Are you missing the fun and competition of dog shows? Maybe you always wanted to try but weren’t sure where to start? In these times of social distancing, we invite the dog fancy community to come together virtually to celebrate our beloved dogs in a new way. The AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge is an online conformation event for AKC-recognized breeds and the Miscellaneous class.
A portion of each $25 entry will be donated by AKC to Take the Lead, a 501c3 organization dedicated to assisting participants in the dog sport who are suffering from life threatening or terminal illnesses, as well as assisting those affected by natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
How to Enter
To enter the Virtual AKC Top Dog Challenge, visit AKC Shop to purchase your $25 entry. You will receive detailed instructions on how to create and submit a video of your entry that you will upload to the virtual event. Winners will be displayed on the challenge leaderboard once judging completes.
How the Challenge Works
Here’s how the AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge is structured:
Dogs must be at least six months of age
Participants enter into one of two classes in the appropriate breed
Puppy (at least 6 and under 12 months)
Open (any entry including CH of record)
Separate classes for dogs and bitches
Each class is judged individually and placed 1st-4th
1st place from each class (up to 4) is then judged to determine Best of Breed
Best Puppy selected from the 1st place from the dog & bitch puppy classes
Each BOB advances to the Group competition to be judged later
Each Best Puppy advances to the Puppy Group to be judged later
Groups (regular & puppy) are judged and placed 1st-4th
Group Winners advance to Best in Show (regular & puppy) to be judged later
BIS & Reserve BIS selected from each competition
Puppies could potentially compete in both groups/BIS (if awarded BOB in its breed)
What Should a Video Entry Include?
All entrants are to upload a video of their dog. Video should not exceed two (2) minutes in length and should include the following components:
Dog in stack from the front, rear and side.
Display of appropriate oral exam (show front, sides and/or open mouth as appropriate)
View of dog gaiting from the side, coming & going. (i.e. around the ring & down and back)
Dog presented in a free-stack
Challenge Dates
Important dates to note:
Entries Open: Friday, June 5
Entries close: Friday, June 12
Breed winners: Wednesday, June 17
Group winners: Thursday, June 18
BIS: Friday, June 19
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