TOP DOGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD COMPETE FOR “BEST IN SHOW”
ON UNPRECEDENTED SIMULCAST
ONLY ON ANIMAL PLANET AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL

- ROAD TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PRE-SHOW SPECIAL
AT 7 PM (ET) DESCRIBES WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN “BEST IN SHOW” -

 

LONG BEACH, CA – Dog lovers and their canine companions are gearing up for intense competition, tail-wagging showmanship and the most prize money of any dog show in the world during the AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, premiering Saturday, January 31, from 8-11 PM (ET/PT) on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel.

Viewers find out what it takes to win one of the most prestigious dog shows in America through Animal Planet’s exclusive ROAD TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP premiering at 7 PM (ET) only on Animal Planet. The special celebrates today's top canine champions by chronicling the path dogs must take to earn “Best in Show.” From newborn puppy to top dog, Animal Planet delves into every facet of the dog show world, meeting the nation's most reputable breeders, respected handlers and admired judges.

The AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP prize money totals $225,000, with the “Best in Show” champion winning $50,000 and a 2004 Suzuki XL-7 SUV. This year’s event marks the first time a national dog show is inviting top-ranked international dogs to compete, making this year’s third annual AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP winner a true, global champion.

The AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP premieres as an unprecedented simulcast on both Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, effectively doubling the program’s potential audience. Last year’s championship was Animal Planet’s 6th-highest rated program ever, prompting the expansion of the telecast to include Discovery Channel.

Hosted by Ron Reagan Jr., dog show veteran Lee Arnold, and renowned dog show judge Edd Biven, the program highlights the incredible relationship between people and their dogs.

Throughout the broadcast, feature reporter Leanza Cornett (Miss America 1993) checks in with special profiles of owners, handlers and dogs, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to compete. Viewers will enjoy health and training tips from the experts, and learn about the rules and regulations, passions and preferences of the dog show world, including its star breeders and handlers.

“Animal Planet and Discovery Channel are the ideal settings for this competition because of our personal approach to dog shows,” said Michael Cascio, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Animal Planet. “Viewers need to experience the action both inside and outside the ring to fully appreciate the competition.”

The AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP is a production of Painless Productions for Animal Planet. For Painless Productions, Joe Carolei and Jim Casey are executive producers. For Animal Planet, Margo Kent is executive producer.

Animal Planet, available in 84 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network’s original programming brings together people of all ages by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an entertaining mix of programming including original movies, adventure series, sports, drama and sitcoms. Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc., operates and manages the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, the Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, and a family of newer, targeted channels. The unit also distributes BBC America. Visit Animal Planet on the Web by going to www.discovery.com and clicking on Animal Planet.