Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. Here you can find a complete list of all races and their speed:
- #1 Greyhound: 72 km/h
- #2 Saluki: 69 km/h
- #3 Sloughi: 68 km/h
- #4 Mudhol Hound: 65 km/h
- #5 Central Asian Tazi: 64 km/h
- #6 Rampur Hound: 40 mph
- #7 Silken Windhound: 64 km/h
- #8 Azawakh: 64 km/h
- #9 Podenco Ibicenco: 64 km/h*
- #10 Afghan Hound: 40 mph
- #11 Irish Wolfhound: 40 mph
- #12 Taigan: 60 km/h
- #13 Galgo Español: 60 km/h
- #14 Chippiparai: 60 km/h
- #15 Kanni: 60 km/h
- #16 Borzoi: 58 km/h
- #17 Whippet: 56 km/h
- #18 Pharaoh Hound: 56 km/h*
- #19 Basenji: 56 km/h*
- #20 Podengo Português: 50 km/h*
- #21 Combai: 45 km/h
- #22 Rajapalayam: 45 km/hr
- #23 Deerhound: 45 km/h*
- #24 Thai Ridgeback: 45 km/h
- #25 Cirneco dell'Etna: 43 km/h*
- #26 Rhodesian Ridgeback: 40 km/h*
- #27 Italian Greyhound: 40 km/h
Greyhounds are dogs that hunt primarily through their vision and speed – in contrast to sniffer dogs, who pursue their prey through their scent and endurance. [1]
The above definition also explains why the term “greyhound” is very controversial for some breeds. These are with an asterisk
marked.
In addition, the top speed of each dog naturally depends on the age, individual genes, motivation and training status.
>> Our top recommendations
#1 Greyhound: 72 km/h
The greyhound comes from Great Britain and is a multiple world record holder. On the one hand, it is the fastest dog breed in the world with a speed of 72 km/h. [2] On the other hand, the greyhounds also hold the world record among dogs in the high jump at 191.7 cm.
Incidentally, they are in the air around 75% of the time when running. [3]
In addition, the animals are considered to be very calm, trusting and gentle. In combination with their good trainability, this makes them ideal hunting and family dogs. Fun fact:
This breed is one of the sleepy dogs. Because they sleep around 18 hours a day – often with their eyes open.
#2 Saluki: 69 km/h [4]
The Saluki comes from the Middle East, where it is still used primarily as a hunting dog today. He particularly benefits from his speed and good vision.
Some of these greyhounds can live up to 17 years. Excavations also indicate that this breed was kept as pets as early as 7,000 BC. [5] If that is correct, then they are by far the oldest dog breed in the world.
In addition, they are considered alert, reserved, gentle and easy to care for. Fun fact:
These dogs do not need “exercise”, but rather need to “run out” at least twice a week.
#3 Sloughi: 68 km/h [5]
The Sloughi is also known as the “Arabian greyhound” because it has its origins in North Africa. He is considered intelligent, reserved, loyal and particularly sensitive.
With a speed of 68 km/h, these dogs are also the third fastest breed in the world. They are therefore often used to hunt fast wild animals such as gazelles. [6]
These four-legged friends are rarely kept as family dogs. However, they sometimes also serve as guard dogs, as they are particularly skeptical of strangers. Fun fact:
Heat and sandstorms are no problem for these greyhounds. However, if it gets just a few degrees too cold, her legs start to tremble.
#4 Mudhol Hound: 65 km/h
The Mudhol Hound comes from India and was named after the city of the same name “Mudhol”. With a speed of 65 km/h, he is the fourth fastest dog in the world.
The greyhounds were once used primarily as hunting dogs. However, they are now also used by the Indian military as guard dogs. [7]
In addition, the four-legged friends are considered particularly loyal, delicate and courageous. They also need a lot of exercise and can live up to an impressive 15 years. Fun fact:
This breed sees almost everything around it at an angle of 270°. They are therefore comparable to a chameleon.
#5 Central Asian Tazi: 64 km/h
The Central Asian Tazi has its origins in Kazakhstan, where it is used as both a hunting and family dog. Often even for hunting wolves. [8]
With fewer than 300 purebred specimens, it is one of the rarest breeds in the world – despite its speed of a whopping 64 km/h.
These greyhounds are also considered to have great endurance and can run long distances at up to 15 km/h. In addition, they are very alert, playful and loving. Fun fact:
In India, a dog of this breed costs about as much as around 47 horses. Keeping this breed is also a status symbol.
#6 Rampur Hound: 40 mph
The Rampur Hound comes from India and was named after the city of the same name “Rampur”. He is also considered very intelligent, curious and easy to care for.
