Unleashing Your Dog’s Inner Speed with Fast CAT: A Beginner’s Guide

Fast Cat, or Fast Coursing Ability Test, is rapidly gaining popularity among dog owners, and for good reason. This exciting sport, sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), offers a thrilling way to test your dog’s natural chasing instincts and speed, regardless of breed. While the breathtaking spectacle of sighthounds in full lure course remains unparalleled for some, Fast CAT provides an accessible and exhilarating entry point into the world of canine speed sports for all dogs.

AKC introduced Coursing Ability Tests (CATs) and Fast CATs (FCATs) to broaden the appeal of performance sports, making them inclusive for all breeds.

Understanding Coursing Ability Tests (CAT)

Coursing Ability Tests (CATs) serve as an introductory step into lure coursing. The course is set over 600 yards and features turns no sharper than 90 degrees. Dogs chase a lure, typically a plastic bag, that is continuously pulled through a pulley system. Successful completion of the course earns a passing score, and accumulating these scores leads to titles such as CA, CAA, and CAX.

Delving into Fast CAT (FCAT)

Fast CATs streamline the coursing experience even further. These events are conducted on a straight 100-yard course. Dogs must chase the lure from start to finish to achieve a pass. Their performance is scored based on speed, measured in miles per hour (MPH). To adjust for size and stride differences, a handicap is applied:

• Dogs over 18 inches at the withers: Recorded MPH is the final score.
• Dogs between 12 and 18 inches: MPH is multiplied by 1.5.
• Dogs under 12 inches: MPH is doubled.

These adjusted scores contribute towards various titles, including BCAT, DCAT, and FCAT, recognizing your dog’s speed prowess.

Lure Coursing: The Sighthound Spectacle

While Fast CAT and CAT events are often casually referred to as “lure coursing,” true Lure Coursing, especially under AKC or the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA), is a distinct and more complex sport designed specifically for sighthounds. It’s a breathtaking display of these breeds’ innate hunting abilities, far removed in scope and challenge from the all-breed CAT and Fast CAT events.

In AKC Lure Coursing, sighthounds compete directly against each other. Events typically begin with breed-specific heats, featuring up to three dogs. Dogs are categorized into Open, Specials, and Veterans classes based on age and prior field trial championships. To aid judges in distinguishing dogs, each participant wears a colored blanket – yellow, pink, or blue.

The lure course itself stretches between 600 to 1000 yards, demanding significant stamina. Two judges evaluate each dog across five criteria: overall ability, follow, speed, agility, and endurance, each worth a maximum of ten points, totaling 50 points per judge. The combined score from both judges determines the dog’s run score out of a possible 100. Each dog completes the course twice in a trial day. ASFA lure coursing follows similar scoring principles with minor variations.

Following the initial runs, breed run-offs are conducted. Ties within classes are resolved with a re-run. Class winners then compete against each other to determine the Best of Breed. These breed winners become eligible for the prestigious Best in Field (BIF) run. Dogs opting to compete for BIF are drawn into heats of two or three and run the course a final time in reverse direction. The highest-scoring dog is awarded BIF for the day. Ties are again settled with a re-run.

The demanding nature of Lure Coursing is evident in the potential for dogs to run up to six 600-yard courses in a single day. While most owners wisely limit their dogs’ runs, this endurance factor highlights the significant difference in physical demand compared to CAT and Fast CAT. Witnessing a Best in Field run is a captivating experience, showcasing the incredible speed and diverse coursing styles of these magnificent sighthounds.

Getting Started with Fast CAT and Lure Coursing

Intrigued by the world of canine speed sports? Attending a Fast CAT or lure coursing trial is the best way to immerse yourself and understand the excitement firsthand. Participants are known for their welcoming nature and willingness to explain the nuances of the sport to newcomers.

For those specifically interested in Fast CAT, the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. While lure coursing has a more involved entry process, the basic principles of participation share similarities. Here’s a general overview of what to expect at a trial day, applicable to both Fast CAT and Lure Coursing:

1. Pre-entry: Secure your spot by submitting an entry form to the Field Trial Secretary, typically via mail or email, before the event. For lure coursing certification (if needed), arrange for a “by-dog” of similar breed or running style for your dog’s certification run.
2. Arrival and Check-in: Arrive at the time specified in the event Premium for roll call. Check in and have your dog undergo a brief inspection. This usually involves trotting your dog in a straight line to assess soundness and detect any lameness. Entry fees are typically refunded if lameness is detected.
3. Qualification/Certification Runs (Lure Coursing) and Junior Courser Runs: These usually occur first. For lure coursing certification, equip your dog with a coursing blanket or jacket. Borrowing is often possible if you haven’t purchased your own yet. Ensure your dog is collar-free and use a coursing slip lead for safe handling to the starting line.
4. At the Line: The Huntmaster will confirm your readiness (applies to Fast CAT, CAT, and Lure Coursing). Equipment is checked, and the Huntmaster communicates with judges and the lure operator. Upon the “Tally-ho!” command, release your dog as the lure starts its run.
5. Trial Runs: For lure coursing, after qualification runs, breed-specific trials commence. Breeds are divided into Open, Veterans, and Specials classes, with flights of up to three dogs, each wearing yellow, pink, or blue blankets. Single-entry breeds wear yellow; two dogs or uneven entries result in yellow and pink blankets. Each breed completes two runs.
6. Scoring and Run-offs (Lure Coursing): After the second run, scores are tallied. Stake winners (Open, Veterans, Special) proceed to Best of Breed run-offs. Ties within stakes are resolved first.
7. Best of Breed and Best in Field (Lure Coursing): Best of Breed winners are determined, and owners are invited to enter their dogs for Best in Field. Participation is optional. Dogs competing for BIF are drawn into flights and run the course one last time. The highest scorer wins BIF. Ties are settled with re-runs.
8. Awards: Ribbons and prizes are awarded to placing dogs in each stake and breed, culminating in the Best in Field announcement.

