When it comes to speed and agility, the Belgian Malinois is often celebrated as one of the top canine athletes. Known for their impressive physical prowess and sharp intellect, these dogs excel in various demanding roles, from police work to agility sports. However, the world of fast-paced canines is vast and diverse, and there are a few breeds that can give the Malinois a run for its money. Delve into the fascinating world of canine speedsters as we explore nine remarkable dog breeds that can outrun the Belgian Malinois, showcasing their strength, history, and unique characteristics that make them champions of the chase.
Belgian Malinois, originally bred near the city of Malines in Belgium, are renowned for their incredible speed, agility, and work ethic. Initially herding dogs, their intelligence and drive have made them invaluable in roles like protection, search and rescue, and even military operations.
With a top speed of 35 to 40 miles per hour for short bursts and an impressive ability to jump over 15 feet, they are true athletes. Their lightweight build and trainability often give them an edge in tasks that require precision and stamina.
But what if we were to line up a Belgian Malinois for a race against some of the fastest dogs in the world? While they’re swift and determined, there are certain breeds whose sheer speed could leave even a Malinois in the dust.
Let’s dive into the world of canine speedsters that could outrun this remarkable breed in a head-to-head race.
Dog Breeds that Can Outrun the Belgian Malinois
1. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner famously nicknamed the “Gray Ghost” for its sleek, silver-gray coat, is a powerhouse of speed and endurance. Bred in Germany as a versatile hunting companion, this athletic breed is among the fastest dogs, capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour.
What sets the Weimaraner apart is its ability to sustain its pace over longer distances, making it a strong contender to outrun a Belgian Malinois in a race.
With their muscular build, boundless energy, and sharp focus, Weimaraners excel in physical activities and thrive on challenges. Perfect for active owners, they love running, hiking, and any adventure that lets them stretch their legs and show off their impressive speed. These determined and agile dogs are not just fast—they’re built for endurance and excitement.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback, with its signature ridge of backward-growing hair along its spine, is a strong and athletic breed built for endurance and speed. Capable of running up to 30 miles per hour, this dog combines power and agility, making it one of the fastest breeds that could give a Belgian Malinois a serious challenge.
Originally bred by Boer farmers in Africa, Hill’s Pet states that Ridgebacks were tasked with hunting, guarding farms, and protecting against wild animals, showcasing their versatility and resilience.
Despite their muscular build and hunting heritage, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are incredibly patient, loyal, and loving companions. They enjoy the company of other dogs, though households with multiple males should be mindful of potential dominance issues. Ridgebacks thrive as family protectors and are easily trainable, making them both formidable and affectionate. While they may appear laid-back, their history as a hardworking and courageous breed ensures they are always ready to spring into action.
3. Vizsla
Vizslas are the ultimate athletes, with their lean, muscular build and boundless energy making them perfectly suited for running. Originally bred in Hungary for hunting and retrieving, they combine speed, agility, and intelligence in one graceful package. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, they rank among the fastest dog breeds, showcasing their capability to outrun Malinois.
Known for their affectionate and loyal nature, Vizslas bond closely with their owners and thrive in active households. Whether it’s running, hiking, swimming, or agility sports, they’re always ready for an adventure.
Their elegant gait and impressive stamina make them ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts. While their tails are sometimes docked to prevent injury, Vizslas remains a favorite for those who love a smart, energetic, and loving partner for their active lifestyle.
4. Greyhound
Standing tall at up to 30 inches at the shoulder, Greyhounds are the undisputed speed kings of the canine world. According to Guinness World Records, these sleek sprinters can reach an astonishing 42 miles per hour within just six strides, making them faster than most dogs, including the Belgian Malinois.
Their incredible speed is thanks to their unique double-suspension gallop, where all four paws leave the ground during each stride, similar to a cheetah’s motion. Amazingly, a Greyhound’s feet are only on the ground 25% of the time while running!
Despite their record-breaking sprinting ability, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-maintenance and affectionate pets. Known as “couch potatoes,” they spend most of their day lounging, often sleeping up to 18 hours like cats. This laid-back nature makes them surprisingly well-suited to apartment living. With a few daily walks and the occasional zoom around the park, Greyhounds are as content relaxing at home as they are blazing down a track.
5. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are renowned for their incredible endurance and strength, making them exceptional long-distance runners. Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds across vast, icy landscapes, these dogs can maintain steady speeds for hours, effortlessly covering great distances.
While they can reach top speeds of 30 miles per hour, their real strength lies in their unmatched stamina, allowing them to easily outrun breeds like the Belgian Malinois over long stretches.
