How fast can a Basset Hound run?

Basset Hounds are sweethearts that make great family pets. They are gentle, loving, and have a calm demeanour. But don’t let their easygoing nature fool you – these dogs were bred for hunting, but they are known to be one of the slower breeds given their short legs and long bodies.

If you’ve ever seen a Basset Hound in person then you’ll notice that they have quite long bodies and short legs in comparison to other dog breeds. They walk very slow, have droopy eye sockets, and their long ears often drag on the ground. All these features give them a very distinct look, but this can also slow them down!

I remember the first time I saw a Basset in person, I was near the beach in the countryside of Weston Super Mare (UK), and I was quite shocked at their appearance which made me immediately think of a long, fully-sized sausage dog, as they have similar traits. It stood out to me how slow he was moving – I had to take a second glance to make sure he wasn’t just a very lazy dog.

So how fast can a Basset Hound run? The answer is, not very fast at all!

How fast can a Basset Hound run?

The average Basset Hound can run between 5 and 21 miles per hour, according to the American Kennel Club’s FAST CAT competition. The fastest Basset Hound on record was able to achieve a speed of 21 miles per hour, known by the name of Paris of Creekside FCAT2 CGC.

The fastest male on record is currently held by a hound named Baywind Whitehouse and he was able to run up to a maximum speed of 17.7 miles per hour (1).

The fastest female on record is held by a bitch, who was able to run the top speed of 21 miles per hour and is the current record holder for the fastest Basset Hound that’s taken part in the FAST CAT competition.

What is the average running speed of Basset Hounds?

The average running speed of all Basset Hounds that have taken by in the American Kennel Club’s FAST CAT competition is 14.53 miles per hour.

• The average running speed achieved by a male Basset Hound is 14.14 miles per hour.
• The average running speed achieved by a female Basset Hound is 14.86 miles per hour.

The female takes the lead when it comes to the average running speed of Basset Hounds, but not by much. The result could still be swayed by future contenders!

From personal experience of seeing Bassets in person, you would never think that they are capable of achieving such speeds, but they are deceptively fast for their size.

How does a Basset Hound’s running speed compare to other breeds?

In comparison to other breeds, the Basset Hound is one of the slower dogs and would struggle to race against even the smaller breeds, like the Chihuahua, Dachshund and Shih Tzu.

They wouldn’t stand a chance against some of the other faster breeds, like the German Shepherd or Saluki, as their short legs would give them a tremendous disadvantage against such agile breeds. But this is no surprise, longer legs tend to equate to a higher top speed across any form of life – humans included.

Can you jog with a Basset Hound?

Basset Hounds can be taken for a jog but you shouldn’t expect the world from them, as they’ll likely struggle to keep up with you because of their little legs and long backs. They weren’t built for long-distance running and their short legs can make it difficult for them to sustain a fast pace for a long period of time.

They also have a habit of stopping for little breaks often when they get tired, so this should be expected if you take them out often to exercise, and they could slow down your routine.

Conclusion: How fast can a Basset Hound run?

Basset Hounds can run but not as fast as other breeds because of all the reasons mentioned above, so if you’re thinking of getting a Basset in the hope that they are a fast runner, and can keep up with you on long runs or jobs, then I’d suggest looking at another breed, like a Greyhound or Dalmatian.

However, if you’re looking for a family dog that’s gentle, loving and can provide you with years of happiness, then the Basset Hound is definitely the breed for you! They also don’t mind a good cuddle and are known to be one of the most laid-back breeds, so they make excellent pets for those looking for a relaxed companion.

I hope this article has helped clear up how fast Basset Hounds can run and what their capabilities are when it comes to running. If you have a Basset we would be interested in hearing how they do on runs and how fast they can go! Leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!