The Top Twenty Showcase is a special invitational event celebrating the year’s highest-ranked dogs in AKC breed competition. The event is designed to recognize not only achievement, sportsmanship, and presentation, but also to visually present the various styles found in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed type.
Qualification is based on official AKC breed rankings in the Breed, All Breed, and NOHS categories from the prior calendar year. Information about how rankings are calculated, which statistics are used, and the current qualifying standings can be found on our “How to Qualify” page.
Yes. Qualified invitees may choose to enter for recognition purposes even if they are unable to physically participate in the showcase. Non-exhibitor entries will also receive their catalog (with their dog’s 2-page full color feature), award rosette(s), and keepsake challenge coin(s). Award packages may be picked up on site or mailed, for an additional fee.
At this time, the Showcase is a celebration event rather than a traditional conformation competition. This policy may change in the future, but the event is intended first and foremost as a showcase of the qualifiers and their accomplishments.
The running order is selected by random draw after entries close. The committee may occasionally make adjustments for technical or scheduling reasons.
The final running order is usually published shortly before the event once all entries, music selections, and presentation materials have been confirmed.
Exhibitors generally select their own music, provided it is appropriate for a family-friendly event and submitted by the stated deadline. Music selections should complement the dog and presentation while remaining respectful and professional. Be aware, some music can get quite loud, so be prepared to transition from quiet Celtic to Rock and Roll! If you need help choosing music, just ask. The Top Twenty Committee is happy to help.
Yes. Music containing explicit language, offensive content, or excessive length may be rejected or edited at the committee’s discretion. Additionally, the entry form will request that invitees choose a primary and secondary music selection, as songs will only be played once during the event and are first come, first served, so get your entries in early!
Each exhibitor (both the dog and handler) is introduced by the MC and enters the ring during their selected music. The presentation typically includes up to two minutes of a brief gaiting pattern, a stacked presentation, and an opportunity for free-form activities of your choice. Toys and accessories are allowed, but NO LIVE (or dead) BIRDS. Your music will begin to be faded out at 110 seconds as a non-verbal cue that your time in the ring is up.
Whenever possible, exhibitors are provided with event instructions, timing details, and ring procedures before the showcase, so show up at least 15 minutes early. Depending on scheduling, a walkthrough or brief rehearsal may also be offered.
Attire is generally formal or semi-formal and should reflect the event’s family-friendly elegance while allowing exhibitors to present their dogs comfortably. That said, we will not turn down jeans and a T-shirt if that’s all you have available. In general, the minimum dress code is standard professional show attire, semi-formal, or formal attire.
Each year’s awards are custom designed specifically for the event. Two rosettes are typically offered, one for a Breed and/or All Breed qualification entry and one for an NOHS qualification entry.
The committee carefully selects colors, materials, and layouts that reflect both the breed and the Showcase theme while maintaining consistency and quality from year to year.
Rosettes and awards that are not distributed at the event are typically mailed after all event accounting and packaging are completed. Timing may vary depending on shipping schedules and custom award production, typically within 10-14 days after the event.
No. The Top Twenty Showcase is an independently organized and operated 501(c)(4) nonprofit event, typically held in conjunction with the Welcome Party during National Specialty week.
While independent in governance, the Showcase coordinates closely with the National Show Specialty committee and enters into a written agreement (Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU) to secure use of facilities and ensure alignment with event logistics and requirements.
The Showcase maintains its own committee, finances, fundraising, and administration, and does not receive financial support from, nor is it obligated to report back to, the National Breed Club.
Entry fees are based on the actual cost of hosting the event, including venue expenses (if any), awards, decorations, printing, audiovisual needs, hospitality, and administrative costs.
The committee works to keep fees reasonable while maintaining a quality experience for exhibitors and attendees.
Venue rental, sound equipment, basic event operations, and standard participant awards are generally considered foundational event expenses that are funded through entry fees and event budgeting.
Donations are used to support enhancements related to the Showcase event that benefit the broader Chesapeake Bay Retriever community. These enhancements may include professional photography and videography, improvements to the event catalog, educational opportunities, special projects that celebrate and promote the CBR, future program developments, and the long-term sustainability of the Showcase.
The Top Twenty Showcase is a 501(c)(4) organization, so contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable donations.
Donations are recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Contributions are recognized when received and classified based on any donor-imposed restrictions.
Most donations are unrestricted and may be used to support general Showcase operations and programming. Some contributions may be designated by the donor for a specific purpose, such as education, awards, or special projects. These funds are used only for their intended purpose and are tracked separately to ensure transparency.
All contributions are reported transparently in our financial records in accordance with nonprofit accounting standards.
Committee size has varied from year to year depending on the needs of the event. As of 2026, the Showcase has four (volunteer) committee members. The Showcase also relies on a group of about 10 dedicated volunteers who assist the committee with hospitality, rosette preparation, decorations, and other event operations (such as stewarding).
There are many meaningful ways to support the Top Twenty Showcase even if you are not exhibiting. Contributions such as honor entries (qualified but unable to show), sponsored entries (entry donations for exhibitors who have lost their qualified dog to the Rainbow Bridge), financial donations, in-kind donations, and sponsorships directly enhance the event and support its celebratory, educational, and preservation mission.
You can also support the Showcase by helping spread the word, sharing posts on social media, attending the event, cheering for exhibitors, and participating in fundraising activities. Volunteering your time is another valuable way to get involved and help ensure the Showcase’s success.
For those planning ahead, working toward qualifying for a future Top Twenty Showcase is also a meaningful way to participate in and support the tradition of excellence the event represents.
Continue exhibiting in conformation during the current qualifying period (calendar year) and monitor your AKC annual rankings throughout the year.
Please note, the event uses annual AKC annual rankings for the calendar year, not AKC event qualification rankings.
Updated qualification information, statistics, and deadlines will be posted on the website as early as February of each year.
