Speed Demons: How the Fastest Dog Breeds Stack Up Against the World's Fastest Four-Legged Animals

 

The fastest dog breed in the world is the Greyhound, known for reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h). Greyhounds are specifically bred for speed and are commonly used in dog racing due to their remarkable agility and acceleration. Their slender build, long legs, and aerodynamic shape contribute to their record-breaking speed.

Greyhounds are incredibly fast, but when compared to other four-legged animals, they aren't the fastest overall. Here's how they rank:

1. Cheetah – The fastest land animal, reaching speeds up to 60–70 mph (97–113 km/h) in short bursts.
2. Pronghorn Antelope – The second fastest, capable of running up to 55 mph (89 km/h) and sustaining high speeds over long distances.
3. Springbok – Another speedy animal, known to reach around 55 mph (89 km/h).
4. Greyhound – As mentioned, Greyhounds can run up to 45 mph (72 km/h), making them the fastest dog breed and among the fastest animals overall.
5. Horse (Thoroughbred) – A racing Thoroughbred horse can run about 40-44 mph (64-70 km/h) over short distances.

While Greyhounds are incredibly fast for a domestic animal, animals like the cheetah and pronghorn antelope still outpace them. Greyhounds, however, excel in sprinting among domesticated species​