AKC has made sweeping changes to the sport of obedience for the year 2009, with more changes to be implemented in 2010 and 2011. The board has made some changes to the GSCA point system based on recommendations of the Performance Chair.
Formally, the classes of graduate novice, graduate open and versatility have been considered classes to practice in at a show if your dog was not ready to move up to the next class. These classes are now Optional Titling Classes. This means you may compete in the class and get a title but it is not necessary to compete in them if you would rather just advance to the next level of competition. The recommendation to the board was that these Optional Titling Classes not be considered for the Top Ten Awards. This motion was made and passed.
It was also recommended that the point system for the versatility awards be adjusted for the Rally Novice. Currently RN is worth 2 points and Rally Advanced is 3 points. There is a vast difference between the two classes. Rally novice is all on leash and talking to the dog is allowed. Rally advanced is off leash and talking is still permitted but the course is also more difficult. It will require more dedicated training to move up to Rally Advance so it was felt there should be more than a one point difference. The recommendation to the board was to lower the points from 2 to 1 for Rally Novice. The motion was made and passed by the board.

Karen Mancini
Vice President
GSCA

Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The AKC 2008 highest scoring dog in conformation is CH Galilee’s Pure Of Spirit, a four year old Giant Schnauzer bitch bred by Maryann Bisceglia & Mary Hayes, owned by Mary Hayes & Joe & Carla Sanchez, and handled by Taffee McFadden. Spirit started the year winning the 3000 plus Dog Fanciers Association of Oregon show and never looked back, amassing 71 Best In Shows and nearly 120,000 points, 25,000 more than 2007 top dog, the Toy Poodle, CH Smash JP Win A Victory.

CH Galilee’s Pure Of Spirit and Handler Taffe McFadden

The win was assured today at the Oakland Kennel Club show in San Mateo CA when Sporting Group Judge Honey Glendinning placed the number two dog, a three year old Pointer bitch, CH Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, Group Three. Holly, as she is known, was bred by Cheryl S. Laduc, A Cantor, A Walker, is owned by Sean & Tammy McCarthy & Helyne Medeiros, and is handled by Michael E. Scott, PHA. Holly capped the year with a win at the 2008 Eukanuba National Championship over an all champion field. She finishes the year with 96 Best in Shows and almost 120,000 points, just a few hundred shy of the top spot.

Source: Dog Show Poop,http://dogshowpoop.blogspot.com/2008/12/spirit-is-2008-top-dog.html