10 Fastest Dog Breeds in the World: Salukis, Collies, and More

The Greyhound is the fastest breed in the dog world, capable of reaching top speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h).

Originally bred as racing dogs and hunting dogs, Greyhounds have aerodynamic bodies, deep chests, and an athletic build that allows them to accelerate faster than almost any other breed. They remain the iconic choice for dog runs and racing events.

The Saluki, originally bred in the Middle East, is one of the fastest breeds over long distances. With their lean bodies, long legs, and impressive speeds, Salukis can reach up to 42 mph (68 km/h).

They were originally used for hunting small game across deserts.

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Afghan Hound hails from (surprise) Afghanistan. With their long legs, aerodynamic bodies, and thick, silky coat, they can reach impressive speeds of 40 mph (64 km/h).

They were originally bred to hunt large prey such as leopards and gazelles across rugged terrain.

Don’t underestimate this small but mighty dog.

Jack Russells, originally bred for fox hunting and hunting small game, can run up to 38 mph (61 km/h). Their incredible agility and compact size allow them to dart through challenging terrain with ease.

This athletic breed was originally developed in 19th-century Germany as a personal protection dog for its owner (earning the nickname “Tax Collector’s Dog”).

Dobermans can reach speeds of about 32 mph (51 km/h). Their muscular bodies and lean frames make them natural sprinters and great companions for active owners.

A muscular dog with a reputation as a guard dog, the German Shepherd is also an impressive runner, clocking speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h).

With deep chests, muscular bodies, and high energy, they were originally bred for herding and guarding livestock.

Known for incredible agility and intelligence, Border Collies are fast runners, often reaching 30 mph (48 km/h). Originally bred as herding dogs, they excel in agility exercises and require active lifestyles to stay happy and healthy.

Built for endurance more than sprinting, Siberian Huskies can run at about 30 mph (48 km/h) but excel over long distances.

Originally bred to pull sleds in snow and challenging terrain, their high stamina allows them to maintain high speeds for hours.

Despite their large size, Great Danes are surprisingly fast, running up to 30 mph (48 km/h). Their muscular build and deep chests make them powerful runners, although they are best over short distances rather than long runs.

Surprisingly fast for their reputation as couch potatoes, Standard Poodles can reach speeds of around 30 mph (48 km/h). Originally bred as water retrievers, their athletic build and high stamina also make them excellent for agility training and exercises.

These fastest dog breeds show how centuries of breeding shaped animals built for speed, agility, and endurance. While many are now great family pets, they still thrive with active owners, regular exercise, and balanced diets to keep their athletic edge.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.