Top 20
Welcome to A Formal Affair Top Twenty Gala!
Join us for an evening of beautiful dogs at the BMDCA’s eleventh annual Top Twenty Gala, which will be held
the evening of Thursday, April 4. This event will showcase the top conformation dogs from 2023.
Entry is by
invitation only and is sent to the top 20 Bernese Mountain Dogs in breed and all-breed points, as determined
by AKC statistics from January 1 through December 31, 2023.
Dogs will be prejudged by a three-judge panel the afternoon prior to the gala event. Each judge will evaluate
the dogs on a predetermined point system, enumerating the criteria of our breed standard. The emphasis for
judging is on the individual qualities of the dog and how closely he/she conforms to the breed standard.
Points will be tabulated once the prejudging is completed, and the winner will be announced at the
conclusion of the event. In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice
Award during the evening festivities.
The Top Twenty competition will culminate Thursday evening in the main conformation ring at the Purina
Farms Great Hall. The event will be open to the general public to view the final showcase of the Top Twenty
dogs and presentation of awards to the top winners. No admission fee will be charged, and there will be a
cash beverage and snack bars available. This event will be both entertaining and exciting as the handlers
present their dogs to music chosen by them to represent
the unique personalities of their dogs.
Junior Showmanship Competition will be held at the Top
Twenty intermission so we can showcase our Juniors and
give us an opportunity to show our support to our future
exhibitors and breeders.
The theme this year is A Formal Affair. Exhibitors and
attendees are encouraged to wear their finest formal
outfits.
Top Twenty Gala donations are also very welcome!