The Best Dog Breeds for Racing Sports

Choosing the best dog breeds for racing sports can be a complex process, especially when you have so many options to choose from. Here are some things that you should think about before you decide which breed of dogs will work best for your particular sport.

Primary Physical Traits of Great Racing Dogs

You don't want a dog that is too hyper and bounces off the walls, but you also don't want a dog that doesn't exercise at all. Hyper dogs might be difficult to train for racing sports because they tire themselves out before you even get started with the practice. On the other hand, slow dogs may not be able to keep up with you or your teammates when running races.

The best dogs for racing sports are medium-sized and have a lot of stamina. These breeds also typically have lean bodies and lots of energy. They need to be able to run fast and for long periods of time in order to compete in races, so it is important that they don't get tired too quickly. 

What are the Fastest Dog Breeds?

There are a number of dog breeds that have not only the brains but also the brawn and agility needed to become successful racing dogs. Listed below are the top 25 fastest breeds (in order from fastest to slowest) that can be easily trained for racing sports:

1. Greyhound (45 mph) - The fastest breed of dog, the Greyhound is a lean, tall animal that can reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour.
2. Saluki (45 mph) - Another of the world's fastest dogs, the Saluki is a breed that has been around for about 6,000 years.
3. Vizsla (40 mph) - The Vizsla is a lighter dog compared to the previous two on the list, but even still can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour.
4. Afghan Hound (40 mph) - This beautiful breed of dog is often referred to as the 'velvet' dog due to its double coat.
5. Ibizan Hound (25-45 mph) - The Ibizan Hound is a high-energy dog that was originally used as a hunting breed.
6. Whippet (34 mph) - The Whippet is a fast, short-haired breed of dog that was originally used to chase down rabbits.
7. Jack Russell Terrier (38 mph) - A small, spunky breed of dogs that was developed in Cornwall by the Parson Jack Russell.
8. Dalmatian (37 mph) - The Dalmatian is a breed that was originally bred to run alongside carriages in order to keep horses from being startled by noises from behind them.
9. Borzoi (35-40 mph) - A breed of Russian dog that originated in Central Asia, the Borzoi is a graceful, agile animal.
10. Doberman Pinscher (35 mph) - This breed gained popularity during World War I, when they were used as messenger dogs.
11. Weimaraner (35 mph) - Weimaraner is a breed of dog originally used for hunting deer and wolves.
12. Pharaoh Hound (35 mph) - This breed is known for its speed, agility, intelligence, and endurance.
13. German Pinscher (33 mph) - This breed is very similar to the Doberman in both looks and temperament.
14. German Shepherd (30 mph) - Another breed that gained popularity during World War I, this dog was used to send messages back home.
15. Standard Poodle (30 mph) - This breed is known for being both smart and extremely active, making them the perfect dogs for racing sports.
16. Australian Shepherd (30 mph) - This breed is typically used as a herding dog, but has also been known to be a good hunting and racing breed.
17. Rottweiler (30 mph) - This breed can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour, which makes it perfect for racing sports.
18. Great Dane (30 mph) - This breed is the tallest of all dog breeds, which makes them a great distance runner.
19. Italian Greyhound (30 mph) - One of the fastest small dogs, this breed is also very graceful.
20. German Shorthaired Pointers (30 mph) - Originally bred to be hunting dogs, the German Shorthaired Pointer is known for its speed.
21. Siberian Huskies (28 mph) - This breed is sometimes used for dog sledding and racing, boasting stamina that most other breeds can't match.
22. Rat Terrier (27 mph) - A sweet but feisty breed of dog, the Rat Terrier is a great choice if you want a fun and active racing partner.
23. Pit Bull Mixes (25-27 mph) - A mixture of breeds, these dogs can be a bit more difficult to train for racing sports.
24. Brittany Spaniel (25 mph) - This breed is typically used for hunting, but can also become a great racing dog.
25. Shiba Inu (25 mph) - These Japanese dogs are agile, fast, and independent.

How to Start Training a Dog for Racing

If you want to train your dog to become a racing sport, start by bringing them in for a visit to the veterinarian. Once your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, there are several different training methods you can use to help your pooch achieve greatness. However, before you begin training, it's best to consult with a trainer or an experienced racing dog owner for advice. 

The most common dog racing training begins with learning the basics. It's best if you start by teaching your dog how to walk and run on a leash and build his endurance in this way. Begin by walking your dog around the block every day for about ten minutes, then increase it to 20 minutes each time. Wait until your dog is comfortable with this before moving on to running him around the block. 

You'll need to be patient with this step of training, but once your dog is comfortable running around the block, you can get him used to the idea of racing through an obstacle course that includes hiking up and down hills or stairs. Once your dog has mastered these tasks, it's time to think about racing gear. If you'll be racing your dog on a track, you'll need to invest in some specialized equipment that will help increase his endurance, such as resistance bands, an elliptical machine, or a treadmill. If you'll be racing your dog off-road, it's best to invest in specially designed leashes and collars that prevent the animal from backsliding on steep climbs and descents. 

Finally, be patient! These dogs need plenty of time to rest between workouts and may require more than one day in between runs for their muscles to recover.