We recently tried Lure Coursing with Rita!
Lure Coursing is a system of mechanized lures and pulleys that simulate the unpredictability of chasing live prey. Dogs of eligible breeds are evaluated for follow, speed, agility, endurance, and overall ability as they pursue an artificial lure zigzagging across an open field. All dogs one year of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Lure Coursing Events.
AKC Recognized Breeds
- Afghan Hound
- Basenji
- Borzoi
- Cirneco Dell’Etna
- Greyhound
- Ibizan Hound
- Irish Wolfhound
- Italian Greyhound
- Pharaoh Hound
- Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Saluki
- Scottish Deerhound
- Sloughi
- Whippet
If your dog is not one of the listed breeds above, you can still have them participate in the CAT test. The Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is an introductory event fashioned after the sport of lure coursing, and is for any dog of any breed, including mixed-breeds, as long as it is at least 1 year old and individually registered or listed with AKC. It tests a dog’s basic coursing instinct or hunting-by-sight ability. The dog chases an artificial lure, and the test is a non-competitive pass/fail event with dogs run one at a time. To pass the test, a dog running alone must pursue a lure, completing the course with enthusiasm and without interruption within a given time. Dogs that pass the CAT three times will earn a Coursing Ability (CA) title. Ten passes and a dog earns a Coursing Ability Advanced (CAA) title, and 25 passes results in a Coursing Ability Excellent (CAX) title. Licensed lure coursing clubs may hold CATs in conjunction with a licensed lure coursing trial or as a standalone event.
If your dog is not AKC registered at all, they can still participate in this lively and healthy activity by attending practice runs, as Rita did in the below video.
She had a blast!
Lure coursing information from: AKC