Top 20

WELCOME TO THE 2026 Peak of Perfection Gala!

Join us for an evening of beautiful dogs at the BMDCA’s 13th Annual Top 20 Gala. This event will showcase the top Conformation dogs from 2025. 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, 2025. The Junior Showmanship class judging will occur during the break. Come and cheer on our future generation!

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.

The Top 20 competition will culminate Wednesday evening in the Main Conformation Ring. The event will be opened to the general public to view the final showcase of the Top 20 dogs and presentation of awards to the top winners. No admission fee will be charged; there will be a cash bar and food available for purchase. 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. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the Gala. In addition, attendees can also vote for the People’s Choice Award during the evening festivities.

The judging of Junior Showmanship Classes will take place during the intermission.

The theme this year is Peak of Perfection. The teams entered in the Top 20 will be dressed in their finest formal wear. Top 20 Gala donations are always welcome and may be made through the specialty’s Online Registration.

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2024 Top 20, recently crowned at the 2025 BMDCA National Specialty!

Over-all Winner

"Alex" MBISS GHCG Windfall Timberidge's Play the Game w Adesa (BG#161807)

Breeders: Kris Hayko and Michael Knicely, DVM

Owners: Diane Waldman, Kris Hayko, Bobbi Kinley-Blewitt

Handled beautifully by Bobbi Kinley-Blewett

Peoples' Choice

"Ullr" BIS MBISS GCHG Windfall Adesa 3 Wire Winter @ Emerald Mtn CD RN FDC DD (BG #189433)

Breeders: Kris Hayko and Michael Knicely, DVM

Owners: Beth Dennehy, Will Rogers, Jr., Kris Hayko, Bobbi Kinley-Blewitt

Handled beautifully by Beth Dennehy

Pictured (l-r) Front Row: Ullr with Beth Dennehy, Alex with Bobbi Kinley-Blewitt

Back row (l-r) Judges: Andrew Ritter, Sara Gregware, Joe Lobb

Click here to view the gallery of all past Top 20 Winners