How fast can an Afghan Hound run?

Afghan Hounds are big, hairy, fluffy dogs that certainly stand out from other dog breeds – you won’t miss them in a crowd! They are also known for being able to run very fast. While they may not be the quickest dog breed, they can certainly hold their own in a sprint.

Afghan Hounds have an average running speed of 25.10 mph. But how do they compare to some of the other speedy dog breeds out there? In this post, we will explore how fast Afghan Hounds can run and how their speed compares to other dog breeds.

Afghan Hounds running speed

According to the Fast CAT® agility test by the American Kennel Club, the fastest recorded Afghan Hound was able to run up to a maximum speed of 34.07 mph. However, the average running speed across all 151 Afghan Hounds that have taken part in the agility test to date is 25.10 mph.

The average running speed of a female Afghan Hound is 25.06 mph, however, for males, it’s 25.14 mph, so a little bit higher for males on average. The top speed that a female Afghan Hound has been recorded running at is 31.8 mph, and for males, it’s 34.07 mph (currently the highest) (1).

The slowest Afghan Hound on record is by a dog named GCH DC Suni Magenta Maidin Bakura, and was able to run up to a speed of 9.77 – this is relatively slow for an Afghan Hound and could be beaten by the likes of a Chihuahua and a Dachshund.

Video of Afghan Hounds running fast in a vineyard

Below is a video showing two Afghan Hounds (Vinny and Jilly) running as fast as they can in an open field towards a vineyard. Just imagine a human running alongside them – they would be left in the dust!

Can a human outrun an Afghan Hound?

While Afghan Hounds may not be considered the fastest dog breed, they are still able to run at high speeds and are definitely one of the speedier breeds out there. If you’re ever in a foot race with an Afghan Hound, you may want to think twice before betting against them!

Even Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the planet would struggle to beat an Afghan Hound in a sprint. He’s the world record holder for the 100m sprint and has a top speed of 27.33 mph, which is just shy of the average speed for an Afghan Hound (2).

The average male human can run up to a speed of 8 mph, and the average female can run up to a speed of 6.5 mph – so even the fittest and fastest human wouldn’t stand a chance (3).

How fast can an Afghan Hound run?

Afghan Hounds can run up to 34.07 mph – but the vast majority have an average running speed of 25.10 mph. The top speed on record has been achieved by a male hound named DC Gaston La Gaffe Del Gran Pamir, according to the American Kennel Club’s Fast CAT.

This top speed is very unusual for an Afghan Hound, so you shouldn’t expect your dog to be able to achieve these exceptional speeds. Most hounds have a modest running speed of around 25 mph.

My Afghan Hound doesn’t run very fast – should I be worried?

Knowing the average running speed of an Afghan Hound can worry you if your dog isn’t running at those levels, but the truth is, every dog is different. Some may be able to run a little faster, while others may not be as speedy – so it’s not something you should worry about.

How fast a dog can run isn’t a representation of how healthy they are, so as long as your Afghan Hound is happy, healthy and enjoying life, then there’s no need to worry.

Another point to make is that your dog may not have had the chance to sprint to its full potential, the running speeds achieved included in this article were set in a controlled environment by professional handlers – so it’s not something that your dog is likely to achieve in their everyday life.

If you have any concerns about their running speed or feel that there could be something wrong, then I would suggest speaking to your vet. They can give you advice and put your mind at ease.

Are Afghan Hounds considered good running partners?

Yes, Afghan Hounds can be great running partners, as they have a lot of energy and enjoy being active. They need around 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, so if you’re a keen runner, they will be able to keep up with you with no problems!

They are very hairy with big coats, so they may not be the best breed for hot weather – but in cooler climates, they will make great running companions. Just make sure they have plenty of breaks between running sessions to avoid over-heating.

Why are Afghan Hounds able to run so fast?

Afghan Hounds are known to be excellent runners, and no one second guesses why – they’re built for speed! But how are they able to achieve such high running speeds? What is it that makes them so special? Why can’t all dogs run as fast as they can?

Well, their long, slender legs and lithe bodies are perfectly designed for running at high speeds. They also have large feet which help them to grip the ground and run quickly, and their large lungs and powerful heart also help them to run faster and for longer periods of time.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Afghan Hound’s physical attributes that help them to run so fast, but these are some of the key features.

All of these factors combined make Afghan Hounds one of the fastest breeds of dog in the world – and they’re certainly not slowing down any time soon!

Afghan Hounds have long slender legs

The Afghan Hound possesses long, slender legs that help propel them to high speeds, as they can take bigger strides with every step. This also allows them to maintain their balance at high speeds and prevents them from slipping.

Normally, the bigger the legs, the faster the animal can run. But in the case of the Afghan Hound, they have relatively small legs in comparison to their body size. This makes them even more agile and able to change direction quickly – which is an important quality in a hunting dog.

Their long legs also help them to cover large distances quickly, and they can run for long periods of time without tiring. This makes them ideal running partners.

When compared to the likes of the Chihuahua and Dachshund, the Afghan Hound will simply beat them on the basis that they have longer legs and can run faster as a result. Usain Bolt is the fastest man on the planet for a reason, and one contributing factor is his long legs, the same applies to dogs, and the Afghan Hound is a good example of this! (4).

Afghan Hounds have large feet

Afghan Hounds also have large feet, which helps them to grip the ground and run quickly. Their big toes also help to increase their speed and traction, and also make them less likely to slip!

Bigger paws simply means more surface area in contact with the ground, which gives them more power to push off and run faster! While some dogs have webbed feet which help them to swim faster, the Afghan Hound’s large feet are an advantage when running on dry land.

Afghan Hounds have large lungs

Large lungs are important for any animal that wants to run fast, as they need plenty of oxygen to fuel their muscles. The Afghan Hound’s lungs are very large in comparison to their body size, which allows them to take in more oxygen and run for longer periods of time.

Their powerful heart also helps to pump oxygenated blood around their body quickly, which helps their muscles to work more efficiently. This gives them the advantage of being able to run faster and for longer distances.

Do Afghan Hounds need a lot of exercise?

Yes, Afghan Hounds require more than the average amount of exercise, and they need to be given regular opportunities to run and stretch their legs. They are a high-energy breed that loves to be on the move, and they will quickly become bored if they are not given enough exercise.

They require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and this should be a mix of both mental and physical stimulation. A good way to exercise an Afghan Hound is to let them off the leash in an open space where they can run freely. This will allow them to burn off some energy and have some fun!

Are Afghan Hounds easy to train?

Yes, Afghan Hounds are known to be one of the easier dog breeds to train, given their loving and loyal nature, as well as their high intelligence. They are quick learners and will soon pick up new commands and tricks.

However, they can be stubborn at times and will need patience and consistency from their owner when training. But with some time and effort, they will soon be responding to your commands!

Learning how to sit, stay, and come when called is a great place to start for any puppy. These are the basic commands that will help you to train your Afghan Hound and build a strong foundation for further training.

Conclusion: How fast can an Afghan Hound run?

Afghan Hounds have long been a favourite breed of dog for many people, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful, intriguing creatures with a fascinating history – and they can also run incredibly fast!

Afghan Hounds can run up to an impressive speed of 34.07 mph, with the average being 25.10 mph. This makes them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world! They are able to run so fast thanks to their long legs, large feet and big lungs, so if you’re attempting to outrun one, you better bring your bike!

While they do require more exercise than the average dog, they are relatively easy to train given their high intelligence. So, if you’re looking for a fast and friendly dog, the Afghan Hound might be the perfect breed for you!