The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the launch of a new event called Fast CAT.
The Fast CAT test is a timed 100-yard-dash where a dog chases a lure. Dogs are run one at a time. It is a fun and healthy activity for dogs and their owners that answers the intriguing question – how fast can my dog run? The event is open to all dogs that are at least twelve months of age and are individually registered or listed with the AKC (registered purebred, FSS, PAL or AKC Canine Partner).
“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. “Now that same enthusiasm can be timed to determine how fast your dog can run. Who knows, you may have a national caliber track star sitting next to you. The national rankings by breed will show how your dog compares.”
All AKC clubs currently licensed to hold lure coursing trials or coursing ability tests are automatically licensed to hold Fast CAT and can begin to hold events immediately. All other AKC member or licensed clubs may apply to the Performance Events Department (PerformanceEvents@akc.org) to become licensed to hold Fast CAT, provided they have the experience, equipment and location to hold a safe event. Another option is for clubs that have a suitable location but may not have the knowledge or manpower to hold Fast CAT to consider partnering with an existing AKC lure coursing club to hold Fast CAT in conjunction with their event. Fast CAT may be held as either a stand-alone event or in conjunction with other AKC events. In all cases the Fast CAT test must be applied for as a separate event with its own event number.
Additional information is posted on the AKC’s Fast CAT webpage – www.akc.org/events/fast-cat.
The Fast CAT test is a fun and healthy activity for dogs and their owners that answers the intriguing question how fast can my dog run?