Points are additive. The initial title, BCAT, takes 150 points, and some dogs can do it in four runs in a week- end. The next title is at 500 points (DCAT), then 1,000 points (FCAT), and then they add a number to the FCAT for each additional 500 points. As breeds are all shapes and sizes, the AKC posts Top 20 Fastest Dogs by Breed by Year on their website. These are based on the dog’s average of its three best runs. At the end of the year, the fastest dogs of each breed are in- vited to run in the AKC Fast CAT In- vitational. Last year, the Invitational was televised by ESPN2. FAST CAT is becoming hugely popu- lar. For most dogs, it takes no special training. Some dogs don’t even care about the bag—they are thrilled to run in a straight line as fast as they can go back to their owner. Others take to chasing the bag like it’s prey, and they want to catch and kill it right away. Hence my instructions to Precious to “kill the bag!” She viewed it as vermin to catch and dispatch from her first view of it moving. If your dog is at least 12months of age, and registered or listed with the AKC, then your dog can run in FAST CAT. Many shows are running two trials a day—your dog can run in each, but no more than twice a day. Bitches in heat are not allowed to run, however. Watching Precious race down the lane and hearing the comments about her size, I realized that there were few other Toys competing. This has actu- ally been the norm for the events I’ve attended. I did some research and found that some breeds have been regularly participating while other Toy breeds have little to no represen- tation. While I’m sure you’re nod- ding your head and thinking, “Yep, no Pekingese would run.” —you’d be wrong! There are Pekingese partici- pating and they are having a ball! My favorite “Peke to watch” would run about 50 or 75 feet, stop, sit, and catch its breath while keeping a close eye on the lure. The lure operator would stop the lure, and when the dog stood back up, the operator would start the lure forward again. It took a bit longer
the dog, and then get ready to catch your dog because the average Toy run will be over in 9 to 10 seconds. Have a good time and don’t be surprised if your tiny little dog turns into a fero- cious beast, battling to chase and kill the plastic bag. Try it for fun. FAST CAT is a great event, and most dogs— even Toys—love it.
than the other dogs, but it got it done! 2021 rankings show eight Pekingese listed, with the fastest at 18.63MPH! FastestToy in theGroup this year isno surprise with an Italian Greyhound clocking in at 28.41 MPH. Even the Chihuahuas can run pretty fast, with their fastest at 23.38MPH—confirm- ing owners’ beliefs that when they don’t want to be caught, they can move pretty quick. So how do you get started? Many events have “fun runs” for as little as $5.00. Many lure operators will tell newcomers to let their dogs watch the bag go by from the side of the lane. That’s enough for some dogs to get the urge to chase. For others, when there is down time, the fun run consists of a half run, with the owner backing away from the dog while calling it. For my Toy Manchester, Ricky, the first few runs were about running to me, and on the fourth run the “lightbulb went on” and he realized he was chasing the bag. He loves to chase the bag now! He earned the FCAT title and represent- ed Toy Manchesters at the inaugural AKC FAST CAT Invitational. My Toy Fox Terriers have chased the lure from their first view and they struggle to get out of our arms to go after it while awaiting their turns. So, how do you get your Toy dog pre- pared to run? First, if your dog is a couch potato and lap dog, and never gets any real exercise, then you need to get him in shape. Brisk walks, chasing a ball, and running and playing with other dogs are all ways to get them fit. Second, capitalize on your dog’s instinct to chase. Encourage chas- ing toys and balls, even if they don’t bring them back to you. Finally, find a FAST CAT event and try it out. I like to be the catcher so that my dogs run to me. Bring a person the dog knows to be the releaser, as you don’t want him panicked about a stranger hold- ing him instead of excited about chas- ing the “prey.” I like to leave a collar on my dogs, snug enough so that they can’t get a foot caught in it, and with nothing hanging from it to trip them. On your first runs, start calling en- couragement before they ever release
BIO Susan has shown dogs for more than forty years. After three decades showing Vizs- las and Cockers, she and her husband decided to segue into Toys. She currently breeds and shows Toy Fox Terriers and also has two Toy Manchester Terriers. Four of her champions have earned FAST CAT titles, in- cluding the first Toy Fox to earn the FCAT title. Susan and her husband volunteer at their local kennel club’s FAST CAT events.
26 • T op N otch T oys , N ovember 2021
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