Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is an easy, low-stress way to get involved in the world of dog sports. A Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is designed specifically for newcomers. The first thing to know about the CAT is that dogs do not compete against each other. Each dog runs individually and chases after an artificial lure on either a 300- or 600-yard long course and must finish in less 1 ½ minutes and 2 minutes, respectively. Because the course is for beginners, it is set up with safety in mind because we recognize that many of the dogs are new to the sport and might not possess the agility of an experienced sight hound. Don’t worry about being judged: Dogs only earn a pass/fail, and the maximum time is not meant to be difficult to achieve. Yes, your dog will need to run, not walk, to earn a passing grade. But even if he doesn’t do his best, don’t worry! Think of it as just a fun day out for both of you to meet other dogs and dog lovers.
To compete, your dog must:
- Be 12 months or older
- Have an AKC number
In addition:
- Spayed females and neutered males are eligible to participate but females in season are not.
- Blind dogs are not eligible.
- No dog can compete if it is taped or bandaged or in any way has anything attached to it for medical purposes.
Getting an AKC Number
Select the AKC licensing process that best fits your needs:
Purebred Dogs
All-American Dogs (mixed breed)
Purebred dogs that cannot be fully registered:
Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program,
Breeds on the road to full AKC recognition:
AKC Titles (suffixes)
CA - Coursing Ability
CAA - Coursing Ability Advanced
CAX# - Coursing Ability Excellent