Sure, you think your dog is fast. But have you ever wondered how fast? Can your dog outrun Usain Bolt, who has been called the fastest runner in the world? They just might: Usain’s fastest time has been clocked at almost 28 mph – yet dogs have been known to reach speeds of 35-45 mph.

Well, you no longer have to wonder how fast your dog can run. Fast CAT® – which stands for Coursing Ability Test – is a timed 100-yard dash where dogs run one at a time, chasing a lure. It’s over before you know it — and it’s nothing short of awe-inspiring to watch your dog run at top speed, ears back, eyes focused, legs strong. And if your dog is really fast, you might earn bragging rights if their name makes onto our list of top 20 fastest dogs by breed! All dogs can participate in Fast CAT, whether purebred or mixed breed.

Although it is a relatively new sport, its popularity has spread like wildfire. No wonder. According to one AKC official, “The Fast CAT® provides a terrific 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.”

From:  https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/fast-cat/

WHAT ARE PRE‐ENTRIES? ‐ Entries made before the closing date and time.

WHAT ARE “DAY OF” ENTRIES? ‐ Entries accepted after the closing date for pre‐ entries are considered Day of Entries. “Day of' entries are usually more expensive because the Field Test Secretary (FTS) must take extra time to add those entries to the record sheets the day of the test, which delays the start of the test.

COLLARS AND LEASHES – Your dog can run without a collar or wear a flat collar with nothing dangling from it. You can tape tags to the collar so they don’t catch in the line. You need to have 2 leads with you: one for the Releaser and one for the Catcher.

There is a type of collar for coursing called a slip lead, which is worn only to control the dog prior to release. The collar drops away as the dog is released to chase the lure. If you choose to use a slip lead or have your dog run without a collar, be sure your catcher has a collar and lead to secure your dog at the finish line.

NO PRONG COLLARS OR ELECTRONIC TRAINING COLLARS OF ANY TYPE ARE ALLOWED AT AKC EVENTS.

ROLL CALL ‐ The time, prior to the commencement of running, by which you check in with the Field Test Secretary and have your dog ready for inspection by the Inspection Committee.

INSPECTION ‐ Dogs will be inspected by a designated Inspection Committee consisting of at least two persons who are members of the Field Committee and who shall inspect each entered dog for lameness, fitness to compete, female estrus (in season) and their height at the withers to determine their handicap. Inspection shall take place prior to any form of wrapping being applied to the dog. In the opinion of the Inspection Committee, any entry found to be lame, unfit to compete or in season shall not be allowed to enter and the applicable entry fees shall be refunded minus online payment fees if applicable. After Roll Call and Inspection, the dogs passing inspection will be approved to run and their run slip will be added to the Run Board. 

RUN ORDER ‐ This is a posted list of the running order for the dogs participating in the event. Always check the Run Board after you have checked in and completed your dog’s inspection to confirm your dog’s Run Order. Catchers should go to the finish line at least 2 numbers ahead of their dog’s number to prevent delays between runs.

RELEASER AND CATCHER – You must have someone to release and someone to catch your dog. It is your responsibility to arrange for assistance.

WARM‐UP, COOL‐DOWN—It is highly recommended that all dogs running are walked out for about 10‐15 minutes prior to and after their runs to get them warmed up and to cool them down. The cool‐down is very important because it helps prevent lactic acid build‐up in the muscles which leads to soreness.