The speed of an outdoor dog is a critical aspect that you, as the owner, must be well aware of. Speed is part and parcel of their daily lives. How fast can a German shepherd run? A healthy German Shepherd can run up to 30 miles per hour (MPH) at an average running speed.
German shepherds are among the fastest dog breeds, and they can maintain a moderate and steady pace over long distances due to their strong and agile build. They utilize a simultaneous movement called the trot, which allows them to cover long distances with minimal effort.
You should be well aware of this issue so that you can be sure whether he can get himself out of any fix or do his job expeditiously. In this article, we will discuss the maximum speed at which German Shepherds can run.
Why is Speed Important in a German Shepherd Dog?
There is this craze of late among dog enthusiasts of owning a German shepherd dog. The craze, of course, is justified though. This dog has lots of skills and speed due to its tons of energy.
At first, you may think they are too wild, but after thorough training, they become very obedient, protective and intelligent. It is their speed though that is increasingly becoming popular among dog lovers. Why is their speed important though?
#1. Use as service dogs
Why would anyone use a sloppy dog for a service dog? Sincerely speaking, there is no reason at all. You need a dog with speed when chasing down a criminal or when you need to get somewhere really quick. The GSD is, therefore, the perfect candidate.
The German shepherd needs to combine his excellent tracking skills to ensure someone engaging in unlawful activities never gets away. Their agility is also very useful here too. They need to make sharp corners and turns without tumbling over themselves.
#2. Herding dogs
This is one of the original purposes of this dog. It is one of the job descriptions that need you to be able to answer the question, How fast can do German shepherds run? Your dog needs to chase down that running goat/sheep or cow. If the animal can outrun him, then what is the point of herding in the first place?
#3. Jogging with you
GSD are built to endure long-distance jogging with their owners. He will provide you the best company as you trot the sidewalks in the morning. In this way, you are not the only one getting the benefits of good exercise.
The shepherd to gets to burn all that extra energy in them. For more extreme exercise, you can practice sprinting. The Shepherd will handle that exceptionally well too.
How fast can a German shepherd run?
The German shepherd’s athleticism has been a well-established fact from time immemorial. They have retained this characteristic over generations until now. If you thought this dog was a slouch, then you are in for a rude shock.
A well-bred German shepherd can clock speeds of up to 30 miles per hour or 40 kilometers per hour. This might not be the fastest speed among the various dog breeds, but it is still quite impressive for such a seemingly heavy dog.
This German Shepherd’s speed is comparable to the GSD’s counterpart, the Belgian Malinois. Due to their impressive speeds, work ethics, athleticism, and intelligence, they are both heavily utilized as service and police dogs.
It is worth noting that not every German Shepherd dog will clock this speed. It could be more, range in the same region or even slower. The speeds will vary depending on various factors and the motivation behind the need for the speeds.
Several Factors Affecting GSD’s Speed
One of the factors affecting the running speed of a GSD is definitely the health of the dog. A perfectly healthy dog can easily clock this dog’s running speed, unlike an unhealthy dog.
The type of diet that you feed your dog affects how healthy the shepherd will be. A diet rich in lean protein helps in the development of strong muscles, and the dog oozes in energy and confidence.
Level of training
To properly answer: “How fast do German Shepherds run ” you, first of all, need to train him well. An active dog will be able to handle the toll such speeds will exert on him. If your dog is just starting training or is one of those that you lock the whole day indoors, do not even dream that he will reach such speeds.
Age of the dog of course
A mature, full-grown German Shepherd who is well fed, is given the right amounts of obedience training, and can run at 48 KPH with a lot of ease. A young GSD may not be able to, just as an aging one.
Their flexible spine tends to lose some of its elasticity as they age, which can affect their running speed and overall agility. However, with proper care and exercise, German Shepherds can maintain their physical abilities well into their senior years.
Health conditions
The dog’s body can really determine how fast it can run. Active dogs with certain health conditions, such as arthritis or hip dysplasia, may experience limitations in their running speed and overall mobility. Proper nutrition and exercise can also play a significant role in supporting the dog’s overall fitness and agility as they age.
