Invitations for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship were extended to the 25 top-ranked dogs in every AKC recognized breed and variety, and every Best in Show winner for the period October 8, 2002 to October 7, 2003. The show will be taped by cable television’s Animal Planet network for broadcast on Saturday, January 31, 2004.

“We are delighted to have this number of entries for this very special event, including representation from all fifty states as well as competitors from nine countries,” said Ron Menaker, Show Chairman. “With only top-ranked dogs competing, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is a unique opportunity for the public to see the best of the best in the world of purebred dogs.”

Among the largest entries in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship include 21 Border Collies, 20 Harriers, 16 Basset Hounds, 16 Dalmatians and 16 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. New to this year’s event is the Bred-By-Exhibitor Group classes and Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show competition, which comprise nearly 30 percent of the total entries.

This year’s event also includes the AKC National Agility Championship and the AKC National Obedience Invitational, being held concurrently. There will be 499 dog/handler teams competing in the AKC National Agility Championship and 96 dog/handler teams competing in the AKC National Obedience Invitational.

In addition to the competitions, the event features exciting activities for fanciers and families, including AKC Meet The Breeds where fanciers from 150 AKC National Breed Clubs will share their knowledge and love of their chosen breed via informative displays and canine representatives.