How Fast Border Collies Can Run

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How Fast the Border Collie Can Run

The American Kennel Association (AKC) and its local clubs regularly conduct timed races for dogs. This competition is called the Fast CAT®, which stands for Coursing Ability Test. The Fast CAT is a timed 100-yard (91.4 meters) race where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure.

The AKC has been conducting Fast CAT races for dogs since 2016. You can learn more about how the rules of the fast CAT race here.

Based on our analysis of the speeds of 878 different Border Collies, the average speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph). The fastest speed on AKC record that the Border Collie ran in a race is 31.53 mph (50.7 kmph) and the minimum speed on record in a race for a Border Collie is 3.71 mph (6.0 kmph).

The name of the fastest Border Collie in the AKC record is Kcbountyhunter CAA FCAT4 CGC, a male Border Collie. This was the Border Collie that set the 31.53 mph record speed.

If it comes down to the speed of the Border Collie male versus the female, the average speed of the male Border Collie is 25.4 mph (40.8 kmph), while the average speed of the female Border Collie is 24.9 mph (40.0 kmph).

Compared to the speed of other dog breeds, the Border Collie ranks number 31 out of 247 dog breeds in terms of its running speed..

The fastest dog breed is the Greyhound. Greyhounds can run at an average speed of 33.1 mph (53.3 kmph).

The slowest dog breed is the Pekingese. Pekingeses run at an average speed of 9.4 mph (15.1 mph).

Click here to see the list that rank dog breeds based on their running speeds. On the list, you will see how the Border Collie ranks compared to other 246 dog breeds

Note that all the speeds above are average” speeds over a distance of 100 yards, and not peak speeds. A dog may be able to running faster than the numbers above, but it will be for a very very short distance (time).

Unlike some AKC events such as conformation shows which a dog has to be purebred to participate in, both purebred dogs and mixed dogs can compete in the AKC Fast CAT competition.

You should consider signing up your dog for this fun activity. Your dog could win a fancy AKC title! Visit the AKC website to learn more.

You can watch an AKC fast CAT tournament here on Youtube

How to Make Your Border Collie Run Fast

If you want your Border Collie to run fast, make sure your Border Collie is in good health, and that you have conditioned and trained your Border Collie for running. Here at the things you can do to make your Border Collie run fast:
  • Make sure your Border Collie is in good health: Take them for regular veterinarian checks, feed them a good diet. This will ensure that your Border Collie is in good health necessary for running.
  • Well-formed bones: make sure the bones of your Border Collie are well-formed before making your Border Collie run. Importantly, do not run with a puppy because you can damage a puppy`s joint and bone structure through the high impact of running on their joints.
  • Condition your Border Collie for running: Before getting your Border Collie into serious running, first condition your Border Collie from running. First, start slow by exercising your Border Collie regularly. Also, play fetch with your Border Collie, take your Border Collie for regular walks. All these will make your Border Collie very fit for running.
  • Make sure your Border Collie is not overweight: Learn about how you can monitor your Border Collie`s growth to prevent your Border Collie from being overweight.

Get your Border Collie a dog fitness tracker to monitor its activity and running performance.

The dog fitness tracker that we recommend for the Border Collie is the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker. This tracker is packed with other useful features in addition to fitness tracking. The tracker can also monitor your Border Collie`s nutrition and sleep. It can let you know if your Border Collie is scratching or licking itself too much.

Learn more about the Whistle GPS Health and Fitness Tracker here on Amazon.

Fitness Tracker for Border Collie

Speed of Border Collie Compared to Other Dog Breeds

How fast a dog breed runs depends on its weight and height. Tall dog breeds tend to run faster than shorter dog breeds.

See how the speed of the Border Collie compares to the speed of other dog breeds below:

The average speed of the Border Collie (in black) compared to the average speed of other dog breeds (in blue)
Dog Breed Average Speed
How Fast Thai Ridgebacks Can Run 27.8 mph (44.7 kmph)
How Fast Pharaoh Hounds Can Run 26.3 mph (42.3 kmph)
How Fast Border Collies Can Run 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
How Fast Canaan Dogs Can Run 25.0 mph (40.2 kmph)
How Fast Afghan Hounds Can Run 24.6 mph (39.6 kmph)
How Fast Japanese Terriers Can Run 23.5 mph (37.8 kmph)
How Fast Miniature American Shepherds Can Run 23.2 mph (37.4 kmph)
How Fast Portuguese Water Dogs Can Run 21.8 mph (35.1 kmph)
How Fast Black and Tan Coonhounds Can Run 19.9 mph (32.0 kmph)
How Fast Lowchens Can Run 19.6 mph (31.5 kmph)
How Fast Saint Bernards Can Run 19.5 mph (31.3 kmph)

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Irish Water Spaniel?

The Border Collie can run faster than the Irish Water Spaniel.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Irish Water Spaniel is 21.9 mph.

