THE TOP KEESHOND EVENT is to provide a single competition for the top-ranking Keeshonden during the past year to be judged by three unannounced JUDGES. It is an opportunity to showcase and appreciate some of the best dogs the Keeshond fancy has to offer. It is intended to be both educational and enjoyable, serving to advance knowledge and appreciation of the breed. To be invited to participate in the Top Keeshond Event, a dog must be ranked in the top 25 Keeshonden for the previous calendar year. In addition, if the top 5 ranking bitches do not appear on the above stated list, they will also be deemed eligible to compete. Tabulations for eligibility will be based on Keeshonden defeated as a result of Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex wins as noted on the KCA Website Rankings from January 1 through December 31 of the year preceding the competition. At this year’s Top Keeshond Event we will be presenting the Top Keeshond Award and the Top Keeshond Opposite Sex Award. FORMAT FOR THE 2026 TOP KEESHOND EVENT: All entrants will be placed in groups of 3. The order for judging these groups will be posted in the grooming room early in the day. Entrants will be judged both as an entire group and then also in groups of three, allowing each judge to individually perform a hands-on exam, followed by an evaluation of movement by all three judges simultaneously. The evening showcase grand finale will feature the introduction of each TKE entrant circling the ring to their chosen musical selection. After the introduction of the 3 judges all entrants return to the ring for the awards presentation. TKE CATALOG AND ENTRY FEE: A catalog will be prepared exclusively for this event. Catalogs may be pre-ordered at a cost of $20. Catalogs may be pre-ordered using the form located in the premium list or on the orders page of the National Show Website. Pre-ordering prior to the event is highly recommended as only a limited number of catalogs will be available at the event. The entry fee of $70.00 includes a Lovely Participation Ribbon, plus a Catalog Advertisement including a color photo of the dog, a three - generation pedigree, information about the dog and the dog’s breeders and owners. If you choose to not have your dog participate in the TKE event you can still be a part of this special event by advertising in the TKE Catalog for $50.00. Catalogs will include a listing of all of this year’s eligible dogs in conformation. There will be additional listings of the top Owner/Handler, Obedience, Agility, Rally and Fast CAT Dogs. It will also include the top Junior Handlers. Any questions or for more information please contact: Rev. Ruthann Seibert at ruthann@kcanational.info RINGSIDE TABLE This year there will be an opportunity to reserve a ringside table for the Top Keeshond Event evening. Tables will include seating for 4-6 people at $20 per person. The fee will include an assortment of Hors d’oeuvres in addition to the snacks being offered for everyone that evening. These tables will be available beginning at 5:30 or 6:30pm, when the cash bar opens. The table reservation can be made with the orders page on the show website. There will be additional seating behind the reserved tables at no cost for spectators. THERE WILL BE A CASH BAR OPENING AT 6:30 PM and small snacks for all will be served. ADDITIONAL EXHIBITOR RIBBONS may be ordered at $30.00 each when made with the orders tab on the show website. Additional details about the Top Keeshond Event will be mailed with the invitations to the primary owner of record for each eligible invited Keeshond. WE ASK THAT YOU DRESS UP FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT TUESDAY EVENING. The theme will be the “Acadogmy Awards,” so bring your true Hollywood glamour with you! Sequins, Beads, Pearls with evening or cocktail dresses for the ladies and tuxes or suits for the men are suggested.