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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9. Dobermann
Dobermanns were bred as guard dogs, but are no slouches in the velocity department either. A burglar would find it hard to outpace their top speed of 32mph. | Canva/Getty Images

10. Border Collie
Bred to herd livestock, Border Collies have no problem outrunning sheep with a top speed of 30mph. | Getty Images for Westminster Ken

