Fast CAT for Conformation Dogs: Having Fun Beyond the Show Ring

Most of my weekends with my show dogs involve grooming, waiting ringside and trying to get everything right when it’s our turn.

Fast CAT gave us something different to do together.

Royale loved it. Watching her run, with all four feet off the ground, you could see how happy she was. I spend so much time trying to get everything right with her in the show ring. It was wonderful to just cheer her on and watch her have fun.

I also noticed confidence that seemed to carry into conformation. I can’t credit every good show day to Fast CAT, but I liked seeing my dogs enjoy another activity. Our time together doesn’t always have to revolve around the next ribbon.

What is Fast CAT?

Fast CAT is a timed 100-yard dash in which dogs run individually, chasing a lure. Their time is converted into miles per hour, and points toward titles are calculated by multiplying that speed by a height-based handicap.

It gives owners a way to find out just how fast their dogs can run. For the dogs, the attraction is usually much simpler: something is moving, and they want to chase it.

Fast CAT welcomes eligible purebred and mixed-breed dogs. Dogs must be at least 12 months old and have an eligible AKC registration or listing number. Spayed and neutered dogs can participate; females in season cannot. Dogs are also inspected for fitness to compete.

Check the host club’s premium list and event instructions before entering.

Why try Fast CAT with a show dog?

Conformation requires a lot of a dog. We want them to stand for an examination, move with us and stay engaged through unfamiliar surroundings, noise and waiting.

I enjoyed giving mine an activity where they could do something very different.

There was no stacking or worrying about whether I had presented them well. We were there to run and have a good time.

The confidence connection was something I noticed in my own dogs. It doesn’t mean Fast CAT will change every dog’s show ring performance. Their enjoyment was reason enough to keep doing it.

Some dogs love chasing the lure. Others may show little interest. Finding out what yours enjoys is part of the experience.

What to expect at your first Fast CAT event

For a first outing, focus on learning the routine and making it enjoyable.

Read the event information and tell the club you’re new. Ask how releasing and catching work, whether you need to bring a helper and what equipment is required. Arrive with enough time to watch before your turn.

If the club offers introductory or fun runs, ask whether one might be a good way to introduce your dog to the lure.

Follow the officials’ guidance and pay attention to your dog’s interest. A first outing doesn’t have to become a campaign. It can simply be something fun to try together.

Fast CAT points and titles

Once your dog enjoys running, the numbers become interesting.

How fast was that run? How does it compare with the last one? How close are you to the next title?

Under AKC’s Fast CAT scoring system, a dog’s speed in miles per hour is multiplied by a handicap based on height at the withers:

Under 12 inches: Multiply MPH by 2.

12 inches to under 18 inches: Multiply MPH by 1.5.

18 inches or taller: Multiply MPH by 1.

For example, a dog measuring at least 12 inches but under 18 inches that runs at 20 MPH earns 30 points.

Points accumulate toward these titles:

BCAT: 150 points.

DCAT: 500 points.

FCAT: 1,000 points.

FCAT2 and higher: Each additional 500 points.

Those totals are cumulative. Your BCAT points continue to count toward DCAT and FCAT.

For exhibitors used to tracking conformation points, having another goal can be fun. But I want to keep the reason we started in view: my dogs were enjoying themselves.

Fast CAT rankings and the Invitational

Titles and speed rankings measure different things.

Titles use cumulative points, including the height handicap. AKC’s annual Fast CAT breed rankings use the average speed of a dog’s three fastest runs during the calendar year.

The AKC Fast CAT Invitational gives qualifying dogs another opportunity to compete. Invitations depend on the published criteria and official invitation list for that year, rather than simply earning BCAT, DCAT or FCAT.

You can enjoy Fast CAT without pursuing a ranking or an invitation. But if you get interested in that side of the sport, it helps to understand the difference between building title points and recording faster runs.

How ShowPoints helps

Once you’re doing more than one activity, there’s more to keep track of.

ShowPoints helps you find Fast CAT events alongside your conformation shows and keep your plans together. The Fast CAT tracker lets you record your runs and follow your progress, so you can look back without digging through run slips or trying to remember the numbers.

Keep your results, notes and photos with your dog’s records. Whether you’re working toward BCAT or just enjoying occasional runs, it’s useful to have that history handy.

Tracking reflects the information you enter. AKC remains the source for official titles, rankings and Invitational qualification.

Give your dog something else to enjoy

I still love conformation. Fast CAT gave us another way to spend time together and another side of my dogs to appreciate.

If you’ve been curious, talk with a host club and see whether it might suit your dog.

You may find a new goal. You may come home with a favorite photograph. Or, like me watching Royale, you may simply love seeing your dog having such a good time.

Explore ShowPoints to find events and keep track of your dogs across the activities you enjoy.