Speed - Page 1

Which body shape allows the dog to run faster? Do dogs with straight back run slower? Does the condition of the hip affect the speed of the dog? For example, do dogs with a hip rated a1 run faster than a2? Does the size of the dog also affect the speed?

Such good questions, I wonder that myself, hope someone has the answer!

I don't believe the size will affect the speed. As in any sport the heart of the dog will determine his speed, as well conditioning. My dog is typical Czech build female and she will out run many dogs out there. When she is after a decoy you can really tell the heart of the dog, she is determine and fast hits like her life depends on it. I got a lot of good comments from people that worked her that she is one of the fastest dog they ever worked, and her small size is really deceiving. Usually when decoy sees her first comment is how old is she? And than fallowed by she looked kind of smallish the first hit the decoy gets and you can see smile showing on his face, fallowed by "she is compact explosive package" lol. Over angulation will slow a dog down, this is why one of the fastest dogs in the world tend to have straight back (usually the longer the legs the fastest the dog is) but at the end of the day heart is all that you need.

Malinois

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Phil, without a doubt I agree with you, their structure, size and drives (heart) is what makes them so fast. But I belive is the determination that wins every time.

there's a whole lot more involved than just the hips.  read up on cheetahs, race horses and greyhounds.  the anatomy of the entire animal is involved and not just the bone structure.........circulation and respiration among other factors are key.
pjp