If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Royal Kennel Club (that’s the new name for the UK Kennel Club) figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels over recent years.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes - the UK Kennel Club recognises 221 different pedigree dogs, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).
Then there are all manner of crossbreeds, from so-called ‘designer dogs’ to lovable mongrels.
So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.
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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.
But if you want a pup that will do two laps of the park before more of its canine friends have done one, there are a few dogs you should have at the top of your list.
Here are the world’s 10 fastest breeds of dog - and their top speeds.
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5. Jack Russell Terrier
Small but speedy, the Jack Russell Terrier rounds out the top five fastest dogs. Bred to be the perfect dog for fox hunting, they can clock speeds of up to 38mph. | Canva/Getty Images
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6. Dalmatian
Dalmations can reach speeds of up to 37mph. Their quick pace came in useful when they were used to run alongside carriages to protect travellers from highwaymen. | Getty Images
7. Borzoi
Originally from Russia, where they were used as hunting dogs, the Borzoi just loves to run and can reach a speed of 36mph. | Canva/Getty Images
8. Whippet
The Whippet, like their larger Greyhound cousins, are natural racers and can speed along at up to 34mph - perfect for when they were used to hunt rabbits. | AFP via Getty Images