Fast CAT Fools

In April of this year Tux, Asher, Taz, and Ruffi travelled down to Ohio for the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club’s National Specialty show. As part of their event they offered Fast CAT and of course, we had to take part!  Conformation is fun but with few exceptions my guys would prefer to go chase plastic bags (bunnies)!   In Canada, the equivalent event to Fast CAT is known as Sprinter  Unfortunately Sprinter events haven’t taken off the same way that Fast CAT has in the US, I am hopeful though that it will grow in popularity and events will become more common.  It’s so much fun and most Cavaliers really do love it.

The American Kennel Club defines Fast CAT as;

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.

It was Tux and Asher’s first time doing Fast CAT or any official lure coursing.  Both came home with their BCAT which is the first title they can earn.  Taz also came home with his BCAT to add to his CA title which is a Coursing Ability title.  As you can see by the photos below, they adore it.  Tux was the fastest at almost 19MPH, both Asher and Taz were clocked in at various intervals over 18MPH.

Enjoy the photos taken by MLBAER Photography.  As a hobby photographer I’m very fussy on photos and these ones are fantastic.  The weather was very overcast to pouring rain, which for Cavalier photos actually ends up being fantastic.  No squinty eyes or harsh shadows.

A very special thank you to Carleen (Danger’s Mom!) @dangertakesover on Instagram for releasing my guys at the start line.  Danger also earned his BCAT title so 4 Embee dogs came home with new letters to add to their name.  I really love having titles on both ends of my dog’s names, this breed is capable of more than just show titles and they love doing them.

CH Embee’s Tasmanian Night, CA, BCAT  “Taz”

CH Embee’s Arctic Blast, CGN, BCAT  “Asher”

American and Canadian CH Embee’s Tux and Tails, BCAT  “Tux”

Embee’s Luck of the Draw, BCAT  “Danger”

We’ll be attending our first Canadian Sprinter event at the end of the month and can’t wait.  Hopefully we’ll have more action shots to share.  You need to have an Canadian Kennel Club registered dog to participate in Sprinter and an American Kennel Club registered dog for Fast CAT.  If your dog has been bred in Canada and you’re wanting to compete in the United States or vice versa, it’s easy to obtain dual registration if your dog has one or the other.  All puppies who leave this house are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, as a purebred dog owner in Canada, you are entitled to your dog’s registration and your breeder should have provided it.  If they haven’t, investigate further and/or report it to the CKC.