Phyllis Dobbs Versatility Award

(Most Versatile German Shepherd Competition at the GSDCA National)

Overview:  In memory of Phyllis Dobbs, who bred, owned, and trained the first Triple Champion in the German Shepherd breed, the Most Versatile German Shepherd Competition at the GSDCA National recognizes those dogs that exemplify true versatility by successfully competing in a variety of events at the GSDCA National. 

The Versatility Competition is open to all AKC registered or listed German Shepherd Dogs.  The dogs in the Versatility Competition must be currently owned by at least one member of the GSDCA in good standing.  Dogs must compete at the National in a minimum of three of the following venues:  Agility, Conformation, Herding, Obedience/Rally, Scent Work/Tracking.  Obedience and Rally are considered one venue since the required skills are similar. Scent Work and Tracking will be considered one venue for the purpose of the versatility competition.

To participate in the Versatility Competition, competitors must fill out a Versatility Competition registration form and submit it with the registration fee by September 1, 2022, to ensure being listed in the catalog as being entered in the Versatility Competition (late entries will be accepted until October 1 but will not be listed in the catalog or receive a customized participation rosette).  Participants must enter the events in which their dog will compete directly with the appropriate event secretary. 

During the National Specialty, participants must fill out and turn in a score sheet to the Versatility Chair after the completion of each event.  The scoring for the competition ends after Best of Breed and the winner of the Versatility Competition will be announced at the Banquet and presented with the Phyllis Dobbs Versatility Award.  Competing dogs will receive a customized participation rosette.  The winner of the 2022 Phyllis Dobbs Versatility Award will receive a cold cast bronze statue of a German Shepherd Dog. 

Scoring:   The Versatility Competition is based on a point accumulation system, with points being awarded according to schedule of points set forth in Appendix 1, based on performance in various events.  Generally, points will be awarded in Conformation for participation and placement.  Points will be awarded in each performance event entered based on:

• Qualifying runs
• Maximum of 2 weighted scores (if applicable)
• Additional points may be awarded for certain special achievements (e.g., High in Trial in Obedience).

Although Obedience and Rally are considered a single event for purposes of the three-event minimum, competitors can earn points from both Obedience and Rally. 

Agility:   Any two qualifying runs that receive a score (Standard, Jumpers, FAST, Premiere) from the two GSD only days (Wednesday & Thursday), will count as weighted scores towards the total points awarded in the Versatility Competition.  Versatility points will be computed as RAW SCORE plus points.  Although only two qualifying runs receive a weighted score, all other qualifying runs on the GSD only days (Wednesday & Thursday) will receive points. 

Conformation:   A dog may compete in both the Versatility Conformation class (a sweepstakes class open only to dogs entered in the Versatility Competition), and in the regular conformation classes.  All dogs participating (and not being excused for DQs or temperament), will receive 25 points for participation in the class or in any regular class.  Class placements will be awarded additional points.  Dogs competing in Best of Breed will receive 100 participation points, earning a Select, GV, GVX, or BOB will receive additional points.

Versatility Conformation:  The purpose of offering a Versatility Sweeps class is so all Versatility dogs, even those that are spayed or neutered, may compete and earn participation points in conformation.  The sweeps will offer two classes, dogs and bitches, and will be judged prior to the Futurity finals.  Judge TBD.  This is a non-regular class and must be entered via the Versatility Competition Registration Form.     

Herding:   Any two qualifying runs that receive a score (Course A, B, C, D, on ducks, sheep, or cattle) from the GSDCA herding trials, will count as weighted scores towards the total points awarded in the Versatility Competition.  Versatility points will be computed as RAW SCORE plus points.  Although only two qualifying runs receive a weighted score, all other qualifying runs will receive points. 

Obedience/Rally:   Obedience and Rally are combined as one venue since the skills are very similar.  However, dogs may earn 2 raw scores in each event.  Any two qualifying runs that receive a score from the two GSD only days, will count as weighted scores towards the total points awarded in the Versatility Competition.  Because Obedience scores are based on a 200-point scale (unlike the other performance venues that are a 100-point scale) Obedience Versatility points will be computed as 50% of the RAW SCORE plus points.  Rally Versatility points will be computed as RAW SCORE plus points.  Although only two qualifying runs from EACH event (Obedience and Rally) receive a weighted score, all other qualifying runs will receive points.

Scent Work: Scent Work is a pass/fail event.  A dog may earn points for up to 10 qualifying legs.  The dog earns points for Qs along with placements and HITs.

Tracking: Tracking is the only sport for which points are awarded for previously earned titles.  Tracking will only count as one the three required venues if dogs are entered and qualify at the National.  To encourage people to enter the Tracking test at the National Specialty, dogs qualifying at the National will earn more points than dogs with a previously earned title.

Any update or corrections will be in the 2023 GSDCA Official Premium List.