The collies try FastCAT!

Today we are excited to share our ninth post in our series, The Versatile Collie.  Collies are such versatile dogs, they excel at many different activities, including FastCAT!  Please read below to learn more! 

This past weekend we tried something new with the collies.  It is a dog sport designed around a dog’s natural instincts.  It’s an AKC sport called FastCAT.  FastCAT, or the Coursing Ability Test, was created to time a dog’s speed while doing a 100 yard dash. The dog chases a lure, down a 100 yard course, and is timed with points awarded based on how fast the dog runs.  The AKC even keeps records of the fastest dogs, by breed, you can find them listed here.  But FastCAT isn’t limited to just purebreds, any dog can compete, they just need an AKC canine partners or a PAL registration number.

Peyton, she looks like she is enjoying the run!

This was our very first time attending a FastCAT test, so we had a lot to learn.  But everyone was very friendly, helpful and welcoming.  The dogs are allowed to run twice each day, you just have to register twice. Typically you need two people for each dog, one to release the dog on one end of the course, and one to catch the dog at the other end.  The catcher’s job is also to cheer and encourage the dogs to run as fast as they can to try to catch the lure.  This will help them get the best time possible.  But if you don’t have a second person, and many didn’t, there are always people willing to release your dog for you.  I did this for an adorable border collie and a Samoyed, while waiting for our next run.

Go Addi, Go! (This amazing photo was taken by Jon Washer)

The points are calculated by a formula. The formula is 204.545 divided by the dog’s run time, which equals the MPH the dog ran.  You then take the MPH and times it by the dog’s handicap. The handicap is based on the dog’s size, to make it fair for those dogs with shorter legs.

204.545 divided by run time (seconds) = MPH
For example, Addison completed one of her runs in 11.42 seconds, 204.545 / 11.42 = 17.91 mph
MPH x Handicap = points

• under 12" = 2 handicap
• 12" - under 18" = 1.5 handicap
• 18" and over = 1 handicap

17.91 mph x 1 handicap (Addi’s in the 18 inches handicap) = 17.91 points.

17.91 mph x 1.5 handicap = 26.865 points
17.91 mph x 2 handicap = 35.82 points

Her first run was a bit slower, she ran the course in 12.78 seconds, which gave her 16.01 points.  When you combine the points for both runs, she has a total of 33.92 points.  Not bad considering it was our first time, and neither of us knew what we were doing!  Peyton stopped 1/2 way on her first run, as she didn’t understand this new game and she was also suspicious of the photographer.  He was stretched out on the grass, behind me, and she thought that seemed highly suspect.  She completed her second run, but she was still hesitant.  Her score was 20.85 seconds, earning her 9.81 points.  The titles are earned once the dogs have accumulated enough points, so we have a way to go. 

FastCAT titles 

BCAT = 150 points 

DCAT = 500 points 

FCAT = 1,000 points

FCAT multiple = every additional 500 points (FCAT2 = 1,500)

Addison looks so happy! You can see how wet the ground was that day, but the water spray made the pictures so pretty!

We are signed up for a couple more FastCATs in the upcoming weeks, so I can’t wait to see their speed increase as their confidence grows!  All the dogs competing were having so much fun.  We were the only first timers, so I’m hoping Addi and Peyton will begin to enjoy this just as much as the others.  It’s a very exciting dog sport, and I was surprised at how many collies have already earned the FCAT title. Our own goal right now is just to have fun, and maybe to eventually get that BCAT title!

Addison, looking proud of her new ribbons!

All the pictures during the event were taken by Jon Washer photography, he did such a great job with everyone’s photos!  Please see the links below, for other posts in our Versatile collie series.

Barnhunt

Trick Dog

Agility

Pet Therapy

Service Dogs

K9 Nosework (Scentwork)

Sulky

Herding