Different dogs move at different speeds whereby they are slow movers and fast moving dogs. The speed of a dog depends on the breed, physical build, age, and health.
Talking of speed then,
How fast is a Great Dane? The Great Dane’s top speed is 30 mph (48 km/h) and is rated as one of the fastest dog breeds. Their body structure and size, composed of a muscular athletic build with long sturdy legs, enable them to cover more ground when running with every few strides.
In this article, we will cover the different aspects of the Great Dane’s running ability as well as compare their speed to other ranked fastest dog breeds.
Are Great Danes good runners?
Great Danes are good runners due to their physical frame and size which enables them to run fast, however, they are not good at long-distance running for a long time.
They have the energy and physical build to run but no stamina to sustain the high-speed for a long time over very long distances. Long-distance runs over a long time can however be achieved through training to improve their performance.
Is 30 mph fast for a dog?
30 mph is fast for a dog and counts as one of the top speeds of the fastest dog breeds. Different dog breeds can run at different speeds. Short-distance dogs can run at a speed of 15 – 20 mph while other dog breeds can run faster than this.
Recommended reading: Why does my Great Dane sleep so much?
Can you run with a Great Dane?
You can run with a Great Dane, however, this is only advisable until they reach 2 years of age. The two-year time period allows their joints and bones to completely grow and mature as well as avoid orthopedic disorders due to early exertion with strenuous exercise.
The Great Danes’ size and long legs help them cover more ground in a few strides when running but they cannot run long distances for a long time.
If you want a Great Dane as a running buddy or to compete in dog shows, they require more specialized training. You can hire a professional dog trainer to train them.
Also always consult with their vet on all health matters concerning your Great Dane before engaging them in any strenuous activities.
What is the speed of the fastest dog?
The speed of the fastest dog is 45 mph (72 km/h), which is attributed to the Greyhound which is rated as the fastest dog in the world.
The Greyhound has a physical build that supports the achievement of this incredible top speed. They have powerful long-legs, slim build, deep chest, flexible spine, and are highly energetic.
The breed was originally used as a herding dog, however, today they have been used as racing dogs. Male dogs weigh between 60 – 88 pounds with 28 – 30 inches in height while females who are smaller weigh 55 – 75 pounds with 26 to 28 inches in height.
What are the top 10 fastest dog breeds?
The below are the top 10 fastest dog breeds with their top speeds:
Dog Breed | Top Speed |
Greyhound | 45mph (72 km/h) |
Saluki | 42.8mph (68 km/h) |
Vizsla | 40mph (64.4 km/h) |
Dalmatian | 37mph (60 km/h) |
Russian wolfhound | 36mph (57.9 km/h) |
Whippet | 35mph (56 km/h) |
Weimaraner | 35mph (56 km/h) |
Doberman Pinscher | 32mph (51.5 km/h) |
Border collie | 30mph (48 km/h) |
Great Dane | 30mph (48 km/h) |
In the past, dog breeds were selectively bred for specific activities such as hunting, herding, or working dogs. This meant that one of the qualities they had to have was speed to enable them to be effective in their tasks.
Although today they might not be used in the same capacity as they were in the past, the breeds still retain their characteristics.
Recommended Reading: What do Great Danes like to do?
Conclusion:
In this post, you learned about the Great Dane’s top speed, what makes them fast runners, and the fastest dog breeds with their top breeds compared to Great Dane.
The Great Dane is a gentle, friendly, and very laid-back dog that was originally used as a hunting dog in the past and because of their speed, they could easily catch their targets.
They are fast dogs despite their gigantic frames and take the prize as one of the fastest dog breeds.