Fastest Dog Breeds

While most dogs can outrun a human, there are certain breeds that were developed specifically for speed qualities and are, therefore, the fastest runners among all dog breeds. Please note that speed qualities within the same breed can differ from individual to individual.

Photo by Roger Sanderson

Whippet

Origin: England
Colors: Any
Size: Small
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs
Dominance: Low
Noise: Not a barker

Photo by Diane Hamilton

Greyhound

Origin: England
Colors: Any
Size: Large
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
Dominance: Low
Noise: Not a barker

Photo by cayenne2006

Saluki

Origin: Middle Eastern Region
Colors: Variety
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Little
Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs
Dominance: Low
Noise: Average barker

Image credit: Desert Borzoi

Borzoi

Origin: Russia
Colors: White, golden, tan or grey with black markings
Size: Extra large
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: A lot of exercise needed
Grooming: Regular
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Slightly dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Not a barker

Breed Video: Borzoi introduction

Photo by Vicki & Chuck Rogers

Pharaoh Hound

Origin: Ancient Egypt / Malta
Colors: Red or tan, often with white markings
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Not generally dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Average barker

Photo by © Red Dogs

Ibizan Hound

Origin: Spain
Colors: Red, white, combination of both
Size: Medium
Type of Owner: Experienced
Exercise: Vigorous
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train
Combativeness: Tends to be fairly dog-aggressive
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Average barker

Photo by dliban

Italian Greyhound

Origin: Italy
Colors: Any
Size: Small
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Very little
Grooming: Very little
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs
Dominance: Low
Noise: Average barker

Photo by coda.allegra

Irish Wolfhound

Origin: Ireland
Colors: Usually grey
Size: Extra large
Type of Owner: Novice
Exercise: Moderate
Grooming: Regular
Trainability: Easy to train
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs
Dominance: Moderate
Noise: Not a barker

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