Performance & Companion Events
FastCAT
Fast CAT®—the “CAT” part stands for Coursing Ability Test (CAT)—is an American Kennel Club (AKC) performance event. It is a timed one-hundred yard dash in which multiple dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. Each dash is over before you know it, but it’s nothing short of awe inspiring to watch your dog run at top speed.
FastCAT Qualifications
The qualifications to run in a Fast CAT event include the following. Each participant:
- Must be at least twelve months of age. (Personally, I don’t start running dogs until after eighteen months. Even though the course is one hundred yards, it can be physically stressful.)
- Must have an AKC number via one of the following:
- AKC Registration as one of the AKC’s recognized breeds.
- AKC Canine Partners, which is for mixed-breed dogs and dogs ineligible for AKC registration.
- Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program, which is for purebred dogs that cannot be fully registered with the AKC to participate in AKC events.
- Foundation Stock Service®(FSS), which is for recorded breeds on the road to full AKC recognition. In addition:
- Spayed and neutered dogs are eligible to compete in these events and are welcome.
- Dogs with Limited Conditional Registration are eligible to participate.
- Females in season are not eligible to participate.
- An inspection committee will inspect each dog for lameness and fitness to compete.
A Relatively New, Easy-to-get-into Sport Although Fast CAT is a relatively new sport, its popularity has spread like wildfire. And it’s no wonder. Fast CAT provides a tremendous opportunity to introduce new participants to the world of AKC sports as one of the few events where all that is needed to compete is a dog’s natural instincts. And it’s very easy to participate! To get started, go to www.akc.org, choose the sports and events menu, choose Coursing, CAT & FAST CAT, and then select Fast CAT. Many breed/all breed clubs now own the equipment for coursing activities. The club premiums will include FCAT, just fill out an entry form from the premium list. In addition, the AKC.org page provides a “find an event” button.
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