Fastest Dogs in America Crowned at the 2026 AKC Fast CAT Invitational
Retired rescue Fritz clocked over 36 mph as the nation’s fastest canines faced off in Branson.
The white lure buzzed down the fenced 100-yard lane, and Fritz locked his eyes onto the ribbon before his handler even let go. When the release command echoed across the Branson turf, the sleek brindle frame flattened into a blur.
The retired Australian racer crossed the finish line in just 5.675 seconds, clocking an astonishing 36.04 mph to capture top honors at the seventh annual AKC Fast CAT Invitational. Held at the Sycamore Creek Family Ranch in Branson, Missouri, the four-day national showdown gathered the top five fastest qualifying dogs of each breed across the country to crown the swiftest sprinters in the sport, as reported by the American Kennel Club.
Fast CAT—short for Coursing Ability Test—is an electronically timed 100-yard dash where dogs pursue an artificial lure pulled along a motorized pulley line. While raw speed turns heads, the event uses a handicap formula based on a dog's height at the withers to ensure fair competition across sizes, while also spotlighting dogs that outperform their breed benchmarks.
Pure speed and sighthound mastery
In the Handicap 1 (HCP 1) division for dogs 18 inches and taller, Fritz—registered formally as Fritsch FCAT6 and owned by David Nevius and Chris Kronick—defended his reputation as the premier athlete on the course. Adopted through South Carolina’s Greyhound Crossroads after his racing days concluded, Fritz proved that retirement has not slowed his stride.
He led a razor-close podium of elite sighthounds. Whippet Newt (TCS Mr. Scamander CAA FCAT), owned by Kimberly Salem, took runner-up honors at an eye-watering 35.60 mph (5.745 seconds), while fellow Greyhound Pippin (Danny’s Moll FCAT), handled by Elizabeth and Dave Williams, claimed third place at 35.49 mph.
Rescue mixes and short legs light up the leaderboards
In the HCP 1.5 category (dogs 12 to under 18 inches), All American Dogs—the AKC designation for mixed-breed competitors—stole the spotlight. Summit (Sincity’s Social Climber FDC CA FCAT2), owned by Gordon Kane and Lori Lagasse, seized the division championship with a blazing 31.16 mph dash (6.565 seconds). Another mixed-breed standout, Bestie (Sincity’s My Bff FCAT2), followed closely behind at 30.75 mph, while Australian Cattle Dog Rose rounded out the podium at 28.76 mph.
The smallest contenders in the HCP 2 division (under 12 inches) produced one of the weekend's tightest finishes. All American Dog Zachary, owned by Ronald George, clinched first place by posting 24.12 mph. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Magill (Patterday’s Everyone Knew Her As Nancy), owned by Erin Day and JoAnn Patterson, chased down second place just fifteen-thousandths of a second behind at 24.08 mph, edging Rat Terrier Halo’s 23.32 mph run.
Tiny powerhouses take the Speed of the Breed crown
Beyond raw velocity, the Speed of the Breed (SOB) division measures athletic heart by comparing a dog’s time against the historical average for their breed. The top ten dogs across all breeds faced off to see who exceeded expectations by the widest margin.
Artie the Biewer Terrier (Orbit Three Two One Blastoff Artemis RI DCAT CGC), owned by Kathleen Miles, earned the overall Speed of Breed Championship. The diminutive terrier posted a top run of 21.12 mph—surpassing the Biewer Terrier breed baseline by an impressive 27.48%. Pomeranian Rocky was right on Artie's heels, clocking 20.10 mph (26.19% over average), while Chihuahua Beetle hit a stunning 21.81 mph (26.14% over average).
For owners following canine sports news, the invitational highlights how lure coursing provides an instinctive outlet for chase drive and fitness across any breed or background. Whether a retired racing Greyhound or a pint-sized family rescue, dedicated training and high-drive play give every dog a runway to shine.