The American Kennel Club held the seventh annual AKC Fast CAT Invitational. Over the span of four days, dogs competed to determine who was the fastest dog in two divisions: Handicap and Speed of the Breed. The event was held at the Sycamore Creek Family Ranch in Branson, Missouri, from September 18-21.
The top five fastest dogs of each breed were invited to compete in the Fast CAT Invitational, based on AKC Fast Coursing Ability Tests (Fast CAT).
AKC Fast CAT Invitational Champions
HCP 1 Placements
The winner of the HCP 1 divison was Greyhound “Fritz,” Fritsch FCAT6, owned by David Nevius and Chris Kronick. Fritz’s fastest time was 5.675 seconds with a speed of 36.04 mph. Fritz was one of four Greyhounds competing.
The HCP 1 runner up was Whippet “Newt,” TCS Mr. Scamander CAA FCAT, owned by Kimberly Salem. Newt ran a time of 5.745 seconds with a speed of 35.60 mph. Newt was the sole Whippet competing in the Invitational.
In third place in HCP, Greyhound “Pippin,” Danny’S Moll FCAT, ran a time of 5.763. Owned by Elizabeth and Dave Williams, Pippin’s fastest speed was 35.49 mph.
HCP 1.5 Placements
The winner of the HCP 1.5 division was All American Dog “Summit,” Sincity’S Social Climber FDC CA FCAT2, owned by Gordon Kane and Lori Lagasse. Summit’s best time was 6.565 seconds with a speed of 31.16 mph. 15 All American Dogs competed, divided by size: Small, Medium, and Large.
The first runner up was All American Dog “Bestie,” Sincity’S My Bff FCAT2, owned by Pamela Martin. Bestie ran a time of 6.652 seconds with a speed of 30.75 mph.
The second runner up was Australian Cattle Dog “Rose,” Rose Of Earl CA FCAT13 SWN DE DMA FITB FTI, owned by Heather Santella. Rose ran a time of 7.112 seconds with a speed of 28.76 mph. Rose was one of seven Australian Cattle Dogs competing.
HCP 2 Placements
The winner of the HCP 2 division was All American Dog “Zachary,” George’s Zachary FCAT, owned by Ronald George. Zachary’s fastest run was 24.12 mph with a time of 8.481 seconds.
The HCP 2 runner-up was Pembroke Welsh Corgi “Magill,” Patterday’s Everyone Knew Her As Nancy RA MX MXJ MXP MJP MXF FCAT CGC, owned by Erin Day and JoAnn Patterson. Magill’s fastest run was 24.08 mph with a time of 8.496 seconds. Nine Pembrokes competed in the Invitational in total.
The second runner up in the HCP 2 divison was Rat Terrier “Halo,” Stone’s Halo On Button’s Angel FCAT SBA SCN SIN TKP ATT, owned by Allison Stone. Halo’s fastest run was 23.32 mph with a time of 8.77 seconds. Halo was one of five Rat Terriers competing.
Speed of the Breed Division
Dogs that ran in the Speed of Breed Division ran against other dogs of the same breed. Their runs were compared with the average to the breed. In this division, the top 10 fastest dogs competed to see who had the fastest average speed for their breed. The number one dog in this division was crowned 2026 Speed of Breed Champion.
Speed of the Breeds Champion
The winner of the Speed of Breeds Division was “Artie” the Biewer Terrier, owned by Kathleen Miles. Artie, Orbit Three Two One Blastoff Artemis RI DCAT CGC, bested five other Biewer Terriers with a best run of 21.124135 mph. With an SOB of 27.48%, Artie was crowned the Speed of Breed Champion.
Speed of the Breeds Runner-Up
Pomeranian “Rocky” ran a fastest run of 20.102703 mph. Rocky is owned by Kathleen Bouressa, and was 26.19% SOB. Rocky, Rocky Point BCAT STR FITB, was one of six Pomeranians competing.
Speed of the Breeds Second Runner-U
“Beetle” the Chihuahua, owned by Carrie Griffen-Yakush. Beetle’s fastest run was 21.808828 mph, and was 26.14% in SOB. Beetle, MACH2 Dancing To A Different BeetBox MXS MJG MFB TQX T2B3 FCAT5 SWA SCE SEE SBE TKI, was one of six competing Chihuahuas.