How fast can a German shepherd run?

German Shepherds are capable of reaching over 30 miles per hour at top speed.

How Fast Can a Dog Run? Speed Comparison by Breeds and Facts

Siddhant Bhandari | Oct 01, 2025, 15:01 IST

Dog

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Dogs are born runners, and their speed can vary significantly by breed, size, and body conformation. That dogs can be remarkably fast is something that is not known by many dog owners until they see it with their own eyes. To know the maximum running speed of dogs is not just to quench one's curiosity, but it also provides one with an idea about their daily physical activity requirement as well as their innate behaviour.

Average Running Speed of Dogs

Dog

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On average, the majority of dogs are able to run at a speed of 15-20 miles per hour (24-32 km/h). Nevertheless, a few breeds are such that they are perfectly suited and muscular to have an amazing speed buildup for a short period of time, while others are suitable for a long-distance run.

Fastest Dog Breeds and Their Speeds

Dogs

Greyhound – 45 mph (72 km/h): One of the quickest dog breeds on the planet Earth, Greyhounds are zippy by nature.
Saluki – 42 mph (67 km/h): A very old breed of hunting dogs, Salukis not only run fast but also keep running without tiredness.
Afghan Hound – 40 mph (64 km/h): Their long legs and skinny bodies give them the power of fast running.
Whippet – 35 mph (56 km/h): In the past, they were also referred to as “miniature Greyhounds.” Whippets are incredibly fast.
Vizsla – 30 mph (48 km/h): A breakable dog for field trials, the Vizsla is a combination of quickness and stamina.

Factors That Affect a Dog’s Running Speed

Dog

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Breed and genetics: The body of Greyhounds is more suitable for speed than that of bulldogs.
Age: It is well known that young dogs full of vigor are much faster than their senior counterparts.
Health and fitness: The performance of a dog with good health and strong muscles will be at a high level.
Terrain and conditions: The speed of dogs on grassy ground is greater than on rough or slippery places.

Fun Facts About Dog Running

Dog

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In just 6 strides Greyhounds can reach their top speed.
Though sled dogs like Huskies are not very fast when they sprint, they can continue a long run without tiring.
The double-suspension gallop is the dogs' natural gait, and during a sprint it is the fastest one, as all four feet are off the ground twice per stride.

From Sprints to Safety: Understanding Your Dog’s Running Capacity

Dogs can be compared to great athletes when it comes to their running capacity, which is different from breed to breed. To give you a comparison, a well-fed and well-exercised family dog is able to run a short sprint of about 15–20 mph without any problem; on the other hand, Greyhounds and Salukis could go past 40 mph. Therefore, it is very important to know how your dog can run so that you can give him a perfect mixture of exercise, fun, and security.

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, decode Behavior, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which breed of dog runs the fastest in the world?
The greyhound
How fast can a German shepherd run?
German Shepherds are capable of reaching over 30 miles per hour at top speed.
Which dog can run a marathon?
Rhodesian Ridgeback

GENERAL

Siddhant Bhandari