Who is the fastest dog in the country? You’re about to find out. At Fastest Dogs USA, an AKC and ESPN production, the country’s speediest canines gather for the fifth annual, invitation-only event. Dogs of all breeds participate year-long, around the country, in AKC Fast Coursing Ability Tests (Fast CAT) – the 100-yard dash for dogs.
Fastest Dogs USA will highlight a select group of the quickest canines competing in the sport of Fast CAT in this all-star, invitational show. The event will also showcase three of America’s beloved breeds racing against each other to see who is the fastest in each breed, including Pekingese, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles.
This year’s event was held on February 22 and 23 in Glendale, Arizona, where breeds of all sizes raced across the finish line. In the AKC Fastest Dogs USA competition, each dog will run twice to determine their best time.
How to Watch AKC Fastest Dogs USA 2024
You can watch the AKC Fastest Dogs USA on Sunday, April 14 at 7 p.m. ET by tuning in to ESPN2 on your TV or signing in on any device.
Last Year’s Winner
“Winston,” a Whippet, took the title of the 2023 Fastest Dogs USA winner. Winston (Jammin’ Afternoon Tea at Chartwell CD BN RN FCAT5 JC CGC TKN ATT) is owned and handled by Ellen Bonacarti of Clarksburg, New Jersey. You can watch him compete at this year’s Fastest Dog USA and try to keep his title of fastest dog.
How Does Fast CAT Work?
Fast CAT is a timed straight race of 100 yards where one dog runs at a time chasing a lure. It’s fast, and exciting, and you will see hair flying in the wind. The time to complete is recorded and the 100-yard dash is converted into MPHs. A handicap system that is based on the height of the dog is applied to a dog’s MPH to determine the number of points earned.
If your dog loves running and chasing, they will likely love Fast CAT. To get started call or visit your a local AKC club and see if they offer one or both of the two types of tests: Lure Coursing or the Coursing Ability Test. From there, you can truly see how fast you dog runs for some serious bragging rights.
Watch Fastest Dogs USA, an AKC and ESPN production, on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on April 14.