Australia’s wide-open spaces make it an ideal country for high-speed dog sports like lure coursing. Whether you’re looking for a dog that loves to sprint or a competitive coursing athlete, certain breeds are built for speed. From sighthounds to agile terriers, we’ve broken down the fastest breeds by size category so you can find the perfect speedster for your needs.
Fastest Small Breeds (Under 30cm / 12 inches)
Italian Greyhound – The Tiny Rocket
- Top Speed: 25 mph (40 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Italian Greyhounds may be small, but they’re built for speed. Their lightweight frame and long legs make them incredibly fast for their size, and they love nothing more than a good sprint in the backyard or at the park.
- Best For: Lure coursing (small dog category), short-distance sprinting, and agility training.
Jack Russell Terrier – The Compact Powerhouse
- Top Speed: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Jack Russells are one of the most popular small breeds in Australia, originally bred for fox hunting. Their muscular build, boundless energy, and sharp reflexes make them natural chasers, excelling in lure coursing and backyard races.
- Best For: Fast chases, lure coursing, and agility trials.
Miniature Fox Terrier – The Aussie Sprinter
- Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: An Australian breed, the Mini Foxie is built for speed and endurance. These little dynamos have strong hunting instincts and quick acceleration, making them competitive in sprinting and lure coursing.
- Best For: Short sprints, lure coursing (small dog category), and agility competitions.
Fastest Medium Breeds (30cm to Under 45cm / 12 to 18 inches)
Whippet – The Speed Demon
- Top Speed: 35 mph (56 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Whippets are one of the most popular racing dogs in Australia. Their lightweight, aerodynamic build allows them to accelerate in seconds and maintain top speeds over short distances.
- Best For: Lure coursing, sprint races, and competitive dog sports.
Kelpie – The Aussie Speedster
- Top Speed: 45 km/h (28 mph)
- Why They’re Fast: The Australian Kelpie is one of the fastest and most agile working dogs, originally bred for herding livestock across vast properties. Their quick acceleration, stamina, and ability to make sharp turns make them excellent competitors in lure coursing and sprinting. Kelpies are highly intelligent and thrive in active environments, making them a great choice for Australian dog sports.
- Best For: Lure coursing, agility competitions, herding trials, and endurance running.
Border Collie – The Lightning-Fast Worker
- Top Speed: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and agility. While they are herding dogs rather than sprinters, their explosive acceleration and quick reflexes allow them to reach high speeds when chasing livestock—or a lure.
- Best For: Herding trials, agility sports, and lure coursing.
Fastest Large Breeds (45cm and Over / 18+ inches)
Greyhound – The King of Speed
- Top Speed: 45 mph (72 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Greyhounds dominate the world of dog racing, and Australia is no exception. Their deep chest, long legs, and flexible spine give them the perfect sprinting mechanics, making them the fastest dog breed on the planet.
- Best For: Lure coursing, sprint races, and competitive dog sports.
Saluki – The Endurance Sprinter
- Top Speed: 42 mph (68 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Salukis were bred in desert regions for endurance and speed. They are well-suited to Australia’s climate and thrive in open spaces, making them excellent lure coursing competitors.
- Best For: Long-distance sprinting, lure coursing, and endurance races.
Afghan Hound – The Elegant Racer
- Top Speed: 40 mph (64 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Afghan Hounds are more than just beautiful—they’re built for speed. With a deep chest for lung expansion and powerful leg muscles, they can reach high speeds while maintaining elegance and agility.
- Best For: Lure coursing, long-distance sprinting, and show competitions.
Borzoi – The Russian Speedster
- Top Speed: 36 mph (58 km/h)
- Why They’re Fast: Borzois were bred to hunt wolves in Russia, meaning they needed speed and endurance. Their long strides make them fast runners, but they tend to prefer long chases over short sprints.
- Best For: Long-distance sprinting and lure coursing.
Lure Coursing in Australia: Why These Breeds Excel
Lure coursing is a growing sport in Australia, allowing dogs to chase a mechanically operated lure across an open field. The best lure coursing dogs excel in:
- Speed: The ability to sprint at high velocities.
- Acceleration: Quick take-offs to catch a moving target.
- Agility: The ability to make fast turns without losing momentum.
Sighthounds like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Salukis are the most common breeds in lure coursing, but terriers and herding dogs with strong prey drive can also perform well.
Where to Try Lure Coursing in Australia
If you want to get involved, there are lure coursing clubs in most Australian states, including:
- Fast Paws Sydney
- Dogs NSW
- Queensland Lure Coursing Association (QLCA)
- Lure Coursing Victoria
- South Australian Lure Coursing & Racing Association (SALCRA)
- Western Australia Lure Coursing Club
Many dog training centres and breed clubs also run lure coursing events, so check with your local group!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re after a competitive racing dog or a speedy companion for backyard games, Australia has plenty of space and opportunities for fast breeds to shine. If your dog loves to chase, lure coursing is a great way to let them embrace their natural instincts in a safe and controlled environment.
Got a speedster at home? Consider taking them to a lure coursing event—you might just have the next champion sprinter!