The sprinters for fast and short distances
It’s probably no surprise that the Greyhound is the fastest canine, since they are still used for racing.
So, does that mean they make great running partners?
Greyhounds are actually built for all-out sprinting, not endurance.
And here’s another concern with Greyhounds. Because they have very short hair and lack a layer of fat for insulation, Greyhounds are more prone to overheating than many other breeds.
This means you must keep a careful eye on a greyhound while out running with one.
How fast can Greyhounds run? They can reach speeds of up to 45 miles (72.42 km) an hour.
The only land animal faster than a greyhound is the cheetah.
These little dogs resemble a mini Greyhound. And that’s because they were bred down from that larger breed by coal miners in England, who wanted a racing dog but did not have the room to properly house and feed a large dog, such as a Greyhound.
Whippets are the fastest of the small breeds and sprinters by nature, so they would make a good running partner if you enjoy short, fast runs.
How fast can a Whippet run? The Whippet can reach speeds of up to 35 miles (56.33 km) an hour.
Factors affecting how many miles a dog can run
Dogs are more natural at running short fast bursts and not so much continuous running over longer distances. However, their are certain breeds and individual dogs that have a good level of endurance and make a great running partner.
Certain breeds and even individual dogs are simply not suitable to take running. There are many factors to consider when deciding if you should take your dog running. These factors include: –
Breed
Some breeds are more suited for running while others are simply not suitable. The sporting and working breeds are the most likely to make good running partners. Even smaller dogs such as terriers can also be excellent for running with. Some of the best breeds for running are
Breeds that are not suitable for running include the brachycephalic breeds like the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug. In addition, the giant breeds and dogs that have a heavy muscular build are not good for longer distances. This includes the Mastiff type breeds and gentle giants like Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands.
Age
Running is best suited for a healthy adult dog. It is not suitable for a puppy (see below for more). As a dog gets older and enters their senior years they require less exercise. Depending on the breed, a dog is considered a senior when they reach around 7 or 8 years old.
Just because your 6-year-old dog could run 10 miles comfortably last year, doesn’t mean they will be capable or even interested in running that far as they get older. Many dogs develop issues hip or elbow dysplasia or arthritis as they age. For more on exercising an older senior dog see here.
Weight
Running is not a good exercise for an overweight or obese dog. Being a high impact activity it can put severe stress on their joints and tendons. The best exercise for an overweight dog trying to lose weight is probably swimming. This is low impact but is still burns a lot of energy. For more on swimming exercise for dogs see here.
Dogs that have a heavy muscular frame are generally not suited for running longer distances. This includes many of the large Mastiffs. Breeds like this generally aren’t that keen to run anyway.
Health issues
Any dog with any sort of health issue are best to avoid running. This can include back and joint issues, heart or breathing issues, or any illness such as diabetes.
Before commencing a running program with any dog, it is important to have your vet do a full health check up.
Terrain/weather
The surface your dog is running on will have an affect on how far they can run. Running on concrete can do damage to their feet and jolt their joints. It is best to run on a softer surface like grass.
Running on sand is a great way to increase the resistance tiring them quicker while giving them a soft surface to run on. If your run includes lots of uphill running it will also tire them quicker reducing the distance they can run.
The weather and temperature can also affect how far a dog can run. Dogs don’t sweat like we do and are less efficient at cooling themselves down. It is important to be aware of the potential for overheating and heatstroke in dogs.
If the temperature is too hot running or exercising your dog should be left to a time when it is cooler. For more on what temperature is too hot to walk or exercise a dog see here.
How many miles can a Weimaraner run
The Weimaraner commonly referred to as “the Grey Ghost” is an all-purpose gun dog. They were originally bred for hunting large game such as Boers, Bears, and Deer. They were later used for hunting smaller game such as fowl, rabbits, and foxes.
This sporting background blesses them with an extremely high amount of stamina. With the right training and conditioning, a Weimaraner could run up to 30 miles (48 km). For regular exercise, a distance between 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 km) is recommended.
Weimaraners require at least one to two hours a day of energy-burning activity, but more is preferred. For a guide to Weimaraner exercise see here.
How fast can a Weimaraner run? The Weimaraner can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour (56 kph).
The Ultimate Guide to Running with Your Dog | Dos and Don’ts
We know that running is good for humans, but it can be good for your dog, too. Not all canines are built for running, but most dogs in good health enjoy it, even if it’s only a couple of miles. Whether you’re a Couch to 5K newbie or a committed marathoner, there are some factors to consider before you take your dog out on a run.
Before hitting the trails with your dog, it’s essential to get a clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Running is a high-impact, cardio-intensive exercise, and unless your dog has been cleared for this activity, he can be at risk for injury — or worse. Joint problems, like hip dysplasia, luxating patellas and arthritis, can make running painful or even impossible. Good cardiovascular health is also necessary for this intensive activity. Your dog’s weight is another factor; overweight dogs will struggle more with running than their slimmer counterparts. Your dog’s age is a consideration as well. While an elderly dog may be able to do some running, his fitness level will not be the same as that of a younger dog. Be cautious as well about running with a young dog: Depending on breed, your dog’s growth plates are not fully closed until he is between a year and a half and 2 years old. Engaging in high-impact exercise, like running, before he’s fully developed can result in an injury. Finally, brachycephalic dogs, or those with pushed-in noses, like Bulldogs and Pugs, have difficulty getting enough air, especially in the heat, which can make running dangerous for them. These dogs do better taking a long stroll.
The great thing about running is that you can do it almost anywhere. But there are better and worse places for your dog to run. Your dog can run on streets and sidewalks, but the hard surface can be tough on his body. Dirt and grass are softer and can be much easier on a dog’s joints (and yours, too) than pavement, but beware of uneven surfaces, rabbit holes, sharp stones and other hazards. Pavement also heats up in the sun and can scorch your dog’s paws. If the ground is too hot for you to touch comfortably with the palm of your hand, then it’s too hot for your dog to run on. In hot weather, running during the cooler parts of the day, either early morning or evening, allows your dog (and you) to go farther with less chance of overheating. Especially in warm weather, be sure that you take frequent water breaks to help keep your dog from getting dehydrated. You can teach your dog to drink from a water bottle, which makes hydrating on the go easier for both of you. Be aware that drinking large amounts of water can predispose some dogs to bloat, so ask your vet how much water to safely give your dog during a run. When you’re deciding how far to run, take your dog’s breed into consideration. The average dog can run anywhere between two and five miles, according to Sarah Wharton, owner of Marathon Dog Walking and Training in Oakland, Calf. Certain breeds are built for bursts of speed, while others are built for endurance; as you plan your runs, be sure to consider the type of running best suited for your dog. If you are looking for a companion for long-distance running, choose a breed that does not have any extreme proportions, such as short legs, like a Dachshund, or a pushed-in nose, like a Bulldog. Wharton has found that the sporting and herding breeds are the most likely to run the longest distances. But small dogs, including Terriers and even Chihuahuas, can make excellent running partners as well. Small dogs may even have an advantage over larger dogs: They carry less weight, which means they experience less stress on their joints when they move. Even though the average dog may not enjoy a super-long run, some dogs do. Wharton’s record for running was a 20-mile run she took with a 60-pound mixed-breed dog. According to Wharton, the biggest limitation for physically fit and well-built canines is temperature rather than distance.