Members of the family Canidae, commonly called dogs, are found on all continents except Antarctica – known for their striking coats, cunning hunting tactics and remarkable social structures.
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From a fox barely bigger than a house cat to one of Africa’s most successful hunters, here’s how the fastest wild canids stack up.
Fastest wild dogs in the world
Swift fox (Vulpes velox)
This tiny fox is about the size of a house cat and roams the Great Plains region of central Canada down through central US. It stands out on the prairie with its reddish-golden coat and elegant features.
As you’ve probably gauged from the name, it can be quite swift – it can run at speeds of up to 30-40mph (48-64kmph)! The swift fox’s main predator is the coyote, as well as the golden eagle, so no wonder it’s evolved a way to dash away quickly.
Black-backed jackal (Lupulella mesomelas)
The black-backed jackal is recognisable from its reddish-brown coat and contrasting black colouring along its back. This elegant dog is native to eastern and southern Africa.
They’ve been known to reach bursts of speeds of up to 40mph (64kmph) – they’re not as strong as larger predators, so they rely on speed and agility to make their escape.
African golden wolf (Canis lupaster)
The African golden wolf range extends across the whole of northern and eastern Africa. It’s halfway between a wolf and jackal in size and was thought to be a type of jackal for decades. Tests from as recently as 2015 have proven that these wild dogs are closer genetically to grey wolves, with a small amount of Ethiopian wolf.
The African golden wolf is a notable hunter, capable of tackling prey up to three times its own weight – it also can reach top speeds of 40mph (64kmph).
Grey wolf (Canis lupus)
The largest member of the dog family, the grey wolf can be found across parts of North America, Europe and Asia. Its thick, grizzled coat – which can range from pure white to black – helps it survive in everything from Arctic tundra to dense forest.
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A grey wolf can trot for miles at a steady pace while hunting in a pack, but when chasing down prey like elk or deer, it can hit speeds of up to 40mph (64kmph).
Coyote (Canis latrans)
Also known as the prairie wolf, coyotes live in family groups across North America, from Alaska to Central America. Historically, they were found in open country, but today occupy a range of habitats, including forests, mountains, swamps, farmland and even suburbs and city areas.
Coyotes are highly adaptable, and that extends to their speed – they’re built for the chase, capable of reaching up to 40mph (64kmph) over short distances. They have been recorded to reach 43mph (69kmph) over short distances as measured by observing the speedometer when a coyote ran alongside a vehicle.
African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
Once abundant in sub-Saharan Africa, these wild dogs are now only found in small populations in Botswana, western Zimbabwe, eastern Namibia and western Zambia.
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They’re one of Africa’s most successful hunters, with hunting parties succeeding in more than half of their chases, a remarkable strike rate compared to lions or leopards. Much of that success comes from both teamwork and endurance, as well as the formidable speed this dog can achieve – up to 45mph (72kmph).
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Top image credit: nicholas_dale/Getty Images