With a top speed of 40 mph, these greyhounds are also one of the fastest breeds in the world. The four-legged friends also love sun and warmth. [9]
However, they are rarely kept as family dogs. Because of their good vision and speed, they are very popular hunting companions. Fun fact:
When running, these dogs are completely in the air more than 50% of the time.
#7 Silken Windhound: 64 km/h
The Silken Windhound comes from the USA and was originally used exclusively as a hunting dog. Nowadays, however, they are mostly family and house dogs. [10]
Translated, his name means “silk greyhound” – because his fur is said to be as soft as silk. In addition, he is considered to be very trusting, friendly and playful.
This breed is also relatively well-known despite its age. Because it only got its name in 1998. However, their speed also makes them good hunting dogs. Fun fact:
Large dogs usually die sooner than smaller dogs. However, there are several reports of dogs of this breed living up to 20 years.
#8 Azawakh: 64 km/h
The Azawakh comes from West Africa, where it is usually used in a pack with other members of its species to hunt gazelles. [11]
With a speed of 64 km/h, they are slower than gazelles (97 km/h), but they are significantly more maneuverable and intelligent.
However, these greyhounds are also suitable as guard and family dogs. Because they are very loyal, trusting and caring. However, they don't like cold weather at all. Fun fact:
Oska, Bareeru, Idi, Hanshee, Rawondu, Wulo, Tuared Sloguhi or Azawakh? This breed has a whopping 8 officially recognized names.
#9 Podenco Ibicenco: 64 km/h [12]
The Podenco Ibicenco has its origins in Ibiza. However, it is still controversial whether it actually belongs to the “greyhound” group.
Because he not only uses his speed and sight to hunt, but also his sense of smell, among other things. It is also available in 3 different sizes. [13]
In addition, he is considered very active, intelligent and stubborn. Indoors, the four-legged friends usually behave very calmly. However, they are often hyperactive outside. Fun fact:
These dogs are born clowns. Because they remember everything that makes people laugh and repeat this behavior over and over again.
#10 Afghan Hound: 40 mph [14]
The Afghan Hound's country of origin is already in the name. What also makes these dogs special is their long and soft fur.
In his homeland he is also very often used as a hunting dog due to his speed. However, his loyal and cheerful nature also makes him good house dogs. [15]
These four-legged friends are also the first dog breed in the world to be successfully cloned. However, they are very difficult to train. Fun fact:
These furry friends are often used as test subjects by amateur hairdressers. Since they have large fur, different colors are often tested on them.
#11 Irish Wolfhound: 40 mph
The Irish Wolfhound is very different from other sighthound breeds. On the one hand, his life expectancy of around 6-8 years is only half as long as usual. [16]
On the other hand, the giants are also one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world, weighing up to 70 kg. And yet they can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h.
They got their name because they were often used to hunt wolves. However, their loyal and good-natured nature also makes them great family dogs. Fun fact: [17]
Irish Wolfhound named “Keon” has the world’s longest tail at 30 inches.
#12 Taigan: 60 km/h
The Taigan has its origins in Kyrgyzstan. There, the greyhounds enjoy an excellent reputation as hunting dogs due to their versatility.
With their good visibility and a speed of up to 60 km/h, they are ideal for hunting foxes, badgers and wolves. However, they sometimes also use their nose. [18]
In addition, the four-legged friends are considered to be very calm, reserved and intelligent. However, they are less suitable as pets because of their independent nature. Fun fact:
Most dogs can only hunt – if at all – in combination with other dogs. Things are different with Taigan. He also enjoys working as a team with trained birds of prey.
#13 Galgo Español: 60 km/h [19]
The Galgo Español comes from Spain and is therefore colloquially known as the “Spanish greyhound”. They also live up to a whopping 15 years.
Although these dogs can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, they prefer to lie on the sofa sleeping all day. They also freeze relatively quickly.
In addition, they usually get along very well with children and tolerate even clumsy behavior. This also explains why they are very popular as family dogs. Fun fact:
This breed not only gets along well with cats, but also has many similar habits. Because they lick their paws, sleep a lot and move particularly elegantly.
#14 Chippiparai: 60 km/h
The Chippiparai comes from India. In his homeland he is used both as a hunting and police dog. However, in general the breed is considered very rare.
When hunting, they particularly use their high speed and excellent eyesight. However, the four-legged friends are rarely used as family dogs. [20]
In addition, the greyhounds are considered to be very loyal, protective, calm and easy to care for. They also live up to 15 years and don't like the cold. Fun fact:
These dogs completely fixate on one person. They therefore only want to be petted by their master and sometimes even refuse to eat from other people.
#15 Kanni: 60 km/h
The Kanni originated in India and got its name because of its strong loyalty. Translated, it means “pure” because it is said to have a particularly pure heart.
In his homeland…