Muscular bodies that are not overweight are more likely to maintain their running speed and agility as they age. Exercise helps to keep their muscles strong and flexible, reducing the risk of injury and promoting better overall mobility.
Some German shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia, which can worsen with age. This condition can negatively impact their running speed and agility. It is important to monitor their condition and provide appropriate treatment.
German Shepherds Speed Compared With Other Dog Breeds
German shepherds run faster than most dog breeds due to their long and powerful hind legs. They are known for their endurance, making them excellent working dogs in various fields such as rescue or police work.
They have long legs, and their history talks about how they were bred as herding animals to assist in managing livestock. Additionally, German shepherds have a natural instinct to protect and serve, which makes them highly trainable and reliable companions.
Even though German shepherds are one of the fastest dogs, there are other breeds that are known for their speed. Here are other speed focused breeds:
- Greyhound: 45 MPH
- Whippet: 35.5 MPH
- Siberian Husky: 28 MPH
- Anatolian Shepherd: 28 MPH
- Border Collie: 30 MPH
- Jack Russell Terrier: 25 MPH
- Afghan Hounds: 40 MPH
- Doberman Pinscher: 35 MPH
Each dog breed has its own characteristics and strengths, making them suitable for different tasks and activities. Running fast is not their biggest priority, but they excel in other areas such as obedience, tracking, and search and rescue. German shepherds are known for their intelligence and versatility.
German shepherds have high energy levels, which gives them the ability to engage in various physical activities and tasks. Their athleticism and endurance make them well-suited for tasks that require agility and stamina.
Jack Russell terriers are also considered hunting dogs and can be used for herding sheep or small livestock. This is the list of the fastest runners and most athletic dogs in the animal kingdom.
Physical Characteristics of German Shepherds
German shepherds running speed makes them faster than other breeds thanks to their powerful legs. Their long limbs allow them to cover large distances in a short amount of time. Furthermore, their muscular build and efficient stride contribute to their amazing performance.
Intelligent dogs
Their intelligence goes far beyond their physical abilities. German shepherds are known for their problem-solving skills and quick learning ability. This combination of speed and intelligence makes them one of the most versatile and capable breeds in the canine world.
Guard dogs
When German shepherds are trained, they can protect humans and property with unwavering loyalty and fierce determination. Their loyalty goes beyond measure, as they are known to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of their owners.
Military dogs
Police and military personnel typically use German shepherds as K9 dog breeds because they can follow commands and execute tasks with precision and efficiency.
German shepherds possess a strong sense of duty and are highly reliable in high-pressure situations. Their exceptional scent detection abilities also make them invaluable in tracking down suspects or locating hidden objects.
Working dogs
As herding dogs, they can last long periods of time thanks to their endurance and muscle strength. Their ability to navigate through difficult terrain and locate missing individuals is unmatched. Additionally, their protective nature makes them excellent companions for people with disabilities or those in need of emotional support.
Help your German Shepherd Achieve Their Top Speed
So, What is the German shepherd’s running speed? There you have it. Your buddy can go up to about 30 mph. This does not, however, occur any day at any time. It will depend on how fit and well-bred he is.
Other dog breeds, like the Greyhound, can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, which is considered extremely fast for racing dogs . Agility training can help German shepherds develop a high level of strength and agility, making them excellent candidates for various activities and competitions.
You always want to start slow with their training and then gradually increase the intensity as they become more comfortable and confident. With a balanced diet and proper training, these versatile dogs can excel in various physical activities and sports.
Training dogs can increase their overall endurance. It is important to note that not all German shepherds will have the same level of running capabilities, as it can vary based on their individual genetics and physical condition.
Last Updated on 08/02/2024 by Karen Snow
Hi! I’m Karen and a certified dog lover. As a freelance writer and blogger, I do my best to squeeze in some time with my dogs, learning more about the way they act and how I can make sure that they continue to stay well-cared for by yours truly.
My dogs have helped me through a lot, and this is my way of giving back to them! Besides animals, I also love to travel and cook, having explored my country’s restaurants and unique places. Follow me as I show you all the amazing tips and bits of information I learn along the way about our furry friends!