Event Procedures (what to expect during the event)
Whether you are preparing to exhibit in the Top Twenty Showcase or simply interested in learning more about how the event is conducted, this page provides an overview of what to expect in the ring. It explains the procedures that guide the Showcase, including participant presentations, running order, who handles the dogs, and how the event recognizes its award recipients.
Exhibitors, owners, breeders, handlers, sponsors, and spectators alike are encouraged to review this information to better understand the traditions and presentation of one of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever community’s premier events.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Top Twenty Showcase is a celebration of achievement, sportsmanship, and the dedication of the owners, breeders, handlers, and supporters who help make these accomplishments possible. It may also be used to educate new owners, fanciers, and judges. We ask all exhibitors and spectators to help create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
The Top Twenty Showcase Event Committee reserves the right to address conduct, including unsportsmanlike behavior, that is inconsistent with the spirit and purpose of the Showcase, detracts from the experience of participants and spectators, or interferes with the safe and orderly operation of the event. Decisions regarding participation and conduct at the Showcase are final.
Exhibitors
Top Twenty Showcase exhibitors are expected to lead by example and set the standard for sportsmanship, courtesy, and professionalism throughout the event, helping maintain a safe, orderly, and enjoyable experience for all participants and spectators. Please:
- Treat fellow exhibitors, spectators, volunteers, officials, and venue staff with courtesy and respect.
- Follow Showcase procedures and directions provided by event officials.
- Maintain control of your dog(s) at all times and present them in a safe and responsible manner.
- Respect the presentation time and ring space of all other exhibitors.
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and contribute to the positive atmosphere of the Showcase.
Spectators
To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, spectators are asked to maintain a respectful and supportive atmosphere throughout the event. Please:
- Cheer for and celebrate all exhibitors and dogs.
- Respect the exhibitors, dogs, volunteers, and officials who make the Showcase possible.
- Avoid actions that may distract dogs or interfere with presentations.
- Help maintain a welcoming environment for all attendees.
Exhibitor Check-In: Exhibitors should check in ringside 15–30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Exhibitor Briefing: A brief exhibitor meeting will be held approximately 15 minutes before the Showcase begins to review procedures and answer any last-minute questions.
Spectator Arrival: Spectators are encouraged to arrive 15–30 minutes before the Showcase to find seating and enjoy the full presentation.
Spectator Briefing: A brief spectator announcement will be held approximately 15 minutes before the Showcase begins.
Spectators, please note: The Top Twenty Showcase features music by various artists (and genres) throughout the event. At times, the volume may be louder than expected. If you use hearing aids or other audio-assistive devices, please keep this in mind and adjust your seating and your settings as needed to ensure a comfortable experience.
The Showcase running order is determined by applying a random number generator to all entries after they are received. Each entry is assigned a random number, and those numbers are then arranged from lowest to highest to create the final running order.
The running order will be posted ringside prior to the start of the Showcase and is also published in the event catalog. Consider getting to know the dogs and handlers before and after you, so we can keep the Showcase on schedule!
Unless otherwise approved by the Coordinator, dogs will be presented in running order, regardless of sex. This means a bitch (female) may be shown immediately before or after a dog (male). For safety and courtesy, exhibitors must maintain appropriate spacing (at least 6 feet) from the team ahead of them.
Armband numbers correspond to the dog’s catalog page number.
As in a traditional AKC conformation show:
- Dogs (males) are assigned odd numbers.
- Bitches (females) are assigned even numbers.
Pick up your armband number(s) at least 30 minutes before the event starts.
Dogs that qualified in the NOHS Top Twenty category should be presented by an eligible owner-handler. If the qualifying owner-handler is unable to exhibit the dog, another eligible amateur handler may present the entry.
Dogs that qualified in the Breed Top Twenty or All-Breed Top Twenty categories may be presented by any exhibitor.
Dogs that qualified in both NOHS and Breed/All-Breed categories may be presented by any exhibitor.
As each team enters the ring on lead, the MC will announce the dog’s name and armband number while the team’s selected exhibition music plays.
During the music, the team will have up to two minutes (120 seconds) in the ring. During that time, teams will:
- Complete at least 1½ laps around the ring at show pace.
- Stop in the center of the ring for a free stack and brief hold.
- Optionally perform additional family-friendly poses, movements, or personality showcases.
- At the conclusion of the two-minute presentation, the music will fade, and the team will exit the ring.
Each qualified dog is exhibited only once, regardless of the number of categories in which it qualified.
In most cases, upon leaving the ring, each exhibitor will receive their commemorative awards, including any earned rosettes and challenge coins. Occasionally, awards may be available for pick up before or after the event, depending on space and time constraints.
The MC will then introduce the next team, who will enter the ring and the Showcase will continue.
If an entered dog is absent but an owner or handler is present, awards may be accepted in the ring at the conclusion of the exhibition portion of the Showcase. Please coordinate with the Top Twenty Showcase Event Chair at least one hour prior to the Showcase if your plans to show your dog have changed or if you would like to receive your awards in the ring without your dog(s).
After all entries have been exhibited, a few final words will be spoken, and all qualifying dogs present will return to the ring with their handlers for a final group go-around in any order at show pace.
This concluding celebration recognizes the accomplishments of all qualified teams. Photographs and video may be taken during this portion of the event.
As each dog and handler move at different paces, please give the dog in front of you plenty of space and keep your dog at least 6 feet away from other dogs.
A Celebration of Excellence
Every team participating in the Showcase has worked hard to earn its place in this event. Whether you are exhibiting, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, thank you for helping us celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and the people who support them.