Cocker Spaniels are known to be one of the most loving, family-friendly dog breeds around and make an excellent choice for any family with young children. Their fluffy ears, gorgeous appearance and gentle nature make them a popular choice for many people looking for a new pet.
However, despite their innocent look, are Cocker Spaniels capable of achieving fast running speeds and do they make good runners? In this article, we’ll discuss how fast a Cocker Spaniel can run and what factors influence its top running speeds – as well as how they compare against other similar breeds.
How fast can a Cocker Spaniel run?
According to the American Kennel Clubs FAST CAT program, the Cocker Spaniel can run up to a speed of 23.3 miles per hour. This was the fastest running speed achieved out of all 101 Cocker Spaniels that have taken part in the program since its launch.
The fastest Cocker Panel was a male that goes by the name of Louie Winston Clumberstein, he achieved the top running speed of 23.3 miles per hour.
The fastest bitch was Julie I’M So Fancy and she achieved a running speed of 22.66 miles per hour. Males occupied the top 4 spots for being the fastest Cocker Spaniels, with only one female in the top 5.
What is the average running speed of a Cocker Spaniel?
The average running speed of all Cocker Spaniels that took part in the competition was 17.80 miles per hour. However, the average running speed can differ significantly depending on the individual dog’s age, weight, health and how fit the dog is!
- The average running speed of male Cocker Spaniels was 18.43 miles per hour
- The average running speed of female Cocker Spaniels was 17.33 miles per hour
Therefore, the male Cocker Spaniel tends to be a bit faster than the female of the breed.
How does the running speed of the Cocker Spaniel compare to other breeds?
The Cocker Spaniel’s running speeds are quite impressive compared to similar-sized dogs, such as the Poodle and Cane Corso, but are slower than some of the larger and more athletic breeds, such as the almighty Saluki and Greyhound!
Here’s a comparison of the Cocker Spaniel’s top running speed with other breeds:
Breed | Fastest Speed |
Greyhound | 45 mph |
Saluki | 33-40 mph |
Afghan Hound | 34-40 mph |
Vizsla | 40 mph |
Jack Russell Terrier | 38 mph |
Dalmatian | 37 mph |
Whippet | 35 mph |
Doberman Pinscher | 31 mph |
Poodle | 30 mph |
German Shepherd | 30 mph |
Golden Retriever | 30 mph |
Cocker Spaniel | 23.3 mph |
Dachshund | 20 mph |
Can you go running with a Cocker Spaniel?
Yes, you can go running with a Cocker Spaniel, given that the dog is healthy and fit enough to go running. Just like with any other breed, you should consult with your vet first before taking your Cocker Spaniel out for a run to make sure they’re fit and ready!
The best way to prepare your Cocker Spaniel for running is by gradually increasing its exercise level over several weeks. This will help your dog’s muscles and joints to adjust to running and prevent any injuries or strains.
Once you’ve taken all the necessary precautions, it’s time for the two of you to hit the road! Cocker Spaniels are quite an active breed of dogs, so make sure to take a few water breaks during your run and keep the distance to a comfortable level.
Can a Cocker Spaniel run a marathon?
Yes, it’s possible for a Cocker Spaniel to run a marathon, but it’s important to remember that this breed of dog is not naturally bred to run long distances.
A marathon is 26 miles, so with some patience and dedication, it is possible to train a Cocker Spaniel to run that far. However, this should only be attempted by experienced runners and dog owners who can properly assess their Cocker Spaniel’s capabilities.
It shouldn’t be expected for every Cocker Spaniel to be able to run a marathon, and the best course of action is to slowly increase the distance your dog can run until you reach the desired goal.
Conclusion: How fast can a Cocker Spaniel run?
The Cocker Spaniel can run up to a speed of 23.3 miles per hour, according to the American Kennel Clubs FAST CAT program. The average running speed for all Cocker Spaniels is 17.80 miles per hour, with males tending to be a bit faster than females!