RENO, Nev. — In the world of agility dogs the debate over which breed is the top performer is akin to NASCAR fans squabbling over the performance contrasts between Ford and Chevy. In either case, the debate rages on.

In the four-legged side of the clash, Susan Garrett may have found the perfect solution in her dog DeCaff, the fastest to run the obstacle course in the qualifying round of the Small Agility event at the ESPN Great Outdoor Games.

DeCaff's pedigree combines what is arguably the best of both worlds in agility dog competition. A Jack Russell Terrier-Border Collie hybrid, the female canine streaked through the course of eight obstacles in a blazing speed of 44.561 seconds.

Hamlet, a Jack Russell and last year's fourth-place finisher handled by Renee King, was a micro second behind with a time of 44.988 points. Following coincidental tradition, Turbo, the 2001 and 2002 bronze medalist Sheltie handled by Barb Lombard, had the third fastest qualifying time at 45.270 seconds.

Barb Davis and Sheltie three-time silver medalist Shimmer came in fourth at 45.621 seconds.

In this timed event the dogs and their handlers run a course lined with a jumble of obstacles that include a dog walk, see-saw, cross-over, collapsed tunnel, tire jump, table and weave poles.

On the Large Agility side, last year's fourth-place finisher Remy, a Border Collie handled by Terry Smorch, came across the finish line in 40.466 seconds.

Jen Pender and Static, a two time bronze medalist, posted the second fastest time at 40.813 seconds. Qwik, another Border Collie, came in the third position at 41.002 seconds with handler Stuart Mah.

The medal rounds will be played out tomorrow at Rancho San Rafael park in Reno.