for their strong personalities, Jack Russells are highly intelligent, quick to learn, and incredibly energetic. They are independent thinkers, confident, and often stubborn. Early training and patience are key to managing their boundless energy and independent nature. They are affectionate and lively with family members but can be territorial and wary of strangers, particularly with other pets like cats. These dogs love to run, chase, perform tricks, and dig. In fact, Jack Russells are one of the few dog breeds known to climb and are unafraid of heights.

The Dalmatian is a distinctive dog breed known for its white coat adorned with black spots. Originally from the Dalmatia region, these dogs were historically used as carriage dogs and scent hounds. Dalmatians are energetic, playful, and love to run, reaching a top speed of 37 miles per hour (60 km/h). Their endurance and speed made them favorites among nobility, often seen trotting alongside horse-drawn carriages. These dogs are known for being active, cheerful, and loyal, but they also require a lot of attention from their owners. Without proper stimulation, they can become stressed or anxious.

Dalmatians are very friendly with children and enjoy playing with them, but care should be taken to avoid accidents with toddlers. Early training is important, as they can be a bit stubborn at times. While generally well-behaved, Dalmatians can be trained to be excellent guard dogs. However, this breed sheds a lot, requiring daily grooming. They are not ideal for people with pet allergies or those with a busy lifestyle. It is also not recommended to keep them in outdoor environments such as gardens or yards without proper shelter and attention.

The Borzoi is a Russian hunting breed originally used to chase and hunt wolves. Similar to the Greyhound, it is a sighthound, known for its aristocratic lineage. This breed is known for its grace, elegance, and speed, as well as its calm demeanor and powerful capabilities. Borzois are medium-sized dogs with long legs, giving them a distinctive appearance. An adult male Borzoi typically stands at least 28 inches (71 cm) tall and weighs between 75 to 105 pounds (34 to 48 kg), while females are slightly smaller, standing around 26 inches (66 cm) and weighing between 60 to 90 pounds (27 to 41 kg). These dogs can reach a top speed of 36 miles per hour (58 km/h).

Known for their loyalty, Borzois are intelligent, gentle, and affectionate, especially with children. They are naturally reserved and shy around strangers, making them quiet and calm guardians. This makes them excellent companions for quiet households, particularly among the nobility. Although Borzois are calm and peaceful, they enjoy chasing small animals and running. They are independent workers, sharp in the wild, and well-suited to guarding homes. Borzois can live happily in an apartment or outdoors, but they require regular exercise, such as long walks or runs in secure areas.

The Weimaraner is a German hunting dog that was originally bred to hunt large and dangerous game deep in the forests. Its ancestors include the highly skilled Bloodhound, known for its superior scenting ability. This breed became quite popular in Western countries, first arriving in the U.S. in 1929 and in the UK in 1950. The Weimaraner is a striking, athletic dog with a sleek yet muscular body, standing between 23 to 27 inches (59 to 69 cm) tall and weighing between 49 to 70 pounds (22 to 32 kg). With a well-developed muscular build and a strong chest, Weimaraners are built for speed, reaching up to 35 miles per hour (56 km/h).

Weimaraners are incredibly graceful and agile, moving with fluidity and finesse. Their coat is short and smooth, with a silvery-gray sheen, which is why they are often called “gray ghosts.” Some Weimaraners have longer fur or tails, but these variations are not recognized as a distinct breed by the AKC. They have a long, slender head with captivating eyes that can range from ocean blue to amber, giving them an intelligent and alluring look. Their high, straight noses and long, drooping ears complete their unique appearance.

The Whippet is a medium-sized hunting dog from England, a descendant of the Greyhound, belonging to the sighthound group. Known for their incredible speed, Whippets are used effectively for hunting rabbits and chasing small game. They are graceful, elegant, and athletic, with a sleek body that is long and lean, with a curved back and a slender belly. Their legs are long and their tail is slim, making them perfect for speed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and the Kennel Club in the UK a few years later, Whippets have become a beloved companion for both sport and family life.

Speed is one of their most remarkable features. A Whippet can reach a top speed of 35 miles per hour (56 km/h) in just seconds, which allows it to outpace even Greyhounds, although it lacks their stamina. Their friendly, cheerful temperament makes them excellent companions, especially in familiar environments. In a family setting, they are affectionate and gentle, particularly with children, though their natural hunting instincts may cause them to chase smaller animals like cats when out for walks. While they enjoy running in open spaces, they are just as content relaxing at home with their family.

The Dobermann is a versatile breed known for its role as a guard dog, protector, and service dog. Its full name is Dobermann Pinscher, and it is one of the few dog breeds named after a person, Louis Dobermann. While they have a reputation for being aggressive, with proper training, Dobermanns make excellent family pets. They are highly trainable, quick learners, and can be great companions for children when properly socialized. Female Dobermanns typically stand between 65–70 cm tall and weigh 32–35 kg, while males are 68–72 cm tall and weigh 40–45 kg. They are known for their strong, muscular build, although the trend today favors a leaner, more athletic appearance. Dobermanns can reach a top speed of 48 km/h.

