Canine ‘Ziggy Stardust’ is one Fast CAT when it comes to AKC competitions

by Tina Patterson as told to Mary Jo David

Many have seen him walking around Stockbridge or in Tractor Supply. With his bright blue eyes and cheerful attitude, this three-year-old miniature American shepherd (MAS) is winning smiles and greetings from people all over town.

What you might not know is this dog—Ziggy Stardust—is a superstar in the AKC Fast CAT® (Fast Coursing Ability Test) 100-yard dash. During competition, Ziggy often reaches speeds of over 28 miles per hour, making him one “Fast Cat!”

Fast CAT is a relatively new sport for the American Kennel Club; the first organized AKC event of this type was held in 2016. Only the top five swiftest dogs in each breed are invited to participate in the AKC National Invitational. In 2023, of the 331 miniature American shepherds who competed, Ziggy was the third fastest and is hoping to bring home a blue ribbon this year. The 2024 Invitational will be held Oct. 8-12 in Wilmington, Ohio.

This amazing pup also has his Advanced Trick Dog title and is working toward other dog sport titles, including Obedience.

According to Ziggy’s owner, Tina Patterson, there’s always excitement in the air as Ziggy prepares to participate in a Fast CAT competition. The event involves chasing a “bunny” lure made of three plastic bags on a cord operated by a huntmaster. All pedigree and mixed breed dogs are welcome to compete in this event.

Ziggy was born in Saginaw, Mich., and went to live with his first family in Connecticut. Like many other successful dog-sport canines, Ziggy was given up by his first family, who found his energy too much for them to deal with.

When he was eight months old, Ziggy was sent by his original owners to Georgia where the co-owner of Dynasty Kennels lives. Patterson was contacted by this breeder who knew she had a long history with high-drive herding dogs and was looking for a potential competition athlete. She immediately drove down to Georgia from Stockbridge to meet this potential super star.

“How lucky we are to be the family to bring him home and find a positive way to release all that energy and drive,” Patterson said.

In the spring of 2023 Ziggy and Patterson started competing in Fast CAT, and it was immediately evident to Patterson and others that Ziggy loved the competition and was exceptionally fast. Throughout 2023 the duo competed in many Michigan trials, improving on Ziggy’s time and making new friends along the way.

Ziggy has continued to add to his titles and points and placed in the top five miniature American shepherds in Fast CAT competitions in 2023. He trains weekly at Northfield Dog Training in Ann Arbor where Adele Yunck works with Ziggy to address issues, including some separation anxiety. With Yunck’s guidance, Patterson looks forward to putting Obedience and Rally titles on him in 2025 and then seeing how he likes agility.

Ziggy goes to Blue Wave in Fowlerville for hydro conditioning and gets doggy chiropractic care to stay in top shape. Team Ziggy would also like to thank Shelby, right here in Stockbridge at Paw Spa, for keeping him looking his “Fast CAT” best!

In addition to exercising with Patterson’s other two dogs in a large, fenced-in yard locally, the family also has property near Gaylord they use for training and are fortunate to have friends with large properties for exercising Ziggy.

Patterson explained it is equally important to challenge Ziggy mentally.

“A tired dog is a happy dog, and if I did not devote a lot of time and energy to keeping Ziggy busy and engaged I am sure we would have a dog getting into trouble,” says Patterson. “Likewise, I’m 76 years old, and I still believe in setting goals and reaching for the stars. There’s no sitting in a rocking chair for this grandmother!”

All photos provided by Tina Patterson.

Ziggy in flight during one of his 2024 Fast CAT competitions.

Ziggy during conditioning on a water treadmill to build up his stamina for competition.

Ziggy receives his third FCAT title.

With his bright blue eyes and cheerful attitude, Ziggy is winning friends all around Stockbridge.