When it comes to racing dogs, there are a few key breeds that stand out as top contenders. Greyhounds, whippets, salukis, and Afghan hounds are among the fastest dog breeds and frequently seen in racing events. But when considering factors like speed, endurance, temperament, and availability, certain breeds emerge as better suited for racing than others. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best dog breeds for racing and what makes them prime canine athletes.
Greyhound
The greyhound is widely considered to be the fastest dog breed in the world. Greyhounds can reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour, making them able to outrun nearly every other dog breed. Their slender build, large heart and lungs, and efficient gait give greyhounds their edge for speed. Greyhounds have been bred for coursing game and racing for centuries.
Throughout history, greyhounds have been depicted racing and hunting in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artwork. Modern greyhound racing started in England in the late 18th century using retired racing greyhounds from Ireland. Today, there are over 30 greyhound racing tracks still active in 6 states across the US. Greyhounds also race professionally in other parts of the world including the UK, Australia, Mexico, and parts of South America.
Beyond their speed, greyhounds are generally docile, gentle, and easy to work with. Their relatively calm temperament makes them appropriate for racing environments with crowds and noise. Overall, the greyhound’s speed, endurance, size, and temperament make it the premier racing dog breed.
Whippet
Whippets are a smaller cousin of the greyhound and share many of their racing attributes. Weighing 25-40 pounds, whippets are the fastest small racing dogs. They are capable of running up to 35 miles per hour. Whippets have a similar build to greyhounds but on a smaller scale. They are sleek, slender dogs bred for racing and lure coursing.
Whippets originate from England, where they were bred from smaller greyhounds and terriers. Whippet racing started in England in the late 19th century. Today it continues as an organized sport with sanctioned races across Europe and North America. The American Whippet Club and other organizations host racing events and lure coursing trials annually.
Beyond racing, whippets excel in agility competitions and other canine sports thanks to their speed and athleticism. They are often described as “the poor man’s racehorse” due to their racing abilities on a smaller budget than owning racehorses or greyhounds. Their versatility, more modest size, and lower cost of care make whippets one of the top racing dog breeds.
Saluki
Salukis are one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds, dating back to ancient Egypt and the Middle East. Like greyhounds, salukis have a slender, aerodynamic build suited for speed and endurance. They are deep-chested dogs with long legs and a flexible spine that gives them a floating gait. Salukis can run up to 40 miles per hour.
Salukis originated as hunting dogs used by nomadic tribes in the Middle East. They were bred to chase down fast prey like hares, gazelles, and foxes over desert terrain. This gave rise to their remarkable speed and endurance. Originally racing was used to prove their abilities before breeding the fastest dogs. More organized saluki races and lure coursing events developed in the 20th century.
While not as popular globally as greyhound racing, saluki races continue today in the breed’s native regions. Saluki clubs around the world also host racing and lure coursing trials. The saluki’s natural speed, athleticism, and stamina make it one of the world’s elite racing dog breeds. Their independent nature can present some training challenges, however.
Afghan Hound
Originally from Afghanistan, the Afghan hound is another ancient breed prized by nomads for its speed, sight hunting abilities, and endurance in desert conditions. Covered in long silky hair, the Afghan hound can seem graceful and fashionable rather than athletic at first glance. But don’t let their elegant looks fool you – Afghan hounds can run up to 40 miles per hour and have top-notch endurance.
Afghan hounds are tall, lean dogs standing up to 27 inches at the shoulder. Beneath their flowing coat lies a combination of robust muscles and a narrow flexible frame perfect for racing and coursing. Their incredible speed and agility made them sought-after competition dogs for racing and lure coursing events.
However, Afghan hounds can be aloof, independent, and difficult to train. Their high prey drive combined with independent thinking can make racing a challenge. But for those willing to put in the training time, their athletic abilities are hard to surpass. Their unique looks and speed also make them crowd-pleasing competitors.
Other Fast Dog Breeds Worth Mentioning
In addition to the top racing breeds already covered, there are a few other fast dog breeds that excel at racing events under the right conditions:
| Breed | Speed | Racing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vizsla | Up to 40 mph | High energy, athletic versatitily, can be difficult to train |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Up to 25 mph | Tenacious small breed, high prey drive, used in racing and hunting events |
| Dalmatian | Up to 24 mph | Bred to run long distances with horse-drawn coaches, good endurance |
Choosing the Best Dog for Racing
When selecting the best racing dog breed, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Speed – A racing dog needs to have an innate ability for speed. The fastest breeds can run up to 40-45 mph.
- Endurance – Racing dogs must be able to sustain speed and exercise for extended periods.
- Athleticism – Agility, coordination, and strength are needed for acceleration and maneuvering.
- Desire – Competitive drive and prey drive contribute to a dog’s interest and aptitude for racing.
- Training – Breeds that are relatively easy to motivate and train make the best competitors.
- Availability – More common breeds like greyhounds are easier to find from breeders than rarer breeds.
Based on these criteria, the greyhound stands out as having the best combination of speed, endurance, athleticism, temperament, trainability, and accessibility for racing. But breeds like whippets, salukis, and Afghan hounds also have what it takes to excel on the race track in the right hands.
Greyhound Racing Facts and Statistics
Here are some interesting facts about greyhound racing:
- Greyhounds are the fastest accelerating dog breed, going from 0 to 45 mph in just 30 feet.
- Racing greyhounds weigh between 50-85 pounds and stand 23-30 inches tall.
- The typical lifespan of a racing greyhound is 10-13 years.
- Australia has the most greyhound racing tracks in the world at 58 total.
- Over $30 billion is wagered annually on greyhound races worldwide.
- Ireland has the highest number of registered racing greyhounds each year.
- Female greyhounds are often faster than males.
- The average sprint race distance for greyhounds is 550 yards.
Conclusion
When choosing the best racing dog breed, the greyhound stands out due to its unparalleled speed, endurance, gentle temperament, and racing availability. Breeds like whippets, salukis, and Afghan hounds also make excellent racing dogs but are less common and accessible overall. No matter the breed, racing dogs require proper training, socialization, exercise, and retirement planning to thrive in their racing careers and lives after crossing the finish line. With the right breed, training, and care, racing dogs can achieve incredible athletic feats and human connection through the sport.