FastCAT Weekend

This past weekend we took Addi, ZuZu and Rosie to a FastCAT trial.  They all earned their BCAT titles last year, so now we are trying to earn their DCAT titles.  I’ve written a few posts about FastCAT, I’ll link them below for anyone wanting to learn more.  But to simplify, the dogs earn different titles the more points they earn.

Last year the collies earned a total of 30 new titles, but I don’t think we will ever be able to replicate that, especially since we are so busy with puppies.  This year they’ve earned two new championships, and we hope to add a few more titles to the list, including Addi’s next therapy dog title.   Nolan will be going to his first official shows next month, and we can’t wait to see how he does.  The collie specialty shows won’t start up until the Fall, so for now we are focusing on FastCAT and the puppies.

FastCAT Explained

Other FastCAT posts

AKC FIT Dog - keeping you and your dog healthy!

The American Kennel Club has created a program to encourage people to get outside and take walks with their dogs.  The program, called AKC FIT Dog, even offers titles, in the hope more people with join in the program!  From the AKC website:

“Now more than ever, fitness is important for both dogs and people. The most commonly recommended exercise to improve fitness is walking. Walking is considered a safe activity that improves muscular strength, circulation, memory, weight loss, increases energy, helps with sleep, and reduces stress. The American Heart Association recommends walking a minimum of 150 minutes per week. Participation in the AKC FIT DOG program will bring health benefits to both you and your dog.”  And for those who want to earn titles, just by keeping your dog fit and healthy, click here!  

There are three titles, or levels, in the FIT Dog program - Bronze, Silver and Gold.  You earn the titles by completing different activities.  

1) Complete an AKC FIT DOG Course

2) Runs (community runs, such as a Turkey Trot)

3) Walks and hikes (can be independent or group walks)

4) Unique to you and your dog (such as swimming)

5) Earn an AKC title that is fitness related (FastCAT, Agility)

6) Earn an AKC Parent Club Performance title (sledding, herding, pack dog)

Addi and I decided to try for the FIT Dog bronze title, FITB, since we are already trying to earn the first FastCAT title, BCAT, and that meets one of the requirements for FIT Dog.  We have been walking multiple times a week, enjoying nature and the end of the Summer, while keeping track of our miles.  This video was from our walk yesterday evening, we are both really enjoying the time together.  She loves being outside, and I appreciate that it’s pushing me to get more exercise!

Our 2024 titles earned…so far

I love earning new titles with my collies.  Those new titles represent many things to me, the first being the bond I share with them.  When your dog has a strong bond with you, it makes training them so much easier, and it makes earning titles even more rewarding.  Secondly, the titles show their versatility, that they have proven they meet the breed standard and that they are intelligent with sound temperaments.  And the third, they will be remembered, long after they are gone.  

Collies that earn their AKC championships are included in the Collie Club of America’s Library of Champions.  These books are the documented history of all the collie champions, going all the way back to the very first champion.  The CCA yearbooks are also a source of collie history. Each year the CCA publishes the collie yearbook for its members.  While the Library of Champions is a wonderful record of all the past collies who earned that coveted championship title, the CCA Yearbook is a record of the new champions each calendar year and also includes and celebrates all the other titles the collies have earned that year.

In 2023 our collies earned 16 new titles.  And so far, in 2024, they have earned 12 new titles!  I’m hoping they will be adding at least 10 more before the year ends. (fingers crossed)  This year they have earned a wide variety of titles - Champion, Therapy Dog Excellent and Therapy Dog Distinguished, Canine Good Citizen and Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Trick Dog, and Versatility Companion titles.  We are hoping to add FastCAT and Fit Dog titles too, as those will be new for our collies.

I am so thankful to have these amazingly talented dogs in my life.  They bring so much joy, companionship, and love into our lives.  I’m grateful that I can help them earn titles, so that their legacy will live on…

Titles, history, and enriching your dog’s life…

Some people are history buffs.  They may be fascinated by the Civil War, or Ancient Rome, still others may be obsessed with prehistoric times or the Salem witch trials.  There are endless time periods and subjects to study, and with all the resources we have at our fingertips, almost anyone can do research on whatever passion drives them.  For me, it’s the history of the collie that keeps me captivated, and also keeps me trying new things with my collies.

I enjoy pouring over the many volumes of the Collie Club of America’s Library of Champions.  I am always excited to find new sources of information about the collies and breeders of the past.  And one great source for collie historians are the older CCA Yearbooks.  Not everyone may be aware that each year the CCA publishes the collie yearbook for its members.  And if you aren’t a member, or if you are a newer member, some of the older yearbooks can be found on EBay and other websites.  While the Library of Champions is a wonderful record of all the past collies who earned that title, the CCA Yearbook also includes and celebrates all the other titles the collies have earned each year.

There is a great saying, “A well balanced dog has titles at both ends.” (Of its name). I know the American Kennel Club, or AKC for short, believes this to be true, which is why they created the title “AKC Breeder of Merit.”  Earning the coveted “CH” before a dog’s registered name is a cause of celebration.  Becoming a conformation champion means that a dog conforms to the breed standard in both appearance and structure.  But equally important, in my opinion, is that the dogs we breed are also capable of earning titles that appear at the end of their names.  That’s why the CCA Yearbooks are equally valuable when learning about the more recent history of our beloved collies.

With the CCA Yearbooks, you can look back through the years and see which breeders have produced collies that have earned herding, agility, obedience, Farm Dog, Scentwork and other performance titles.  The ability to earn these other titles demonstrates the soundness of mind, body and temperament of the dogs we are producing.  Our collies should be more than than just a pretty face, they should be able to perform the work they were originally bred to do.  That doesn’t mean the champion title before their name isn’t valuable, it is a huge honor to earn that title, but I think the other titles are just as important.

I’ve mentioned before that when looking for a reputable breeder, it’s important to find one who has earned the title of AKC Breeder of Merit.  But many may not realize how a dog breeder earns that title.  To qualify for this title, the breeder must meet all of these requirements:

• Has a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events.
• Earned AKC Conformation, Performance or Companion* event titles on a minimum of 4 dogs from AKC litters they bred/co-bred in each breed applied for.
• Member of an AKC club.
• Certifies that applicable health screens are performed on your breeding stock as recommended by the Parent Club.
  Health test requirements can be found on the Breed Health Testing Requirements webpages.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies produced are individually AKC registered.

Our Kori, herding ducks

There are so many fun and exciting things to do with your dogs, and your dogs will love all the individual time and attention.  When deciding which sport to try first, or which title to pursue, I think researching your collie’s own ancestry, and all that those dogs have accomplished, is a great place to start.  If you see many collies in their pedigree earned herding titles, you may want to consider giving herding a try.  Or maybe when researching your collie’s own history you discover that many of the collies have earned obedience or agility titles, try taking a class to see if you and your collie enjoy that type of competition.  The collie truly is a versatile breed, and the sky’s the limit for activities you can try together.  And when your collie earns a title, they will become a part of the breed’s history!  My Sophie and I have decided to try Barnhunt next month, not sure how it will go, but I bet we will have fun while doing it!