For some strange reason, with my short little legs, the beagle did not make it as one of the fastest dog breeds. But if it comes to getting a treat, I can assure you I’m pretty quick! ~ Maggie
Check out these amazing dogs that were built for speed
5. Border Collie
Border Collies are the world’s premiere sheep herder and are named the most intelligent dog of any breed. Because of their strong herding drive, immense intelligence and high energy, Border Collies need extensive mental and physical daily exercise – they can become disastrous house dogs if not given a challenging job every day. Because they love chasing other animals and herding just about everything, Border Collies may not be the best breed for families with small children or other household pets. Border Collies are fast; they have been clocked at speeds exceeding 30-mph, and they have the impressive ability to turn corners without losing any speed. Despite their robust spirit and physical power, Border Collies are prone to eye issues such as collie eye anomaly and cataracts, deafness, thyroid diseases and hip dysplasia.
4. Borzoi
Known as the Russian Wolfhound in the United States until 1936, the Borzoi is a hunting dog that was once employed to control coyotes in the American West. The word “borzoi” means “swift” in Russian – and true to their name, Borzois delight in chasing anything that moves! They are intelligent and gentle family pets, but do require regular exercise to beat boredom. Borzois can be trained in obedience, but remember that they are hounds, and as such are more free-thinking and less willing to please humans than other breeds. Because of their extremely large size, Borzois are prone to some hereditary health conditions, like heart disease, skeletal disorders and bloat – a dangerous condition that can be deadly.
3. Whippet
Originally called snap dogs for the speed at which they snapped up the rabbits and rats they coursed, Whippets were probably developed from a blend of Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds and Terriers. Though they are firecrackers on the racetrack, Whippets are quiet and unassuming at home. They are kind and gentle, making excellent companions for families with children – like the Greyhound, Whippets are extremely happy being couch potatoes, too. That being said, they do enjoy and require daily exercise. Some of the conditions and illnesses Whippets are prone to include eye conditions like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, color dilution alopecia and corneal dystrophy; skin issues like pattern baldness; and blood diseases such as von Willebrand Disease.
2. Saluki
One of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs, the Saluki has also been clocked at speeds in excess of 40-mph. Their speed and endurance are due in part to their heavily padded feet, which help to absorb the impact that running has on the body. A natural hunter at heart, Salukis will chase anything that moves! Like many hunting breeds, they are independent, reserved and intelligent, so patience and plenty of training and socialization from an early age are required if you bring one home as a family pet. Because of their active disposition and intelligent nature, Salukis can get bored easily, and should not be left at home unattended for long periods of time. Though they are generally a healthy breed, Salukis can develop heart conditions such as cardiac tumors and cardiomyopathy; eye conditions such as cataracts; and cancers such as lymphoma and liver cancer.
1. Greyhounds
Known as the “45-mph couch potato,” the Greyhound is the fastest dog breed in the world. Its need for speed comes from a natural prey drive to pursue small game, and Greyhounds can achieve speed bursts of more than 40-mph. However, when not in hot pursuit of prey, this graceful racer is also fond of curling up on the couch – hence the nickname. Though Greyhounds have traditionally been bred in the United States for racing, the sport has been declining in recent years, and the dogs are becoming more popular as family pets. Retired racers are commonly adopted through numerous rescue organizations, and they make excellent pets. They may be star athletes, but Greyhounds are still prone to certain illnesses because of their breed. Blood disorders, problems with their connective tissues, bone tumors, skin conditions and eye issues are all common in Greyhounds.
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