Essential Equipment for Fast CAT and Lure Coursing

Compared to many dog sports, the equipment requirements for Fast CAT and lure coursing are relatively minimal, making them accessible for newcomers.

• Coursing Slip Lead: A specialized lead, typically webbing with rings, designed for quick and safe release of the dog at the starting line. Quick-release hardware versions are also becoming popular.
• Coursing Blankets: Sets of yellow, pink, and blue blankets or muscle shirts used in lure coursing to distinguish competing dogs. While less critical for Fast CAT participation itself, they can be a fun addition for training.
• Muzzle (Optional): Not mandatory for lure coursing or Fast CAT, but muzzles are a valuable safety tool, especially in multi-dog run situations in lure coursing, to prevent injuries from accidental or intentional contact. Owner discretion is key.
• Vet Wrap, Elastikon, Musher’s Secret, Tuf Foot (Optional): These items address paw protection and are more relevant for dogs prone to foot pad injuries, especially in more demanding lure coursing. Vet wrap and Elastikon offer support and protection, while Musher’s Secret and Tuf Foot are paw waxes and toughening sprays to minimize pad damage from rough terrain or hard running. These are less crucial for the shorter, straight runs of Fast CAT but good to consider for dogs with sensitive paws or frequent participation.

Safety First: Considerations for Canine Speed Sports

Like any physical dog sport, Fast CAT and lure coursing carry inherent risks of injury. While Fast CAT, with its short, straight course, is generally considered safer than the longer, turning courses of lure coursing, awareness and responsible participation are crucial. Potential risks include line injuries (more prevalent in continuous loop lure coursing systems), occasional aggression-related incidents (rare), and soft tissue injuries from running and sharp turns.

To minimize risks:

• Ensure your dog is in good physical condition. Avoid participating with overweight or out-of-shape dogs.
• Be mindful of course design. Excessively tight turns can strain dogs’ bodies.
• Understand the lure system. Drag lure systems are generally safer regarding line injuries compared to continuous loop systems, although they may slow down trial progression.
• Choose reputable clubs, especially for Fast CAT and CAT events.

Participating in Fast CAT and lure coursing should always be a calculated decision, prioritizing your dog’s well-being. However, for most dogs, the joy and exhilaration of the chase make it a worthwhile and enriching experience.

Getting Involved: Resources and Next Steps

Ready to dive into the world of Fast CAT, CAT, or lure coursing? Here’s how to take the next steps:

• Event Calendars:

  • AKC Events: https://webapps.akc.org/event-search/#/search
  • ASFA Events: http://www.asfa.org/event/index.htm

• Registration:

  • AKC Registration: Required for AKC events.
    • Purebred dogs with pedigree: Registration number from breeder.
    • Purebred dogs without pedigree (altered): AKC Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program: https://www.akc.org/register/information/purebred-alternative-listing-pal/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20200413_akc-rev_searchad1&utm_content=DSA&utm_term=dynamic-registration&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhIP6BRCMARIsALu9LfnQyPBTWGhe_Rqt0yEGscv3a8HDn-mJRQh_z4V9tauno9WdPvL6crgaAoA2EALw_wcB
    • Mixed breeds (altered): AKC Canine Partners program: https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20200413_akc-rev_responsivesearchad&utm_content=Brand_Registration-MixedBreed&utm_term=akc%20canine%20partners&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhIP6BRCMARIsALu9LfnWdUqHl1nYNFjPuHqh0-ThycIzP57N5rfWnih9XLc1GDpi1r2j7DsaArPfEALw_wcB
  • ASFA Registration: Submit dog’s registration from acceptable registries (FCI, AKC, AKC PAL, UKC, NGA, etc.) upon first entry.

• Further Resources:

  • ASFA Beginner’s Guide: http://www.asfa.org/ASFABeginnersGuide06-03.pdf
  • AKC Lure Coursing: https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/lure-coursing/
  • Coursing Ability Test (CAT): https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/coursing-ability-test/
  • Fast CAT: https://www.akc.org/sports/coursing/fast-cat/
  • Greyhound Blogger on Lure Coursing: https://thegreyhoundsyarn.com/2017/01/05/amateur-running-sports-lure-coursing/

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to local clubs or experienced participants. Unleash your dog’s speed and embark on the exciting journey of Fast CAT!