13 of the fastest dog breeds in the world

Top speed: 58km/h

Also known as Russian Wolfhounds, the Borzoi is a gorgeous, goofy, leggy hound with a love of both sprinting and lounging. Like Greyhounds, they’re great apartment dogs despite their large size. With gentle and happy-go-lucky personalities, Borzois show little sign of what they were bred for: hunting wolves. Their long coats need regular grooming, but Borzoi owners will find themselves with a graceful and rewarding dog companion.

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Top speed: 56km/h

Originating in Germany (hence the proper pronunciation of “Vy-ma-rah-na”), a Weimaraner is instantly recognisable by its silvery-grey coat, floppy ears and blue or amber eyes. A medium-sized, retriever-esque dog, the Weimaraner is extremely intelligent and needs a lot of exercise to be happy and healthy. These athletic pooches were bred to be all-round hunting dogs, when the Duke of Weimar crossed Bloodhounds with French and German hunting dogs. The result is a wonderful family dog that is eager to join in with any adventure.

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Top speed: 53km/h

Those classically pointy Pinscher ears top the head of these smooth, sleek dogs. Intelligent and confident, German Pinschers are both one of Germany’s oldest breeds and one of the fastest dog breeds. Bred as ratters, German Pinschers make excellent working and guard dogs and loving family dogs. They need plenty of stimulation and exercise to maintain good physical and mental health and would love to be involved in sport like agility or tracking.

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Top speed: 48km/h

Intelligent, energetic and speedy, the Border Collie is a beloved dog that also happens to be one of the fastest dog breeds. And did we mention energetic? If you’re not a farmer already, this breed is particularly suited to the time-rich and active, who can dedicate the sort of time the Border Collie needs to fulfilling its exercise and mental stimulation needs. They were originally bred as herders, and their skills translate into the sport of agility in non-farm dogs. Border Collies are extremely smart and trainable and would make perfect running companions, especially if you’re training for a marathon! Their endurance means they can run all day, and you may be the one trying to keep up.

Top speed: 45km/h

Although they’re definitely one of the fastest dog, where the Siberian Husky really shines is in its endurance. This ancient breed’s ancestors were originally bred in northeastern Asia by the Chukchi people and were kept as family dogs, as well as sled dogs. Huskies can maintain a speed of 16-20km/h all day. long. That’s what makes them ideal running companions (as long as you don’t take them out in the heat!). Huskies are known to be smart, friendly and reasonably trainable, and as a plus, they’re pretty clean, with little doggy odour. They do need a lot of exercise and engagement to be happy, otherwise they may pull a Houdini and escape from your yard in search of fun. Huskies’ wolf-like faces and pretty blue eyes have earned them fans all over the world.

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Source: RD.com