Fast CAT, a timed 100-yard dash where a dog chases a lure, is the newest AKC event. The event is a fun and healthy activity for dogs and their owners, and is open to dogs that are at least 12 months of age and are individually registered or listed with the AKC.
In competition, the dogs run one at a time over a straight 100-yard course. Their times are then converted into miles per hour and used as part of a handicap system to assign points earned, which will be used to determine titles and standings. More information on the rules can be found here.
“The popularity of the coursing ability test demonstrates the enthusiasm of a dog when their inner instinct is awakened,” says Doug Ljungren, Vice President for Sports & Events at AKC. “Now that same enthusiasm can be timed to determine how fast your dog can run. Who knows, you many have a national caliber track star sitting next to you. The national rankings by breed will show how your dog compares.”