Huskies are adventurous and independent, thriving in active households where they can enjoy plenty of exercise. They’re friendly and playful, getting along well with other dogs, but their boundless energy and love for chasing small animals mean they need a securely fenced area to run. With their graceful gait and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, Siberian Huskies are the perfect running partners for anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to their routine.
6. Whippet
Whippets, often called “miniature Greyhounds,” are speedsters in their own right, capable of reaching up to 35 miles per hour. Bred in England for racing and hunting, these medium-sized dogs are built for sprinting, with slim, aerodynamic bodies and powerful hindquarters that allow them to cover ground effortlessly. Their speed and agility mean they can easily outpace a Belgian Malinois in a sprint.
Despite their impressive athleticism, Whippets are gentle, affectionate dogs who love to cuddle and lounge around at home when they’re not running.
Their quiet nature and minimal barking make them excellent companions for apartment living, provided they get regular exercise and a few high-speed sprints each week. With their sweet temperament and love for both play and relaxation, Whippets are perfect for families seeking a balanced and lovable companion.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are not just smart and hardworking—they’re also impressively fast. Capable of reaching speeds between 25 and 35 miles per hour, their agility and quick acceleration make them fierce competition for breeds like the Belgian Malinois.
Their unique stride, where their front and back legs seem to cross over, gives them a fluid, fast-moving appearance that’s a delight to watch. Paired with their strong hips and legs, they’re not only fast runners but also exceptional jumpers, easily clearing heights of up to 4 feet.
These energetic dogs thrive on activity and require plenty of daily exercise to keep both their minds and bodies engaged. With their natural herding instincts, Aussies often try to “round up” anything from kids to cyclists, showcasing their drive and intelligence. AKC adds that while their boundless energy and sharp minds might be too much for a laid-back owner, they’re perfect for someone seeking a tireless, trainable partner for sports or work.
8. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian, with its iconic spotted coat, is not only stunning but also impressively fast, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Originally bred as carriage dogs, they were tasked with running alongside horses, offering both protection and companionship.
While they’re built more for endurance than sprinting, their ability to maintain speed over long distances means they can easily outrun a Belgian Malinois in a sustained race.
Dalmatians are high-energy dogs with strong, muscular bodies, making them ideal companions for active owners. Whether it’s hiking, jogging, or long runs, they’ll keep up and even push you to go farther. Known for their loyalty and protective nature, they can be reserved with strangers but form deep bonds with their families. With regular exercise and plenty of affection, Dalmatians are not only incredible athletes but also wonderful, loving companions for those who can match their energy.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Don’t be fooled by their small size—Jack Russell Terriers are lightning-fast and packed with energy. Originally bred for hunting foxes and keeping up with hounds during hunts, these compact powerhouses can reach speeds of up to 38 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest small dog breeds and easily capable of outrunning a Belgian Malinois.
With their muscular build and boundless stamina, Jack Russells thrive on activity and need owners who can match their energy levels. Whether it’s a game of chase, a jog, or a fast-paced play session, these terriers will happily leave you in the dust without breaking a sweat.
For those seeking a spirited, athletic companion, the Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog with big speed and an even bigger personality.
Conclusion
When it comes to speed, the Belgian Malinois is undeniably impressive, but it’s not the only breed capable of turning heads on the track. Swift runners like the Greyhound, Afghan Hound, and Whippet are built for speed with their powerful legs and sleek frames, leaving most other breeds, including the Malinois, struggling to keep up in a straight-line race.
Other athletic dogs, like the Border Collie and Australian Shepherd, combine agility and sharp turns with high energy levels, making them tough competition in more complex scenarios.
While breeds like the German Shepherd or other herders might not be quite as fast over short sprints, they excel in versatility and stamina, earning their place as exceptional working dogs. Sighthounds, on the other hand, are specifically built for speed and will easily beat most competitors in a race. Whether you’re looking for a dog to impress you with its athleticism or one that’s as agile as it is trainable, the diversity of these incredibly fast breeds ensures there’s something for every active enthusiast.
In conclusion, while the Belgian Malinois is known for its remarkable speed and agility, several other dog breeds can surpass it in terms of running capabilities. Breeds such as the Greyhound, Saluki, and Whippet are renowned for their incredible speed, often used in racing and hunting contexts. These breeds possess unique anatomical features like streamlined bodies and powerful limbs that enhance their ability to run fast over various terrains. Understanding these differences highlights the diverse capabilities among dog breeds, each with its unique strengths and characteristics, whether for companionship, work, or athletic prowess.