The merit program showcases dogs with the top ten obedience standings in Novice, Open Companion Dog Excellent and Open Dog Excellent, Utility, Super Dog CDX and Super Dog ODX. The program runs from June 1st to May 31st of the following year. Eligible dogs are ASCA or LEP registered Australian Shepherds owned or co-owned by a full ASCA member in good standing during the qualifying period of the current Merit program year. Complete Obedience Merit rules are found in the ASCA Obedience Rules and Regulations, Chapter 15.
Dogs in the top ten rankings in each level will be listed in the Aussie Times and/or on the ASCA website in order of placement using averaged scores. Scores used for calculating the average will be listed after the dog’s name followed by the averaged score. If a tie exists, dogs will be listed alphabetically. A dog may be ranked in more than one Merit list during the same year. At the end of program year certificates will be issued for dogs in 1st through 10th place standings, including dogs that are tied.
Novice
The dog’s top tree qualifying scores from Novice A and/or Novice B will be averaged. Eligible dogs must complete their Companion Dog (CD) title within the current program year. Up to two scores from the previous program year may be used.
Open
- Companion Dog Excellent
The dog’s top three qualifying scores from Open CDX A and/or from Open CDX B will be averaged. Dogs which complete their Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title within the current program year may use up to two scores from the previous program year. When a dog has completed its CDX title in a past merit program year, only scores from the current merit program year can be used. Dogs can compete in Open CDX B indefinitely and thus are eligible for Top Ten Open CDX Merit standings indefinitely. - Open Dog Excellent
The dog’s top three qualifying scores from Open ODX A and/or from Open ODX B will be averaged. Dogs which complete their Open Dog Excellent (ODX) title within the current program year may use up to two scores from the previous program year. When a dog has completed its Open ODX title in a past merit program year, only scores from the current merit program year can be used. Dogs can compete in Open ODX B indefinitely and thus are eligible for Top Ten Open ODX Merit standings indefinitely.
Utility
The dog’s top three qualifying scores from Utility A and/or Utility B will be averaged. Dogs that complete their Utility Dog (UD) title within the current program year may use up to two scores from the previous program year. When a dog has completed its UD in a past merit program year, only scores from the current merit program year can be used. Dogs can compete in Utility B indefinitely and thus are eligible for Top Ten Utility Merit standing indefinitely.
Super Dog CDX
The dog’s top three qualifying scores from CDX B and its top three qualifying scores from Utility B will be averaged. A dog must have already earned a CDX title for sores to count. Only scores from the current merit program year can be used. Dogs are eligible for Top Ten Super Dog CDX Merit standings indefinitely.
Super Dog ODX
The dog’s top three qualifying scores from ODX B and its top three qualifying scores from Utility B will be averaged. A dog must have already earned an ODX title for sores to count. Only scores from the current merit program year can be used. Dogs are eligible for Top Ten Super Dog ODX Merit standings indefinitely.