Small dogs can do that (Nandi's first title)
 

Last weekend, Nandi earned his first title. He completed three successful lure coursing runs with the AKC which means a CA title. In lure coursing, dogs chase a mechanically operated lure (usually a plastic bag). Traditionally, it is meant for sight hounds but the AKC now has a pass/fail competition for all breeds.

He loves it! We've tried several different sports and so far this is his favorite. He usually is the smallest dog at the competitions. At the first race we went to, he was the smallest and fastest small dog (under 12 inches) there.

We were waiting for his turn and the woman in front of us was getting ready to run her Boxer. She looks at Nandi and says, "OMG, you're running that?" There were many things I could have said but I just said yes, he is running. At which point, she starts talking about how she thinks it is cruel to make small dogs run that far.

After he ran, on our way back she stops me to ask how he did. I was tempted to say something snarky but I told her he ran well.

Nandi and the Boxer ran the same distance because small dogs and brachycephalic breeds both run 300 yards (big dogs run 600). The Boxer was eight seconds faster. Nandi is six pounds.

He ran twice that day and he wanted to go back and run again. He was trembling with excitement and kept trying to go back to the track. People commented on how enthusiastically he runs and how well he follows the lure. So proud!

*Photos were taken by a spectator.

Wow! He looks speedy! Grats on the title! I'm glad you were lady like with the boxer lady. No reason to stoop to her level, just let Nandi show her how much he belongs in that competition!

I thought about trying some sports activities with mine, she loves to chase things- toys, moths, bugs. I'm glad you posted about it!

Congratulations Nandi! Very well done. You are gorgeous in your action shots. Glad you enjoyed competing.

I don't know why some people think small dogs aren't athletic or can't run.

Great job Nandi....its only cruel to run a dog like that if your dog is super small and fragile, being starved to do so etc....Your pup loves the track, he is healthy and happy and there is nothing wrong with it! Good luck keep us posted!

Love seeing this!! Some people just don't understand everything and they think they do. She was ill informed and that's too bad. I think you handled it quite well :)

Congrats to Nandi! My Mandie loves to run. I have a pic of her in motion and it's gorgeous to me. That spectator caught some awesome action shots! Nandi looks like he was born to run :)

Congratulations! Looks great!

Wow, that is awesome!! You can tell he enjoys it too!

Nandi looks like he's still loving to run and having a great time. Hope you are doing well!

Soooo awesome!! I love lure coursing, he looks great. I hate people who think small dogs can't run or do what the big guys do. Gimme a break. Great pics! I wanted to try Jackson on the lure but he did not seem that interested. He most definitely knows the difference between real prey and something fake, so I had a feeling he'd get bored half way through. He's more of an agility and dock diving pup haha. But now you've got me wanting to try it.

Please forget to realize that the were bred as a working dog. Not a lag dog. Congrats. I love the pictures. It really shows him in all his glory !

Thanks everyone.

I think your Yorkie would like lure coursing. Sounds like she has a strong prey drive which is what they need pretty much.

I agree, big dog people are often surprised at his speed/energy. Or that he fetches (when he feels like it). He can hike for seven miles, chase after other dogs for 45 minutes and then come home to play with his toys. I don't think running 300 yards full sprint is going to exhaust him.

Don't you love watching them run? Nandi probably thinks he is a sight hound. He outran a six-month-old lab puppy the other day. This little boy was throwing the ball for them and he says to the owner, "Your dog is fast. But the little dog is faster!"

That is awesome! Way to go Nandi!:)