Do you have a German Shepherd at home? If so, then you know that they are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They are brilliant and obedient dogs who love to be active outside with their family.
German Shepherds can reach speeds up to 30 miles per hour!
But how fast is your pup running on average? Let’s take a look at some more facts about this common breed.
So, How Fast Exactly Can a German Shepherd Run?
A German Shepherd dog can run up to 30 miles per hour. The same canine has been known to run 100 meters in predicted 9.32 seconds and reach a top speed of 29.8 miles per hour (mph).
What About Their Average Speed?
The average speed for German Shepherd Dogs varies depending on the activities they are participating in. For example, they can run 12 to 14 mph if harnessed and attached to a sled or wagon full of supplies.
They average about 10 mph when trotting with their owners or running alongside them while they are biking.
They can also run 10 to 12 mph when participating in police-related work like search and rescue missions.
German Shepherds were bred specifically for their speed and endurance. These dogs can run up to 12 mph for a few hours before they get tired.
What is the Toughest Jog That a German Shepherd Has Participated In?
The Jamaican bobsled team used a German Shepherd to test out whether or not it would be possible to train dogs to pull sleds during the 1988 Winter Olympics. The team was able to train the dog, named Devon, to trot at 12 mph for up to 30 minutes at a time!
How Fast Can German Shepherd Puppies Run?
Most German Shepherd puppies are not able to run very far until they reach maturity. They usually can only run about 5 mph when they are just a few months old.
By the time they reach 12 to 18 months of age, German Shepherds can run up to 10 mph. When your German Shepherd reaches full maturity at around 3 years of age, she will be able to run over 15 mph!
What Affects the Dog’s Speed?
Genetics play a big role in how fast your German Shepherd can run. If the dog were bred for speeds, it would sprint at much faster speeds than other dogs.
The Dog’s Health: Health is another factor that affects your German Shepherd’s running speed is their overall health. If they are sick or injured, they will not run as fast as they normally would.
Age: As previously mentioned, German Shepherds can run faster than they are adults. Puppies can only run about 5 mph until they turn 1 year of age. At 2 years old, they can reach speeds of 10 to 15 mph. At 3 years old, they begin reaching speeds of 16 to 20 mph and at full maturity around the
Exercise Routine: German Shepherds need to run often for them to maximize their running speed. If they are not allowed to participate in a healthy exercise routine, you should make it a point to do so as soon as possible.
Their Diet: The food your German Shepherd eats also plays a role in how fast he can run. If your dog is not consuming the proper amount of nutrients, he will be unable to run as fast as possible if he were receiving a healthy diet.
Training: German Shepherds need to be properly trained if they are going to run fast. Dog owners should make sure that their dog understands verbal commands and obeys them before allowing him to participate in any running activity.
German Shepherds and their famous running prowess have been featured in several books, movies, television shows, news articles, and other entertainment venues.
The Environment: The environment in which your dog is participating in a race or jog will also affect his speed. If he is running on uneven terrain or slippery surfaces, he will not run as fast as he would if he were running on a flat surface.
Motivation: If your German Shepherd is motivated, he will be able to run much faster. This means that if he knows there is a reward at the end of his activity (like treats or praise), he will run much faster than usual.
The age and genetics of your dog play the biggest role in how fast she can run. Older dogs will be able to run faster than younger dogs. German Shepherds that are bred for speed will be able to run much faster, too.
Health problems, an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, and the environment also affect the dog’s speed.
What Makes German Shepherds Fast Runners?
German Shepherds are known for their speed, so it should come as no surprise that they are considered some of the fastest dogs in the world.
They have been bred to have strong bodies and powerful legs, which gives them the ability to reach speeds of up to 20 mph while running at full capacity.
Their strong legs are also what allow them to jump great heights and far distances. This is why they are commonly used as rescue dogs – because of their speed, strength, agility, high jump rate – essentially their athleticism.
Their classic double coat makes German Shepherds well-suited for running in cold temperatures. However, since it can be difficult to determine the proper temperature for your German Shepherd, making sure they are not too hot or too cold during their jogs is important.
Although they are typically classified as medium-sized dogs, German Shepherds can weigh 55 to 88 lbs. This is why you must monitor your dog closely while he is running.
Since they can reach such high speeds, you must make sure they don’t overdo it and monitor their weight and overall health as best as possible.
Benefits of German Shepherd’s Speed
German Shepherds have many uses outside of being beloved family pets. Their speed allows them to be effective working dogs, especially when searching and rescue missions.
Their speed also helps them excel in dog sports like agility training or police work.
While their athleticism makes them some of the best runners in the world, they still need to be monitored closely and introduced to running at a young age.
If German Shepherds are Fast, Why Don’t They Race?
While German Shepherds are some of the fastest dogs globally, they aren’t typically used for racing.
Since their athleticism makes them fast runners, it would not be easy actually to race them. But, unfortunately, their speed tends to work against them when it comes to traditional racing events.