If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels in the last few years.
But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, 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 crossbreed.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
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 12 of the fastest breeds, according to the American Kennel Club.
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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. Photo: Canva/Getty Images

10. Border Collie
Bred to herd livestock, Border Collies have no problem outrunning sheep with a top speed of 30mph. Photo: Canva/Getty Images