The Slowest Dog Breed In The World

We have a fairly good idea about the fastest dogs in the world. The fastest dog breed, according to Care, is the greyhound, with its running speed of up to 45 mph. The Guinness Book of Records has given scores of titles for fastest individual doggies, from the fastest dog on two legs (a mixed breed called Konjo) to the fastest scooter-riding dog (the incredibly appropriately named Norman the Scooter Riding Dog). But what about the slowest man's best friends out there? Is there really no love for them? 

Now, "slowest animal" is a tough thing to measure, because a determined tortoise tends to be able outrun a sleeping hare. However, when you look at the consensus of several sites that have taken it upon themselves to discuss slow-moving puppies, such as Reference, Hlemo, and Top Dog Tips, it appears that there's at least some idea among the dog owners about the most glacially-moving mutt of them all. As Top Dog Tips helpfully notes, it's good to divide our search in two separate categories: Tiny dogs and big dogs. Let's go!  

Although there is no clear consensus about the slowest small (under 20 pounds) dog breed, it appears many agree that breeds such as Shih Tzu, cavalier King Charles spaniel, pug, tibetan spaniel, and assorted bulldogs should at least be in the consideration. According to Rover, the "winner" indeed comes from this lot. Representing the snub-nosed breed, the pug has a reported top speed of 5-10 mph. However, the breed's average speed still manages to trump the true victor of the "slowest tiny puppy" award: the Shih Tzu. As the American Kennel Club tells us, the breed is lively, alert and long-lived. Yet wherever it goes, you're not too hard pressed to catch it, seeing as its top speed only clocks in at around 6 mph. Congratulations, Shih Tzu! Your prize, as it well should be for any and all dogs, is copious belly rubs. 

So, what about the larger dogs? The aforementioned sources name drop breeds such as the bull mastiff, basset hound, Chow Chow, English bulldog, and heavier dog breeds like the St. Bernard and the Newfoundland. If you carefully study that list, the answer should be obvious enough: While some big dogs can be stubborn and lazy, only one of them has ears as long as their stubby legs and, according to Rover, a top speed of 5-10 mph, which rivals that of the much smaller pug. Yes, indeed: Step (slowly) ahead and claim your prize, basset hound. Your prize is also belly rubs. Of course it is. After all, you're a good boy. Regardless of your speed, doggies, you're all good boys.