10 Dog Breeds That Are Faster Than Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man ever recorded, clocked 27.78 mph during his best 100-meter sprint.
However, even the eight-time medalist winner would barely outrace these 10 canines on this list. It turns out that man's best friend is, on average, much faster than his master. Find out if your speed racer makes the list.
1. Greyhound - The King of Canine Racers
When you think of fast dogs, the lean and tall Greyhound may be the first breed that springs to mind.
Historically bred for racing and coursing, this long-legged, smooth-coated breed has been clocked at speeds up to 45 mph, sparking its nickname: the 45-mph couch potato. Why this nickname? This is a breed blessed with a burst for speed, but one who also loves to lounge on sofas.
If you are considering taking a Greyhound home, make sure to prepare enough running room for your speedy dog for it to remain happy.
2. Vizsla - A Vroom With Four Legs and a Tail
One glance at the Vizsla and you can tell it has running on its mind. Medium-sized with lean muscles, short coat, the Vizsla can outsprint most dogs in a one-mile competition at a speed of up to 40 mph.
This member of the sporting group is affectionate and gentle, but they were historically bred to work in the field, water, and forest; so your versatile Vizsla would do fine with some hard exercise thrown in his life for fun.
3. Jack Russell Terrier - Small, Speedy, and Stubborn
Never let the small stature of the Jack Russell Terrier fool you - The breed is the smallest entry on this list with a record speed of 38 mph in short bursts.
Being a favored family dog, the Jack Russell Terrier still maintains its confidence, ready attitude, and endurance traits.
Watch the video showing how Twinkie the Jack Russell Terrier set a Guinness World Record by popping 100 balloons in just 39.08 seconds.
4. Borzoi
The Borzoi, also known as the Russian Wolfhound, is a large breed and also one of the quietest. The word "borzoi” means "swift" in Russian. These ethereal beauties can top speeds of 36 mph.
The Borzoi is a giant purebred known for being intelligent, playful, and gentle. They can run like the wind and like sighthounds, they are adept at chasing anything that moves. If you are looking for a watchdog, the Borzois is not the dog for you as they seldom bark.
5. Weimaraner
Traditionally meant for hunting big game, the Weimaraner was the default choice for hunting among 18th- and 19th-century royals. These long-legged dogs keep up with the chase by running 35 mph!
Due to the Weimaraner's distinct coloring, the breed is often referred to as the "gray ghost." If you are looking for a loyal dog to be your family's companion, and we mean constant, a Weimaraner might be the right dog for you. Often called "Velcro dogs," Weimaraners stick to their owner and tend to have separation anxiety.
6. Doberman Pinscher - Fleet-Footed Guard Dog
Next and 6th on the list is another 30 mph dog breed - the Doberman Pinscher. Developed in the 1800s by a tax collector who was looking for a dog bodyguard with both the speed and the muscle power to catch and retain thieves, the black-and-tan Doberman Pinscher can reach 30 mph in speed.
Dobermans have a reputation as menacing security dogs, but this doesn't mean they don't have a soft spot for their human pals. They can be great with family and children, but only when correctly trained and socialized.
7. Dalmatian
You might associate Dalmatian with Disney films and 19th-century carriages, but this breed is among the fastest on record. If you had 101 of these dogs running around your house, they would be naught but a blur as they can run up to 37 mph. Follow the spots!
Dalmatians are very gorgeous white dogs with black spots. They make great family pets that need a lot of exercise. Dalmatians have been found working in many circuses, as shepherd dogs, and guard dogs, but are best known as firehouse dogs.
8. Border Collie - Built for Speed and Cornering
Best acknowledged for being one of the top Einsteins in the world of dogs, the Border Collie is bred to move quickly and make hairpin turns in order to direct large flocks over long distances. Those black-and-white torpedoes have been clocked at speeds up to 30 mph.
Border Collies are energetic dogs that need much space to run. If you have no herding or other jobs for this dog, you'd better figure out some activities to tire him out.
9. Whippet - The Poor Man’s Racehorse
Whippets are believed to be descendants of Greyhounds who were too small for stag and deer hunting in England. They assumed the nickname "snap dogs" because they "snap up" prey.
Whippets have a unique way of running known as double suspension gallop, resulting in all legs being off the ground twice in each stride. This allows the breed to reach speeds of approximately 40 mph.
10. Saluki - Putting the Capital “S” in Swiftness
Distinctively light and slim like a pile of feathers, Salukis boast great endurance and speed, and are believed to be much faster over long distances.
Primarily used to hunt down gazelles, the Saluki hardly surprises as they can run up to 32 mph. Due to their great hunting skills, many Salukis are often seen as aloof and independent, but they can get bored if left alone for prolonged periods of time.
