AKC Fast CAT Events

You no longer have to wonder how fast your dog can run. FAST CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test – is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure.

It’s over before you know it — and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to watch your dog run at top speed, ears back, eyes focused, legs strong. And if your dog is really fast, you might earn bragging rights if his name makes onto the AKC list of top 20 fastest dogs by breed!

AKC Fast CAT Trial

Basic Information about Fast Coursing Ability Tests (Fast CAT)

Fast CAT is a timed straight 100-yard dash for dogs. It is meant to be a fun and healthy activity of interest to any dog owner. Dogs are run singularly. 

Fast CAT points and titles 

The dog’s time to complete the course is measured and converted to miles per hour. [mph]. A handicap is applied to the dog’s mph to determine the number of points awarded. The handicap is based upon the dog’s height at the withers. 

Handicaps and points toward titles  

• 18” or greater = no handicap. The points equal the mph of the run 
• 12” to less than 18” = handicap of 1.5. The points equal the mph multiplies by 1.5 
• Under 12” = handicap of 2. The points equal the mph multiplied by 2. 

Titles

TITLES ARE SUFFIX TITLES EARNED AT DESIGNATED MILESTONES: The BCAT Title is awarded when the dog reaches 150 points. The DCAT Title is awarded when the dog reaches 500 points, The FCAT Title is awarded for 1000 points. An FCAT Title number e.g. FCAT1 is awarded for each additional 500 points. 

TOP 20 FASTEST DOGS: The top twenty fastest dogs are published by breed on the AKC website. 

Field Conditions

The field is reasonably flat, level, and mowed. The actual running area is approximately 150 yards long x 5 yards wide, with a cloth/plastic type barrier. The release line is ten feet behind the starting line. The course is 100 yards long with finish line timers (electronic or manual) and a 50-yard run-out area. Handlers may not walk the course with their dogs during the actual test. 

The Lure

The lure is propelled by a DRAG LURE SYSTEM whereby the lure, consisting of a squawker-type lure or plastic lure dragged along the ground in front of the dog by a take-up reel. There is no trailing-line for the dog to step on get caught in. At the end of the run, the lure is propelled back to the starting line by a separate mechanical system and replaced at the starting position prior to the next run. Safety is the number one consideration in running this event. 

Timing

Timing will be by electronic timers with a manual (stopwatch) system back-up. In the event of manual timing, a starter’s flag will signal the start when the dog’s nose crosses the starting line and the time will be recorded by two timekeepers, each operating individually, at the finish line. The time will be the mathematical average of the two manually recorded times. 

Schedule and Trial Hours

8 am until completed. Note in the event of inclement or other conditions or to assist with timely completion of the trial, Trial Committee may elect to start the events earlier than posted. In any event, all entrants presenting during the posted times will be allowed to run. 

Check-In/Inspection: 7:30 am and throughout the day. For dogs running in both events on the same day, they must be inspected prior to each run. 

Handlers Meeting: Please READ INSTRUCTIONS posted at Inspection area. We are running concurrently in two hour time windows and people will be coming and going during the day at different times. 

Lunch: A one-hour lunch break will be scheduled at the discretion of the Event Committee. Food will be available for purchase on site. 

Running Order

There is no need to indicate if you wish your entries for multiple dogs to be separated. The two-hour time slots will allow you to adjust your run times as necessary. Dogs will not necessarily be run in numerical order. 

For estimating time of participation purposes, handlers should calculate approximately two minutes per run. 

For Handlers With Multiple Entrants

The same dog will not be scheduled to run back to back but may, with permission of the handler, be put into the running order at least 10 dogs (estimated 20 minutes) apart to allow for the dog’s rest and to accommodate logistical issues. If you need more time, ask, and if you have a ring time in another venue, NOTIFY the field secretary/paddock master so that running order is not unduly delayed. 

Check-In and Inspection

Please warm up and cool down your dogs. Dogs must be checked in and inspected prior to each run. Inspection will check for general fitness and for females in season, which are not permitted to run. In addition, the dog’s handicap must be verified at the time of inspection. A wicket will be provided. The Field Committee reserves the right to wicket each entrant and the size on the date of the entry will be determinative of the handicap on the date of the run. Official Agility heights are not dispositive of wither heights for the purposes of the tests at this event. After your first run, please go right to inspection for your second run. 

Collars

Dogs may wear any collar except a choker collar, a pronged color or an electronic training collar. No tags hanging from the collar will be allowed. Clips or rubber bands may be used to hold the dog’s hair. The owner assumes responsibility for the safety of the dog regarding the dog’s collar and paraphernalia on the dog. Flexi-leads are not acceptable at this trial. 

At the Line

Please secure your dog’s releaser and proceed to the catch pen with a leash ASAP! The Paddock Master will coordinate the running of the dogs according to his/her best discretion. It is important that maximum flexibility with other events is available for this event. Each exhibitor will receive a running order via email prior to the event. The schedule also will be posted in the inspection/paddock area. 

Dogs will be called “to the line, “on deck” and “in the hole” positions. Dogs that are not present “in the hole” will be moved down and the next available dog will be inserted into the running order to keep things moving. The missing dog will be inserted into the running order as convenient when they arrive. 

Please help. If you know you have a conflict, or simply want a different run time, please notify the secretary (before the event) or the Paddock Master (during the event) so we don’t have to look for you. Please treat your fellow handlers as you would like to be treated. Please be kind and have patience. 

The Start

The Huntmaster directs the start of the test and is in control of the course and oversees all dogs and handlers on the field. He/she shall ensure that you understand safe release and retrieval procedures, that the lure is properly positioned, that the dog is properly positioned at the proper set back from the start and shall ensure the lure operator, timers and starting line signal person are ready and — if all is in order — shall signal the lure operator to start the lure. The signal to release your dog is signaled by “tallyho.” 

Operation of the Lure

The Lure Operator’s job is to 1) ensure a safe run by operating the lure correctly, and 2) to get the best score for your dog. If your dog is new, that may mean operating the lure just in front of the dog to maintain his/her attention to get the dog going. (If you don’t finish the run you don’t get a score.) Tell the Huntmaster that your dog is a new dog. 

If your dog is experienced, simply advise the Huntmaster about your “fast dog.” He/she will tell the lure operator to run the lure well ahead of the dog to achieve the fastest time. We want you to have a good score. 

Retrieval of the Dogs

The principal delay in coursing events is the time it takes to retrieve dogs at the end of the runs. Please have someone familiar with the dog at the finish line prior to the time you get into the “in the hole” position in the running order. If you aren’t ready, we will reinsert you into the order as soon as you are ready. If you are having trouble retrieving your dog, please notify the Huntmaster that your dog is a “flight risk.” We will attempt to assist in shortening the return field or assist in any way that you can. 

Volunteers

Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. We will attempt to run volunteers, at their option, at the beginning of each trial. Volunteers for two hours or more per trial, receive free lunch refreshments, and our gratitude. Volunteers are our friends. Please note on your entry if you are available to man the roles — set-up, take-down, timers, Paddock Masters, Huntmasters, gate keepers, inspectors, or any other volunteer positions. We will contact you to coordinate with your schedule and we will train you if that is your preference. 

Waiver of Liability

Neither the Field Committees nor the Club will be responsible for the loss or damage to any dog on the trial grounds, whether as a result on an accident or any other cause. It is clearly understood that every dog entered in the test is under the care, custody and control of its handler during the entire time the dog is on the premises. All owners/agents/exhibitors and other persons attending these tests hereby waive any claim against the club or its agents for any losses, damages, or injuries affecting self, dog, children, or personal property.