When people think of a Dobermann, they often imagine the classic black and tan coloring. In reality, Dobermanns carry two color genes (A and B) that interact to create four different color patterns. The traditional black or black-and-tan Dobermann occurs when both dominant alleles (A - B -) are present. A common variation with a red or red-and-tan coat occurs when the dog carries a recessive allele (A - bb). In the U.S., this is called the “red” Dobermann, while in other places it is referred to as “brown” due to the rich reddish-brown coat with tan markings. Dobermanns with a blue-gray coat are the result of a recessive gene combination (aa B-), and the rarest color is a pale yellow, known as “Isabella,” which occurs when a Dobermann has a double recessive gene combination (aa bb).

The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and agile working dog originally from England. Known for being one of the smartest dog breeds, Border Collies excel at learning commands quickly and are incredibly trainable. This breed is famous for its herding abilities, particularly in guiding livestock with impressive precision. With their ability to crouch low while moving, they show exceptional flexibility and agility. Their intense gaze, often described as hypnotic, enables them to control flocks of sheep with nothing but their eyes. Today, Border Collies are popular family pets, known for being friendly, energetic, and highly skilled in games like fetch. Their standout trait is their remarkable speed and boundless energy.

The Border Collie is a medium-sized working dog full of energy. Its body is well-proportioned, with a longer torso compared to its leg length. The height ranges from 46-56 cm, and it weighs between 12-20 kg. Male Border Collies typically stand around 54 cm tall and weigh about 24 kg, while females are slightly smaller. The breed is known for its light, agile build, making them incredibly quick and nimble. Border Collies can reach speeds of up to 48 km/h. With their active nature, intelligence, and quick learning abilities, they are loyal, obedient, and always eager to please their owners.

The Greyhound is a breed of dog primarily raised for racing and show, but it has recently gained popularity as a household pet. Known for its gentle nature and intelligence, the Greyhound combines long, powerful legs with a broad chest, flexible spine, and sleek body, enabling it to reach average speeds exceeding 18 meters per second, or 63 kilometers per hour (39 mph). At its maximum acceleration, a Greyhound can reach speeds of 70 km/h within just 30 meters, covering the first 250 meters of a race at nearly 20 meters per second. The only animal capable of faster acceleration over short distances is the cheetah, which can reach 109 km/h (68 mph) within a few strides.

The Greyhound is considered one of the fastest racing dogs in the world. It possesses a strong, muscular build and can run with the same speed as some predatory animals. Known for its friendly temperament, this breed is increasingly popular as a family companion. Also referred to as the English Greyhound or the Greyhound hound, its ancestors date back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Today, Greyhounds are commonly bred and raised in the UK, especially in households that appreciate their speed. They are a staple in greyhound racing tracks across Europe. Additionally, a smaller version of the Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound, has been bred for hunting small game.

The Vizsla is a Hungarian hunting and pointing dog breed known for its slender build, agility, and calm, friendly nature. These dogs make excellent hunting companions and are also loyal, devoted protectors of the home. Originally from Hungary, the Vizsla belongs to the FCI Group 7 (Pointing Dogs) and is recognized as one of the smallest pointing dog breeds. Despite their size, Vizslas are highly energetic and affectionate, making them great family pets, especially with children.

The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog, one of the most appealing traits of this breed. Known for its role as a bird hunter and upland game dog, the Vizsla has maintained its position as an adaptable breed capable of performing various tasks, including working as a hunting dog, a sporting companion, and a loyal family pet. With a top speed of 64 km/h, the Vizsla is an excellent natural hunter with an extraordinary sense of smell and a quick learning ability. This breed was developed to work in fields, forests, and even water. While friendly and gentle, they are also courageous and can serve as protective guardians for their owners.

The Saluki, also known as the Royal Egyptian Hound or by various other names such as the Arabian Greyhound, Persian Greyhound, or Gazelle Hound, is a breed renowned for its elegant build, incredible speed, and endurance. This breed was historically used to hunt gazelles and other prey in harsh, rugged terrains, from sandy deserts to rocky mountains. Even today, Salukis remain popular among noble families and are cherished for their refined nature and athletic abilities. They are one of the oldest known dog breeds, with depictions of them found in ancient Mesopotamian caves dating back over 14,000 years.

The Saluki is a slender, tall dog with a height range of 58 to 71 cm and a weight of 18 to 27 kg. Known for their graceful appearance, these dogs are not just visually striking but are also extremely fast, reaching speeds of up to 64 km/h. Their temperament is calm, friendly, and loyal, often forming a strong bond with a single owner. While they are affectionate, their independent nature means they show love in a subtle and delicate manner rather than in an overtly affectionate way.