Coursing, Lure Coursing, and FAST CAT – What’s the Difference?
If you’re new to the world of dog sports, the terms coursing, lure coursing, and FAST CAT might sound like they all involve a dog chasing something really fast—and… you’re not wrong.
But each of these sports brings its own flavor of thrill, challenge, and tail-wagging fun. Think of it as dog sports’ version of ice cream. They’re all a treat, but the difference between vanilla, chocolate chip, and rocky road matters.
Buckle up! We're breaking down what makes each of these sports unique, why dogs LOVE them, and which one might be perfect for your canine companion.
What Is Coursing?
The OG of dog chase sports, coursing is basically a race with a focus on instinct, agility, and, of course, raw speed. Traditionally, coursing involved greyhounds (and other sighthounds) chasing a live hare across a field as spectators cheered for their incredible athleticism. We're talking majestic sprints, quick turns, and a whole lot of "Wow, this dog is faster than my car in a school zone."
Today, modern coursing has evolved in various parts of the world. For example:
Ireland still holds coursing events featuring live hares (all under strict regulations to protect wildlife). It's less about catching prey and more about showcasing the finesse of the dog's skills, like anticipation and precision. Greyhounds remain the stars of this show because they’re basically nature's race cars with paws.
What Is Lure Coursing?
Now, cue the 21st-century upgrade—lure coursing. Instead of live prey, it uses a mechanical lure that mimics the unpredictable zips and zags of a small animal. Think of it as the high-tech version of coursing, minus any stress for wildlife. The lure dashes across the course in a series of sharp turns, keeping your dog on their toes (literally).
Originally designed for greyhounds, lure coursing has branched out to include tons of breeds. Big? Small? Built for speed or just big fans of running? Everyone can join the lure coursing party. It’s high-energy, mentally stimulating, and ridiculously fun to watch.
At Renegade Active Dogs, we take lure coursing to the next level. Seriously, our machines are built to thrill—you bring the dog, and we’ll bring the chase.
Who’s Lure Coursing For?
Greyhounds, Whippets, and Afghan Hounds (aka pro sprinters).
High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Terriers.
Any dog with a "MUST CHASE THIS NOW" mindset.
What on Earth Is FAST CAT?
Alright, here’s where it gets spicy. FAST CAT (which stands for Coursing Ability Test) is a new kind of race designed solely for speed demons. Unlike traditional coursing or lure coursing, FAST CAT is a straight-line 100-yard dash. No turns, no zags—just full-throttle, pedal-to-the-metal running.
Dogs are timed as they rocket down the stretch chasing a lure, and their speed is measured in miles per hour. Yes, people, you’re about to find out if your furry zoomer could beat Usain Bolt (spoiler alert—they probably can).
Just like lure coursing, FAST CAT is open to all breeds. Got a Great Dane who’s faster than they look? Or a tiny Chihuahua who thinks they’re the Flash? FAST CAT doesn’t care about size, shape, or fluff—if they can run, they can race.
Why FAST CAT Is the Hype Right Now
Unbelievable Speeds: Watching a dog reach 30+ mph is like witnessing literal magic.
Every Dog Can Join: While some breeds dominate, there’s plenty of glory for everyone.
Bragging Rights: Imagine telling your friends your dog officially clocks in at 31 mph. Absolute boss move.
The Real Question – Which Sport Is Right for Your Dog?
Here’s the trick answer—it doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. Your dog might thrive in any of these! But here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide where to start:
Go with coursing if you’ve got a sighthound and want to feed their natural instincts. Also great for history buffs who love the tradition behind the sport.
Choose lure coursing if you want a wildlife-free way to bring the thrill of a chase to any breed. Bonus points if you’re into agility and unpredictable action.
Try FAST CAT if speed is your dog’s middle name and you’re ready to find out exactly how fast they can zoom. A straight-line sprint at full throttle? Sign us up.
At Renegade Active Dogs, We’ve Got the Gear You Need
No matter which sport you’re leaning toward, Renegade Active Dogs has your back with the most advanced lure coursing equipment on the planet. Whether you’re hosting a backyard lure coursing event or training your future FAST CAT champion, our lineup is built to deliver maximum fun and performance.
Here’s what we recommend:
fastDOG Lure Coursing Training Machine: Perfect for sprint drills, twists, and turns. A must-have for training top performers.
DELTA Drag Lure System: The Ferrari of drag systems—ideal for FAST CAT practice with speeds up to 75 kph. No, we’re not kidding.
BETA Pro Lure Machine: Versatile, durable, and designed to handle anything your dog throws at it.
Every machine is hand-crafted with Renegade precision and shipped straight to you, anywhere in the world. Because your dog deserves the best, obviously.
We also have the actual events covered. With our ALPHA perfect for fastCAT mass events, and the APEX designed for full blown lure coursing mass events!
Your Next Move
Why choose just one way to channel your pup’s inner speed demon? Try them all! Coursing, lure coursing, and FAST CAT are all incredible ways to bond with your dog, keep them healthy, and watch them absolutely crush it on the field.
Check out our full lineup of lure coursing machines today, or reach out for a personalized recommendation. Not sure which one fits best? Take our Quick Quiz to find your pup’s perfect chase setup.
It’s time to stop walking and start sprinting. Renegade Active Dogs—because life is better in the fast lane.
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