Fast & Curious
Unveiling the swiftest dogs in the world
For the past seven years, my passion for pet photography has driven me to capture not only the beauty of animals but also their unique personalities. In 2021, alongside Veronica Ershova, I embarked on an ambitious project to not only showcase a dog's character through emotions but to invent entirely new ones. And what better way to do this than by portraying them as the fastest dogs in the world? Thus, the concept of "Fast & Curious" was born, a portrait series where the four-legged protagonists transformed into racers, each with their own distinct personality. Staying true to my love for cartoon-style portraits, reminiscent of my childhood fascination with cartoon shows like “Speed Racer” and "Biker Mice from Mars" I chose to maintain that aesthetic for our canine racers.
However, outfitting dogs with helmets for their racing personas proved to be an impractical task. So, we asked the professional help of CG-artists, starting with Alexei Koler and Nikita Bulgakov, followed by the renowned POP Creative Studio.
To capture the essence of a racer, we opted for classic scooter helmets as the foundation for our designs. These helmets not only offered a comfortable fit but also added a touch of old-school charm to the project. Designing the helmets became a focal point of the process, with each one incorporating colors and elements inspired by the breed's characteristics or country of origin. Veronika Ershova spent hours on post-production work, not only with composing and general retouching, but with color grading to create an overall classic vibe for each of the portraits.
In total, we photographed sixteen breeds for the project. Alongside renowned runners like the Greyhound and Saluki, we featured rare breeds such as the Chortai Greyhound and Taigan, with only a few hundred species remaining in the world.
The Whippet
Often hailed as the Ferraris of the dog world, Whippets can reach an astounding speed of up to 35 miles per hour. Their unique running style, known as the "double suspension gait," involves their hind legs propelling them into the air while their front legs drive them forward. The Whippet has an exceptional speed-to-weight ratio, making it one of the fastest dog breeds on the planet.
The Pharaoh Hound
Despite their association with ancient Egypt, The Pharaoh Hound actually originates in Malta. These graceful racers can sprint up to 35 miles per hour. One of their endearing traits is the ability to blush — a deep rose color can be seen on their nose and ears when they're excited or happy. Many Pharaoh Hound owners even train them to smile, an irresistible sight that showcases their joyous nature.
The Sloughi
Sloughis, ancient dogs hailing from North Africa, are known for their incredible long-legged strides. Reaching speeds of up to 42 miles per hour, they are truly among the fastest dogs on Earth. In ancient times, Sloughis lived an aristocratic lifestyle, adorned with jewelry, wrapped in blankets, and feasting on the finest meats. Their luxurious upbringing imbued them with an air of arrogance and wariness towards strangers.
The Cirneco dell'Etna
Often mistaken for a pharaoh's dog, the Cinerco dell'Etna was primarily owned by humble Italian farmers. These dogs served a vital purpose on ancient Italian farms, where their main duty was to hunt rabbits. With a top recorded speed of 34.63 miles per hour, this breed ranks 11th out of 247 in terms of running speed. Their age-old lineage makes them one of the oldest pureblooded breeds in existence today.
The Greyhound
The One-And-Only. True GOAT among the dog runners. Greyhound, renowned for its incredible speed, has a history that stretches back over 4,000 years. Greyhounds are one of the few breeds mentioned in the Bible, under the term "slender hounds." Their unique lean build allows them to reach speeds from 0 to 45 miles per hour in just a few strides, which is faster than most sports cars can accelerate.
The Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are often called "couch potatoes with a sprinter's spirit" due to their unique combination of being laid-back indoors but incredibly active outdoors. Don't be fooled by their delicate appearance, though, as they are one of the fastest small dog breeds, capable of reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour. With their fragile appearance, they're great jumpers, and they can easily hop onto furniture or even clear surprisingly high obstacles. These little hounds are also known for their impressive leaping abilities, often called the "Iggy 500" for their spontaneous, zooming sprints around the house.
The Afghan Hound
Behind the Afghan Hound's glamorous fur lies an athlete capable of incredible feats. Among the top five fastest dogs globally, Afghan Hounds can easily give chase to gazelles across mountainous terrain. Their hips are uniquely positioned higher than those of any other dog, allowing for exceptional agility and speed. This anatomical advantage enables them to navigate the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan with ease.
The Spanish Greyhound (Galgo)
Also known as the Galgo, The Spanish Greyhound is an astonishingly fast runner. In pursuit of a hare, this breed can reach an incredible speed of 37 miles per hour. Galgos possess a higher number of red blood cells than any other breed, enabling them to deliver more oxygen to their muscles and run faster. Their universal blood group also makes them excellent donors for other dogs in need.
The Borzoi
The Borzoi's elegant appearance is not just for show - their slender, streamlined bodies enable them to reach incredible speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds. They are also excellent jumpers, capable of leaping over high obstacles with ease. Despite their majestic presence, Borzois have a gentle nature and are often referred to as "gentle giants." These dogs have a unique, almost cat-like grooming habit of cleaning their own faces with their front paws, showcasing their meticulous and independent nature.
Segugio Italiano
Segugio Italiano dogs have a long and storied history in Italy, dating back centuries. They are mentioned in ancient Roman texts, highlighting their enduring presence in the country. These dogs are highly prized for their tracking skills, often participating in large hunting events and competitions. On average, they can reach speeds of around 35 to 40 miles per hour (56 to 64 kilometers per hour) when pursuing game during a hunt. Their ability to maintain these high speeds while tracking prey through challenging terrain is a testament to their exceptional athleticism and hunting prowess.
The Saluki
While the Greyhound holds the title of the fastest dog breed up to distances of around 800 meters, the Saluki takes the crown for longer distances. This elegant athlete is believed to be even faster, with a recorded speed of 42.8 miles per hour (68.8 kilometers per hour) in 1996, according to The Guinness Book of Records. With their regal appearance, Salukis are the supermodels of the dog world, effortlessly gracing any fashion photo shoot.
The Weimaraner
Capable of reaching top speeds of around 35 miles per hour, Weimaraners were initially kept secret in Germany until the 1930s. Nicknamed the "grey ghost" due to their distinctive gray coats, Weimaraners possess a hunting style described as furtive and cat-like.
The Chortai
The Chortai, a captivating breed with origins shrouded in mystery, possesses an allure that has intrigued dog enthusiasts for centuries. With their striking appearance, characterized by their luscious, flowing coat and soulful eyes, they have earned the nickname "the enigmatic beauties of the dog world." These dogs have an uncanny ability to communicate with their eyes, expressing a wide range of emotions, which often leaves their owners spellbound. Remarkably, the Chortai is also known for its melodious howl, which has earned it the title of "the canine songbird," making them not just a treat for the eyes but also for the ears.