Top 20 Performance Event Guidelines

The Purpose

The purpose of the competition of the Top 10 Rally Beaucerons and the Top 10 Obedience Beaucerons is to recognize the amazing achievement of the dogs and their owners/handlers. It hopes to inspire beginning handlers as well as showcase those who have started their performance journey! Additionally, the event may provide a cultural experience for judges, exhibitors, breeders and fanciers. Above all, it is about celebrating the connection each Performance Team shares as one!

Criteria

  1. The top 10 Obedience and the Top 10 Rally Beaucerons are invited from the AKC Statistics compiled from January 1st – December 31st of any given year.
    • In the event that there are not 10 Beaucerons ranked in the Top 10 Obedience statistics for AKC, dogs having earned a qualifying score from the Utility A or B class during the qualifying period will be invited, and subsequently dogs having earned a qualifying score or title from the Open A or B classes will be invited, following the AKC OB scoring system.
  2. Previous winners of the Top 10 Rally and Top 10 Obedience events, if eligible as listed in the final standings, have the choice of competing OR attending for Exhibition Only.
  3. The Previous Year’s winners not eligible as listed in the final standings may attend for Exhibition Only.
  4. For the purpose of competition, a deceased finalist will only be considered a competitor one time following their demise. Thereafter, they will be treated in the same manner as a previous winner that is not eligible as listed in the final standing.
  5. A Top 20 Invitee will only be permitted to compete if the owner or agent attends the briefing held at least one hour prior to the event to hand out competition packets, which includes armbands, etc. At that time, the run order will be drawn and any questions from exhibitors will be addressed. Judges will be introduced during the meeting and allowed to provide any opening remarks. The meeting time and location will be emailed to all competitors at least 1 week before the event. Dogs are not required to attend.

Obedience Event Scoring

  1. Each Beauceron finalist is individually judged and scored by each (2) judge according to AKC regulations on the Score Sheets provided. 
  2. Exercises: a) A list of all exercises being used during this event will be provided to Top 20 Invites in their invitation packets. AKC Obedience Novice, Open and Utility exercises are eligible for selection. These exercises demonstrate the ability of the Beauceron to exhibit good manners not only in the home, but also in public places, and in the presence of other dogs and reveals the bond between dog and handler that evolves through his training. b) All Dogs will do identical exercises. c) Should a dog fail an exercise (ex: not drop on a Drop on Recall) it shall be scored as 10 points off and the rest of the performance continues to be scored as in an AKC trial.   
  3. The Exercise Order will be posted 30 minutes preceding the start time of the event.  
  4. The Obedience dog with the highest accumulated score will be the winner. In the event of a tie, there will be a run-off using a heeling pattern of the judges’ choice. Should a tie remain after this runoff, it will be determined that there will be co-winners for the year. 
  5. People’s Choice: This award gives spectators a change to vote for the dog they think is the best of the best! Official Ballots will be given out at the start of the event. 
  6. The Top 10 Obedience Winner and People’s Choice will be announced at the American Beauceron Club’s Banquet dinner. If the team is not in attendance the awards will be mailed.  

Rally Event Scoring

  1. Each Beauceron finalist is individually judged and scored by each (2) judge according to AKC regulations on the Score Sheets provided.
  2. Exercises:
    • Course will be at the Master level with signs taken from Master class and below. Judges may decide to use additional upper-level signs then required in standard courses due to the challenging nature of this event. These exercises demonstrate the ability of the Beauceron to behave interact not only in the home, but also in public places, and in the presence of other dogs and reveals the bond between dog and handler that evolves through his training.
    • All Dogs will do identical exercises
    • Should a team skip a sign, it shall be scored as 10 points off and the rest of the performance continues to be scored as in an AKC trial.
  3. The Course Map will be posted 30 minutes preceding the start time of the event. The course walk-through will be available for 10 minutes preceding the start time of the event.
  4. The dog with the highest accumulated score will be the winner. In the event of a tie, the team with the fastest time will be the winner. Should a tie remain with times, it will be determined that there will be co-winners for the year.
  5. People’s Choice: This award gives spectators a change to vote for the dog they think is the best of the best! Official Ballots will be given out at the start of the event.
  6. The Top 10 Rally Winner and People’s Choice will be announced at the American Beauceron Club’s Banquet dinner. If the team is not in attendance the awards will be mailed.

Event Rules

  1. This is a themed event. We encourage all exhibitors to embrace the theme and dress for success! 
  2. A handler or owner is permitted to exhibit multiple dogs, as dogs are exhibited one at a time. 
  3. During the Top 20 Banquet event we play music when you are showcasing your dog. Please be prepared to submit your chosen song at the time you submit your entry.

Note: ABC would like to credit the DPCA Top 20 Obedience Event as inspiration for creating this event.