How fast can a Saluki run?

Saluki’s are a long-bodied dog breed that has big floppy ears, long legs and big, brown eyes. They are an adorable breed and look very innocent, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – as they are very fast runners and can reach incredible running speeds.

If you’ve ever seen one in action, then you will know that the breed can run, as they have a very powerful and long stride, and have a talent for running long distances. But how fast can a Saluki run and how do they compare to other dog breeds? Let’s get into the detail!

How fast can a Saluki run?

According to the American Kennel Club, the fastest Saluki to take part in their FAST CAT (Coursing Agility Test) competition reached a speed of 32.88 miles per hour (52.91 kilometres per hour) over a distance of 100 yards (91 meters).

The Saluki that was able to run this incredible speed goes by the name of DC Jalynn’s Tequila With Red Passion At Porrima SC LCX DCAT, and is a male that was born on the 8 the May 2018 and lives in the United States (1).

The fastest female to take part in the competition goes by the name of CH Aspen’s Zelda Zarina SC FCAT CGCA TKN ATT and was able to achieve a top running speed of 32.17 mph (2).

What is the average running speed of a Saluki?

The average running speed of all 113 Saluki’s that have taken part in the FAST CAT competition by the American Kennel Club is 28.18 miles per hour. This considers all the data since 2016.

• The average running speed for male Saluki’s is 28.45 miles per hour
• The average running speed for female Saluki’s is 27.82 miles per hour

The slowest female Saluki named Eden’s Corahk Roses R Red My Love Sm was able to achieve a top running speed of 18.76 miles per hour.

The slowest male Saluki named Desert Song’s Sirius Sully Of 7seas was able to achieve a top speed of 21.83 miles per hour.

Does this make Saluki’s fast runners?

Absolutely, the Saluki makes a very fast runner with an average running speed of 28.18 miles per hour, this puts them ahead of the smaller dog breeds like the Chihuahua, Dachshund and Pug, and instead, in the same league as some of the world’s other top running dogs like the Greyhound, Whippet and Jack Russell Terrier.

When compared to the world’s fastest human runner, Usain Bolt, who has a top running speed of 27.78 miles per hour, it is clear to see that Saluki’s are incredibly fast runners!

If we were to compare the running speed of a Saluki against the average human, like me and you, they blow us out of the water, as the average human running speed is only around 5.5 mph, according to Healthline.

Why are Saluki’s so fast?

There are a number of reasons why Saluki’s are such incredible runners, but one of the main reasons is their long and powerful legs. Their proportions are almost similar to that of a horse and their long strides make them very efficient runners.

They would have a natural advantage when racing against smaller dog breeds like the Chihuahua and Pug, as their long legs would allow them to cover more ground with each stride. They would be left in the dust!

Their large lung capacity is also an advantage, as this allows them to take in more oxygen and therefore run for longer periods of time without tiring, and their lightweight body means they don’t have to work as hard as some of the larger dog breeds.

Conclusion: How fast can a Saluki run?

I personally think Saluki’s are one of the most beautiful dog breeds, with their slender body, long legs and silky fur, and now we know that they are not only beautiful but incredibly fast too! Who wouldn’t want a Saluki as their running buddy? I know I would! (even though I can be quite lazy, I feel like a Saluki would be able to help me get up and go for a run!)

If you are thinking of getting a running buddy and are considering a Saluki, I say go for it! You won’t be disappointed with how fast they can run! (just make sure you have enough space at home for them to move around as they need plenty of exercise).

• Saluki’s have an average running speed of 28.18 miles per hour.
• The fastest Saluki that took part in a FAT CAT competition was able to run up to 32.88 miles per hour

Do you have a Saluki? Let us know how fast they can run in the comments below! We would love to hear from you! (and see some pictures too!)