The fastest Border Collie on record ran at a speed of 31.5 mph, while the slowest Border Collie competing in a race ran at a speed 3.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Irish Water Spaniel on record ran at a speed of 26.8 mph, while the slowest Irish Water Spaniel competing in a race ran at a speed 5.0 mph.

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Whippet?

The Whippet can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Whippet is 30.5 mph.

The fastest Border Collie on record ran at a speed of 31.5 mph, while the slowest Border Collie competing in a race ran at a speed 3.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Whippet on record ran at a speed of 41.0 mph, while the slowest Whippet competing in a race ran at a speed of 4.1 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Whippet

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Finnish Spitz?

The Border Collie can run faster than the Finnish Spitz.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Finnish Spitz is 19.9 mph.

The fastest Border Collie on record ran at a speed of 31.5 mph, while the slowest Border Collie competing in a race ran at a speed 3.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Finnish Spitz on record ran at a speed of 21.0 mph, while the slowest Finnish Spitz competing in a race ran at a speed 17.2 mph.

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the American Leopard Hound?

The Border Collie can run faster than the American Leopard Hound.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the American Leopard Hound is 21.9 mph.

The fastest Border Collie on record ran at a speed of 31.5 mph, while the slowest Border Collie competing in a race ran at a speed 3.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest American Leopard Hound on record ran at a speed of 22.6 mph, while the slowest American Leopard Hound competing in a race ran at a speed 20.6 mph.

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Welsh Terrier?

The Border Collie can run faster than the Welsh Terrier.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Welsh Terrier is 20.3 mph.

The fastest Border Collie on record ran at a speed of 31.5 mph, while the slowest Border Collie competing in a race ran at a speed 3.7 mph.

On the other hand, the fastest Welsh Terrier on record ran at a speed of 25.4 mph, while the slowest Welsh Terrier competing in a race ran at a speed 15.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Welsh Terrier

How Fast the Border Collie Can Run Compared to Other Mammals

See how fast the Border Collie run compared to other mammals below:

The average speed of the Border Collie (in black) compared to the average speed of other mammals (in blue)
Mammal Average Speed
Cheetah 75.0 mph (120.7 kmph)
Horse 55.0 mph (88.5 kmph)
Jackrabbit 45.0 mph (72.4 kmph)
Gray Fox 42.0 mph (67.6 kmph)
Wolf 37.0 mph (59.5 kmph)
Grizzly Bear 35.0 mph (56.3 kmph)
Domestic Cat 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph)
Deer 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph)
Red Fox 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph)
North American Black Bear 30.0 mph (48.3 kmph)
Border Collie 25.1 mph (40.4 kmph)
Usain Bolt 23.4 mph (37.6 kmph)
Squirrel 20.0 mph (32.2 kmph)

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Usain Bolt?

The Border Collie can run faster than the Usain Bolt.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Usain Bolt is 23.4 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Usain Bolt

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Cheetah?

The Cheetah can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Cheetah is 75.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Cheetah

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Domestic Cat?

The Domestic Cat can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Domestic Cat is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Domestic Cat

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Squirrel?

The Border Collie can run faster than the Squirrel.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Squirrel is 20.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Squirrel

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Horse?

The Horse can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Horse is 55.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Horse

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Jackrabbit?

The Jackrabbit can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Jackrabbit is 45.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Jackrabbit

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Deer?

The Deer can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Deer is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Deer

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Wolf?

The Wolf can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Wolf is 37.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Wolf

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Red Fox?

The Red Fox can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Red Fox is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Red Fox

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Gray Fox?

The Gray Fox can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Gray Fox is 42.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Gray Fox

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the Grizzly Bear?

The Grizzly Bear can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the Grizzly Bear is 35.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of Grizzly Bear

Can the Border Collie Run Faster than the North American Black Bear?

The North American Black Bear can run faster than the Border Collie.

The average running speed of the Border Collie is 25.1 mph, while the average running speed of the North American Black Bear is 30.0 mph.

Speed of Border Collie versus speed of North American Black Bear

Conclusion on How Fast the Border Collie Can Run

Note that the AKC`s speed test for dogs upon which this article is based does not pit dogs against each other in races as it is done in human races. Rather, a dog runs the race by chasing a lure, and the dog`s speed is recorded, and compared to the speed of other dogs.

Furthermore, the AKC speed test leverages the fact that dogs like to chase things. However, some dog breeds have a higher tendency to chase things than some other dog breeds. Breeds such as greyhounds, afghan hounds, and whippets are naturally wired to chase objects. Therefore, these breeds tend to excel in sports like the AKC speed tests.

Finally, running is a good exercise for dogs. Also, exercise is good for your dog`s health. Exercise will make your Border Collie live long. However, if you want to get your dog into running without getting your dog injured, make sure that your dog has grown past the puppy state, with well-formed bones, before you get your dog into running.