How Fast Can a Dog Run? How Do They Run and How to Make a Dog Run & Dog Running Harness
As a dog enthusiast, I’m pretty sure you have seen your dogs running like no tomorrow. It’s really fun to watch them run so quickly. If you’re not a fitness buff, even the small breed dogs like a Maltese can be quite hard to keep up with.
But not all dogs are running the same way. How fast a dog can run depends on both the breed and the body’s composition. Compared to long-legged runners like whippets, the short-legged dog breeds like a Shitzu and Basset Hounds are slow runners.
From the slow running to the fast-running dog breeds, here is what you want to learn about how fast can a dog run?
How Do They Run?
All dogs, regardless of breed, share the same qualities that can make them good runners:
- Feet gripping the ground and nails to ensure good traction. Both give good turning ability to the dogs.
- A double suspension gallop that makes running faster and farther.
- Plenty of forwarding drive and power which is possible because dogs have a flexible spine and strong abs.
It has an asymmetrical gait when a dog runs fast, meaning their feet fall in the right front order, then left front and then right hind, followed by left hind. When it runs, each foot lifts from the ground before the equivalent rear footsteps on the ground.
The fast runner dog breeds have dual suspension gallop in which the body moves upwards and flies through the air at the same time with their four legs lifting off the ground.
How Far Can Dogs Run?
In general, for a short-distance run, dogs can run an average of 15 to 20 miles per hour. But, due to their body composition, there are some dog breeds that are not able to run that far. Some dog breeds, on the other hand, can run even longer than 20 miles per hour.
Factors like health, age, breed determine the speed of a dog’s running capability.
- Some dogs are fast runners:
If you imagine the fastest running breed of dogs, then I’m sure the Greyhound dog breed is what you have in mind. Yes, greyhounds are fast runners with a speed of 45 miles per hour! This dog breed, in fact, is so fast that it can compete with a Cheetah over distance records for land speed.
The other long-legged dog breeds that run fast are Vizslas, Salukis, and Deerhounds. All of these three share a record speed of 40 miles per hour.
The German Shepherds and the Collies are also fast-runners and their speed can go up as high as 30 miles per hour.
If you think the smaller breeds of dogs are unable to run fast, you’re wrong. The Jack Russel Terrier and the Italian Greyhounds can run speeds from 25 to 30 miles per hour.
If you think of what these fast-running dogs have in common? All of them have a deep chest, long legs in proportion, and a lean body. They also have the strength of the cardio and good lung capacity to run fast and long distances.
- Some dogs are slow runners:
Like humans, not all breeds of dogs are running at a fast pace. Their bodies are designed differently, meaning they have shorter legs and brachycephalic mouths that make running a lot of challenging tasks.
For example, the Chihuahua dog breeds are slow because of their miniature size. They do not have the legs that can move fast and far enough.
Because of breathing problems, the Pugs and the Bulldogs are unable to run fast and cover distance. The big dogs like St. Bernard and the Newfoundlands have built-in storage, making them run slowly.
The other dog breeds that run slow and cannot run far are the following:
- Shitzu can only run under 6 miles per hour
- French Bulldog runs up to 15 miles per hour
- Pug runs up between 5 and 10 miles per hour
- Toy Poodle runs up to 10 miles per hour
- Bulldog can only run up to 15 miles per hour
- Basset Hounds run between 5 and 10 miles per hour
- Some dogs are endurance runners:
Running is not only about speed and coverage but also about maintaining a certain speed for a longer period of time (usually slower). That’s what you call running endurance. You know what I’m talking about if you’re a runner, and I’m pretty sure you want a running dog buddy who can keep up with your slow pace but longer hours. In this case, you can run with the following dog breeds:
- Labrador Retriever
- Siberian Husky
- Standard Poodle
- English Setter
- Dalmatian
These dogs can manage to run at a slow pace of 10 to 15 miles per hour but much longer.
No matter how fast or slow your dog is, they all need to be exercised. Fortunately, there are many options available for your dog to bring out their natural instinct to run — it can be in the form of sprinting, hiking, jogging, and much more. But what if you don’t want your dog to run?
How To Make a Dog Run?
There is nothing more exciting than to run with your fur buddy. But what if you don’t want it to run with you? You may have experienced your dog every time you trying to pull away from you when you want to run. Here are some tips on how to get your dog running:
- Try walking it first. Allow it to sniff the surroundings if it wants to. The idea is to allow your dog to associate walking with something that is fun to do. It helps if you will bring some treats to calm it down like Pawfectchow Calming Hemp Treats for dogs.
- Once your dog enjoys outdoor walking, you can gradually encourage them to walk with you only a short distance away. Do this for a couple of weeks, then increase the running minutes slowly until your dog gets used to running with you. Again, it helps if you will give it a reward after every run.
Tips for Running with Your Fur Buddy:
- Stay alert all the time. If it needs water or if it needs to take a break, your dog can’t verbalize it to you. So keep an eye on the condition of your dog all the time.
- Always have water for both of you. Hydration is the key to a good run.
- Always be aware of passing cars to avoid accidents.
- Examine the routes. If you choose a grassy route, it’s healthier for your knees and the paw of your dog. Note hazards such as holes.
- Bring some poop bags. It is as important to clean up your dog’s poop. An example is the Earth Rated Leash Dispenser for Dog Waste Bags.
- Before every run, make sure that your fur buddy’s paws do not have any lesions or scrapes. If there are injuries, even minor ones, it can make it very painful for your dog to run fast.
- Finally, make sure your dog has a suitable dog running harness. This is very important because the harness will not only keep your dog safe, it will also make running more enjoyable for you both.
What You Should Look for In A Dog Running Harness?
- It should be adjustable. The straps must be adjusted according to your dog’s weight and built. The best one should have enough flexibility to fit snugly to a deep-chested Great Dane or to a thin Whippet dog breed.
- It should be comfortable. Compare your running shoes to a dog running harness. If you wear soft-padded rubber shoes, you can enjoy running and even let you run longer. The same can be said about the harness of your dog. The most confiable are those with chest and belly padding.
- It should be secure. If your fur running buddy can slip out of it, even the most expensive harness is useless. So, always check the harness’s security before you buy it.
- It should have a reflective feature. It is also nice to run at nite time and this is why the dog running harness should be very visible to motorists and to other runners as well.
Pawsome Dog Running Harness Products:
I have listed some products for you to choose in order to have a safe and fun run with your fur buddy running companion:
This is one of the most secure harnesses you can find. It has four adjustable straps to fit a small dog and a big dog. And, because of its three reflective stitching seams, you don’t have to worry about running at nite time.
You’ve found what you’ve been looking for, if you prefer to run with your dog without holding its harness. This one gives you more freedom to move around with your dog. It is hands-free. Just tie the belt of the waist around your waist and then attach the leash to it and off you go. It comes with handles that give you the ability to control your dog if it moves away from you.
It can be used by anyone in the family because the waist straps are adjustable.
If you’re a little dog owner, it’s the perfect fit for you. This harness is durable but made of light materials. It has reflective stitchings as well, so nite time running is safe.
If your dog continues to pull each time you run, the answer to that problem is this type. You can redirect your dog’s direction to remain in the forward position. It is made of comfortable materials and can be adjusted based on the weight and body built of your dog. Plus, it even has an ID tag pouch and reflective threads.
Conclusion
Running is a good form of exercise for you and for your pet dog, as well. As you become healthy, you both get to enjoy the outdoors. It’s also free! But make sure your dog is safe and secure by allowing it to wear a dog running harness.
1 - 1Share