The points for the ARC Top Dog Obedience Awards are based on class placements at AKC licensed Obedience Trials from January 1 through December 31, as reported in the AKC Awards publication. There are six levels of awards: Novice, Open, Utility, Preferred Novice, Preferred Open, and Preferred Utility. The points are calculated as follows:

• Placement: The dog must place in a class, then one point is counted for each dog defeated in the class. For example, if a dog placed fourth in a class of 23 entries shown, the dog earns 19 points (23 minus four).
• High in Trial: Points for a HIT win are calculated by subtracting one point from the show’s total regular entry (as listed in the AKC Awards publication).
• Reserve High in Trial: Points for Reserve HIT are only awarded for the Reserve HIT winner on Armetale Day at the ARC National Specialty. Points are calculated by subtracting two points from the show’s total regular entry (as listed in the AKC Awards publication).
• A dog must have a minimum of 5 points to be listed in the year’s final Top Dog Obedience rankings.

ARC Statistician: Francis Keays fbkeays@gmail.com