How fast can a Shiba Inu run?

Different dog breeds have different physical characteristics that make them good runners. Their paw pads and toenails give them good grip and traction. Their flexible spines and asymmetrical gait also help with speed by allowing the dog's body to stretch, compress and push forward. Most dogs can run at speeds of 15-20 mph. However, a dog's size, body shape, and health will all affect how fast it can run.

In this article, we are focusing on the Shiba Inu breed, which is a small or medium-sized dog that originates from Japan. They are part of the Spitz family of dogs and their name literally means “brushwood dog” in Japanese. Shiba Inus typically stand between 13-16 inches tall and weigh between 15-30 pounds.

This dog breed will usually reach sprint speed around eighteen months old. A Shiba Inu is very agile and can produce a quick pace at a fast speed. It was originally bred for hunting purposes, which is why this dog breed can capture and kill small game such as rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels.

How fast can a Shiba Inu run?

This is a question that many dog owners often ask, especially those with Shiba Inus. After all, these dogs are known for their speed and agility.

So, just how fast can a Shiba Inu run? The answer may surprise you.

While there is no definitive answer, experts believe that Shiba Inus can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour thanks to their long legs and muscular build.

So, if you're ever wondering just how fast your Shiba Inu can run, the answer is probably pretty fast!

How to Calculate your Dog Speed

Assuming you want to calculate your dog's running speed, there are a few things you'll need to take into account. First, you'll need to know the distance your dog ran. This can be easily measured by using a GPS tracker or by measuring the distance yourself with a measuring wheel or tape.

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Next, you'll need to know the time it took your dog to run that distance. This can be measured with a stopwatch or by using a GPS tracker.

Once you have those two pieces of information, you can calculate your dog's running speed using the following formula: speed = distance / time

So, for example, if your dog ran a distance of 1 mile in 10 minutes, their running speed would be 6 mph.

However, it’s better to measure the sprint speed which means, tracking the time your dog takes to run for a short distance, usually 30 feet.

Finally, to have more precise results, I recommend repeating the measurement at least three times, then taking the average result.

5 Real Examples of Shiba Inus Speed

A Shiba Inu running
Photo from Pexls

Sure, you think your dog is fast. But have you ever wondered how fast? You can find out how fast your dog can run by participating in Fast CAT. Fast CAT is a 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. The top 20 fastest dogs by breed are determined by their time in the Fast CAT.

Here are the top 5 Shiba Inus by their speed (source: American Kennel Club)

RankingDog NameSpeed (mph)
1stShoei Hi-Jinx Thunderstruck27.79
2ndHi-Jinx Fade To Black26.81
3rdSan Jo Rock Steady At Kokuryuu26.68
4thAkira Bishojo Go Akakiyosou26.61
5thHanabi Mizuki 26.32

To put it in perspective, the fastest dog is a Greyhound has a speed record of 40.22 mph, while Usain Bolt, the fastest human, has a record of 27.33 mph, which is slower than the fastest Shiba Inu.

3 Tips to Make your Dog Run Faster

  1. Start by gradually increasing the length of your dog's runs. A good rule of thumb is to add about 10% more distance each week.
  2. Incorporate some speed work into your dog's runs. This could be in the form of sprints or even just running at a slightly faster pace for part of the run.
  3. Make sure your dog is well-nourished and well-rested. A healthy diet and plenty of rest will help to ensure that your dog has the energy needed to run at top speeds.

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