The American Boxer Top Twenty competition was created in 1989 by Bruce and Jeanne Korson (Laurel Hill Boxers), to recognize those dogs who best exemplify the boxer breed. The Top Twenty is a separate competition from the ABC but held in conjunction with the American Boxer Club National Specialty. It can only be won once, as the winner is not allowed to compete again.

Dogs eligible for this competition are the best of the Breed. They are selected on the basis of the number of dogs and bitches that they have defeated in their Best of Breed wins. Group and Best in Show wins are not counted. The statistics come directly from the American Kennel Club and include all wins from January 1st through December 31st of each year.

The three judges for this event were nominated and selected by the Top Twenty Nominating Committee. Part of the excitement is that none of the members of the committee know which judges were elected until that night! One is an AKC licensed judge (licensed to judge Boxers and at least four other breeds in any Group.) In addition, there is a Breeder judge and a Handler judge. All three judges will score each dog and their scores will be averaged. The winner will be announced at the end of the competition.

Our support should be given to the Top Twenty Competitions as it adds prestige to the breed. We should be proud of these dogs and bitches. They ARE truly the best of the Breed!

On May 5, 2009 the "People's Choice Award" was first given. This award gave the spectators the chance to evaluate each of the dogs and then make their choice for the BEST. By filling out the ballot located in the Top 20 catalog, and deposit it in the "People's Choice Award" box the ballots are tabulated. The winner is announced at the ABC Dinner and awarded the People's Choice Plaque and Rosette. The "People's Choice Award" was discontinued in 2013, but due to popular demand was brought back in 2014. In 2020 the People's Choice Award was retired and the new Reserve Top Twenty Winner will be award in 2021.