The average speed of a dog when running is approximately 10-15 km / h, which is not far from human performance (average the speed of an ordinary unprepared person is from 7 to 12 km / h). However, there are breeds of dogs whose horse is running, they capable of speeds exceeding 60 km / h. Of course, this is not about pets that do not need to rush headlong somewhere. Also do not belong to the fastest and service, and watch dogs. German shepherds, for example, rarely can run over 30-35 km / h, Dobermans usually do not exceed the level of 35 km / h, Caucasian the shepherd dogs due to the massive structure do not run faster than 30 km / h, although their speed is already considered rather big. So which of representatives of the canine world
The fastest dog breeds in the world – TOP-10
Great speed is required primarily for hunting dogs, whose task is to catch the game. Dogs cannot be run fast imagine, for example, hunting for a hare (this animal is capable of escape from imminent death at a speed of 40-60 km / h), fox (about 40 km / h), bear (up to 50 km / h), wild boar (over 35-40 km / h), lynx (40-40 km / h). That is why the fastest dogs in hunting breeds are considered right, namely:
- Greyhounds – this is the fastest breed of dog in the world, in the Guinness Book of Records in 1994, an indicator Greyhound speed equal to 67.32 km / h. Although some owners of this breed claim that the Greyhounds are able to run over 70 km / h, this has not yet been documented. These English greyhounds high enough at the withers (at least 70 cm), medium weight (not more than 40 kg). Due to its long limbs and very the muscular structure of the Greyhound sprinters show excellent results not only during hunting, but also in competitions. These animals often win dog races, but despite ability to develop rapid speed, sometimes they fail stamina – Greyhounds are called runners on relatively short distances, they are not able to pursue game for a long time.

- Saluki – these Persian greyhounds are somewhat inferior in Greyhound speeds, although capable of running faster than 60-65 km / h. However, their advantage over the Greyhound leaders is greater stamina. Saluki can chase game for hours, then like the English greyhounds are not capable of a long race. They are reach at the withers no more than 70 cm, lightweight enough – no more 25 kg Graceful dry addition sometimes gives the impression of being unnecessary slender but saluki very physically strong dogs with excellent health. There are many cases when saluki drove even antelopes, whose speed can be 60-85 km / h.
- Servants – (Arabian greyhounds) may not chase prey slower than the same greyhounds. Their speed often exceeds 60-65 km / h In addition, they are distinguished by good endurance (poison beast for 6 hours or more) and incredible flexibility, ready for sharp turns. While running these dogs often compare with cheetahs – so graceful and fast. Them the dimensions are approximately as follows: height – up to 72 cm, weight – up to 32 kg. They are possess high muscular limbs, graceful, thin skin. They hunt hares, gazelles, wild boars. True, in Russia this the breed is quite rare.
- Azawaki – (African greyhounds) are not ready to run slower than 60 km / h. These dogs reach a maximum height of 70 cm, their weight (maximum) is 25 kg. Dry and muscular physique, long limbs and excitement make them catch up game at high speed. Like the mica, their skin is thin, which provides the possibility of bullying in intense heat due to good heat transfer. Azawakhs are not so popular in Russia, nevertheless they are closer warm (and even hot) climate, and drafts, cold wind and frost they do not tolerate well.
- Whippets – (otherwise called small English greyhounds) can run faster than 50 km / h, in some cases even 60 km / h. Them height at the withers no more than 50 cm, weight – up to 12 kg. They are somewhat more compact than greyhounds and saluki, but no less muscular and elegant, with well developed joints. Small Whippets and their complaisant disposition is often liked by ordinary dog lovers – then they become good companions to their owners. True however their mission is to participate in hunting and in dog races.

- Afghan hounds – capable of accelerating to 55-60 km / h. AT withers, their height can reach 75 cm, weight – 30 kg. By structure body Afghans are not much different from other species of greyhounds, however nature generously rewarded them with long silky hair. the main thing the purpose of the Afghan hounds is hunting, during which they anger and excitement pursue game. In different countries, Afghan Hounds go with a man to hunt for a wolf, deer, ram, snow leopard.

- Italian greyhounds (also called small Italian greyhounds or Italian Greyhounds) – despite a small growth (up to 38 cm) and small weight (up to 5 kg) are able to show class in the hunt for small beast (squirrel, hare). Italian greyhounds are excellent runners, their speed is capable of developing up to 50 km / h. They are well oriented in space, zorka, but in our country such dogs are more often brought into as companions, preferring larger ones for hunting breeds. In addition, Italian greyhounds, although fast, are quite vulnerable. in view of its fragile constitution and intolerance for cold and damp. However, it is undesirable to keep them safe in the apartment.

- Pharaoh dogs – (sometimes they are called pharaoh dogs greyhounds) are ready to pursue production at a speed of about 60 km / h (most often they show themselves as rabbit hunters, hare). Such dogs have an average height at the withers (not more than 64 cm), weigh up to 25 kg. They are slim, muscular enough, athletic. Due to the nature of the pharaoh dogs usually show their hunting quality and urban conditions, striving to catch cats, rodents.

- Russian canine greyhounds – this breed is real property of our country. Large (up to 86 cm at the withers of males, up to 78 see u bitches), well and elegantly folded, beautiful, very smart and loyal, these dogs are excellent runners – their speed can reach over 50 km / h. They are used during bullying such dangerous predators like wolves, bears, wild boars. They hunt with them and hares, foxes. Russian greyhounds differ not only in speed of running – they are also very hardy, ready to chase game throughout many hours, not wanting to give up. In addition, they are adapted to natural conditions of Russia.

- Siberian Husky – This breed formed on the Far The east of our country, although they were officially recognized in the United States. They are not as fast as greyhound hunters, their maximum speed is not exceeds 45 km / h (rarely 50 km / h). However their stamina and the ability to work in severe frost, carrying a heavy load, does not allow you to “forget” about them, talking about the fastest dog breeds. The world knows cases when sledding husky teams passed distances over 500 km with virtually no rest. Husky – Medium the size of the dog with a dense coat, their height is up to 60 cm, weight – up to 28 kg. If desired, they can be trained in hunting (small beast, bird).

The fastest dogs in the world in running are officially hunting English greyhounds (greyhounds), however literally in the back they breathe at least a dozen other breeds. If speak about the maximum speed that is subject to the dog, then it is about 70 km / h – this figure is equal to a record speed champion stallion!
