Which dog is the fastest in the country? The AKC Fast CAT Invitational will answer that question, as the speediest canines gather for this inaugural, invitation-only event. Fast CAT is a coursing event in which dogs chase a lure for a 100-yard dash. Their time in seconds is calculated into miles per hour. The fastest dogs of each breed are ranked and displayed on the AKC website.
All dogs will run three times, with the cumulative speed determining the fastest dogs. The third and final round will be held on Dec. 11.
Dogs will compete in two final divisions: Fastest Dogs USA and the Speed of the Breed Championship. Fastest Dogs USA will be the outright fastest dog according to miles per hour. Speed of the Breed will be determined by the percentage of speed run over the average speed for that breed.
All American Dog qualifiers were divided into three divisions, according to height, since the breed is so diverse and has dogs of such varying sizes. The Fast CAT height divisions are:
- Large – 18’’ at the withers and taller
- Medium – 12’’ to 18’’
- Small – Under 12’’
The fastest dog in each height for 2019 received an invitation to the championship. If the first-round dogs could not attend, then invites were issued to second and, if needed, third round qualifiers.
Congratulations and good luck to the All American Dogs who will be competing in Orlando:
- Large division –
Wailin’ Phelan The Bearded Lass CAX FCAT2 owned by Krista Shreet & Ted Koch of Crownsville, MD (ranked #1 – 2019 with an average of 32.55 mph)
- Medium division –
Missjiff.Gif CA FCAT2 FDCH TKN owned by Maureen Setter of Orange Park, FL (ranked #2 Medium dog – 2019 with an average of 31.33 mph)
The top three small dog qualifiers could not attend this year, but we congratulate the number one small All American Dog for 2019:
- Stormin’ Norman BCAT CGC TKN owned by Elizabeth Piojda of Franklinton, NC (average of 24.06 mph)
We also congratulate the number one medium dog for 2019 (who could not attend the event):
- Spring Loaded Liberty BCAT owned by Kathy Barzal of Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada (average of 31.96 mph)