Triple Crown Versatility Challenge
Showcasing the Versatility of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Since 2011
Disciplines Offered at the 2024 NSS (as of 4/11/24)
Agility
Conformation
Dock Diving
Obedience/Rally
What is the Challenge?
We challenge you to compete with your dog successfully in multiple disciplines during the week of our National Show Specialty. To meet the challenge, you will earn a minimum of three qualifying legs across two or more disciplines.
What is a qualifying leg?
To earn a qualifying leg you must qualify or earn a placement in a class. In conformation, making a cut in the Best of Breed class also counts as a qualifying leg?
Is there a fee to enter?
Yes, there is a fee of $25 to enter the Challenge.
Let’s Do Some Triple Crown Math!
- Petunia – 1 Q in agility + 2 placements in obedience = 1 Triple Crown
- Archibald – 1 qualifying jump in Dock Diving + 1 placement in HT/FT Sweeps + 1 cut in BOB in conformation = 1 Triple Crown
- Violet – 1 Q in Rally + 1 placement in Obedience + 1 placement in conformation = 1 Triple Crown
- Benedict – 2 placements in agility + 1 placement in conformation = 1 Triple Crown
- Marigold– 1 Q in Dock Diving + 1 placement in rally + 1 placement in obedience = 1 Triple Crown
- Theodore – 1 placement in obedience + 1 placement in sweepstakes + 1 placement in a breed class in conformation = 1 Triple Crown
Information about How to Enter Will Be Posted Here
History of the Triple Crown Versatility Challenge
The idea behind the Triple Crown Versatility Challenge was conceived by the 2011 National Show Specialty Committee. It ticked several boxes for the committee in that it would encourage entries across all NSS events and raise funds to support the overall NSS. The first few years, Gina Downin and Thomas Rick created hand-crafted wooden or brass medallions to award to those who met the Challenge. The Challenge grew and grew!
We quickly learned that the Challenge tapped into something so special about our breed and it began to take on a life of it’s own. It has quite literally become a badge of honor to those who have successfully met the Challenge.
As the Challenge grew in popularity we added two ardent advocates for the Challenge to an informal committee to manage an ever-growing Triple Crown. The team is now Lynda Barber-Wiltse, Gina Downin, and Mel Phillips.
Over the years, the Triple Crown Versatility Challenge can boast some unexpected accomplishments. Handlers have trained and competed in new disciplines because of the Challenge. Others have proven that generations of their dogs can carry the Triple Crown “banner.” Children have shown that they, too, can train and compete successfully in a variety of disciplines. We even have multiple generations of handlers among the ranks of Triple Crown award recipients. It’s become a family affair! The Triple Crown is now a tradition that brings added fun to our National Show Specialties and a shared overwhelming sense of pride in the versatility of our breed.
The Triple Crown Versatility Challenge is sponsored by Linda Barber-Wiltse, Gina Downin, & Mel Phillips