| Bibliographic Entry | Result (w/surrounding text) |
Standardized Result |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creel Scott and Nancy Marusha Creel. The African Wild dog: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2002: 79. | "Once one or a few prey begin running, the entire herd often bolts, and a full speed chase ensues(at 40-60km/h)" | 11.1-16.7 m/s | ||||||||||||
| World Almanac Books. "Speeds of selected animals." The World Almanac and book of facts 2009. 2009. 2008. 330. |
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20.1 m/s (cape hunting dog) 17.6 m/s (greyhound) |
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| Wilcox, Charlotte. The Greyhound. Mankato: Capstone Press, 2001: 7. | "Greyhounds can reach speeds of 45 miles(72km) per hour." | 20.1 m/s | ||||||||||||
| "Greyhound." Encyclopedia Britannica. 15th ed. 1983: 736. | "A streamlined, slender, but strong dog, the greyhound can attain a speed of 60 km (37mi) per hour." | 16.7 m/s | ||||||||||||
| Greyhound. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 2009. | "Greyhounds-fastest of dogs. Streamlines and slender, but strong, the greyhound can attain a speed of 45 mph(72km/h)" | 20.1m/s | ||||||||||||
Different sources have deemed different dogs the fastest of dogs. The two breeds that undoubtedly make the top of the list are the greyhound and the African Wild Dog.
Greyhounds have long been known for their speed. They are commonly used on the racetrack and once were bred primarily for racing. The first coursing society was setup in Britain in 1776. A member of the sight hound, the greyhound is one of the few original dog breeds and can be traced back to ancient Egypt. They trail the cheetah, the world's fastest land animal over a short distance in rank number 14 according to the World Almanac and book of facts 2009.Greyhounds are rarely gray; they come in many colors, and can be black or white or shades of brown. Greyhounds make great pets due to their mild and affectionate nature. They are gentle dogs and get along with children and other family pets.
The African Wild Dog a.k.a. the painted wolf, a.k.a. the cape hunting dog belongs to the Canidae family and is the only species in the genus lycaon. Scientifically named lycaon pictus, these African natives are very successful hunters. They hunt in packs and pursue their prey in long open chases. Pack members usually cooperate in hunting large mammals, but individuals sometimes pursue hares, rodents, or other small animals. Full speed chases ensue at 40-60 km/h. This breed is currently ranked 8th in speed of land animals over a short distance. The African Wild Dog is currently listed on the endangered species list. They were formerly found over almost all of Africa, including parts of the Sahara. However, there has been a major decline and most remain in southern and eastern Africa; only small populations remain in western and central Africa. These dogs frequently come in conflict with human activities and face habitat loss with the growing human population. When this happens, they are often poisoned or shot. Once existing in over 39 countries in figures around half a million, African Wild dogs now exist in fewer than 25 countries and their numbers stand at approximately 3,000-5,500.
Celeste Qian -- 2009