Coursing

Cindy Greene’s “Murphy” MBISS GCHB CH Olympus and Enchanted Hart Drop Kick Murphy CAX FCAT CGC TKN FITB (photo credit Mark L. Baer/MLBaer Photography)

Coursing

Chair
Cynthia Greene

If your club is thinking about holding either a CAT or FAST CAT event and you have questions or need help organizing your event, please contact one of the DCA Coursing Committee members.

Committee Members
Jina Simpson
Mark Leamen

Coursing: It’s Not Just For Sighthounds Anymore!

Does it seem that your Dalmatian is really Elmer Fudd in a spotted costume and only focused on chasing those “wascally wabbits”? If so, then coursing sports might just be what you both need to challenge that boundless enthusiasm. This sport tests your dog’s instinctive prey drive and is perfect for Dalmatians. There are two different coursing events- Fast CATs, a 100-yard dash and CATs, 600-yard figure eight course. Dalmatians love this sport and have multiple titles in both events. DCA held its first Fast CAT trial at the 2019 National in Huron, Ohio. Since then, Fast CATs has been offered at every national. Many all-breed clubs, dog training clubs and some of our regional Dalmatian clubs are licensed to hold these events. Check the links for regional Dalmatian clubs that annually offer either Fast CATS or CATS.

Cindy Greene’s “Maeve” CH Pure Cntry N Emerald’s Tara Road CA DCAT CGC FITB (photo credit Renee Deal/Groove Star Studio)

Fast CAT FAQ

How do I get started?

Dogs must be one year old before they can run and need an AKC or PAL registration number.

Coursing relies on your dog’s innate prey drive. No training or classes required.

Premiums are listed on the AKC event site by state and club. Many clubs use an electronic entry system.

Two people are needed. One will release your dog and the other will catch your dog at the end of the run.
What equipment do I need?

Dogs must run in a buckle or quick release collar. No dangling tags are permitted.

Two leashes – one for you to take your dog to the start box and one for the catcher in the catch pen.

Some owners find a harness helpful to get a dog to the start box. Dogs MAY NOT run in a harness.

Handlers must wear closed-toed shoes – no sandals or flip flops may be worn on the course.
How long is the course?
How does my dog earn points and title?

Fast CAT titles suffix titles are BCAT = 150 points; DCAT = 500 points; FCAT = 1,000 points; FCAT# = every additional 500 points

Point Calculator:

204.454/Dog’s Time (in seconds) = MPH (Dalmatians MPH is the points earned per run)

Example: 204.454/7.58 (seconds)=26.97 points

Times recorded by electronic timers.

Click here for steps to check your dog’s points on the AKC website.
Who Are the Top Fast CAT Dalmatians?

Regional Dalmatian Clubs that currently offer Fast CATs or CATs

Greater Pittsburgh Dalmatian Club

Chicagoland Dalmatian Club

Dalmatian Club of Greater St. Louis

Dalmatian Club of the Piedmont

Delaware Valley Dalmatian Club

Click here for AKC Fast CAT Rankings by breed and year:

Fast CAT Resources:

AKC Fast CAT Coursing

AKC Fast CAT Regulation Resources

Coursing Ability Test (CABT) FAQ

How old must a dog be for a coursing event?
What equipment do I need?
How long is the course?
How does my dog earn points and title?

Unlike Fast CAT events, dogs are not timed for speed. The dogs have two minutes to complete the course. A judge gives your dog a pass/fail after completing the course. Coursing Ability (CA) is awarded after 3 successful runs; Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) is awarded after 10 successful runs; Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) is awarded after 25 successful runs. CAX# after each additional 25 runs.
Does AKC rank CAT titles?

Jina Simpson’s “Nuke” GCH Brooksides Minit Man CAX8 BCAT SWN SCA SEA CGC TKI (photo credit Steve Surfman/Steve Surfman Photography)

Taco (GCH CH Snapshots Dont Spill The Beans RN FDC CAX27 DCAT SWE SCM SHDN RATO DN CGCA CGCU TKP ATT VHMA FITG) became the first and only dog (all breeds) in the world to earn the CAX27.

Read about Linda Davis and Taco’s journey in Coursing here.

CAT Resources:

AKC CAT Coursing

AKC CAT Regulation Resources

AKC CAT Articles