Posted: January 30, 2009, 5 a.m. EST
Highlights and behind-the-scenes action from the eighth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, Calif., are set to air on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The show features nearly 3,000 of the world’s top dogs who competed for a total of $225,000 in prize money, including $50,000 for the Best in Show winner. The event, which took place Dec. 13 and 14, 2008, also hosted the second annual Eukanuba World Challenge, an international competition featuring the top dogs from 52 countries across six continents. The winning moment from the Eukanuba World Challenge will be included in the telecast.
Other elements of the show include the AKC Agility Invitational as well as the AKC National Obedience Invitational. Segments from these competitions are set to air on Animal Planet on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at 8 p.m. (EST/PST).
“The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship has grown into a truly unique, global event that we are excited to share with the public on Animal Planet,” said Michael Canalizo, director of AKC Event Management. “Viewers will have a chance to see every breed that competed, take a look at what goes on behind the scenes at a dog show, and be able to experience the excitement of the event from the comfort of their own homes.”
Hosted by Bob Goen with play-by-play commentary from dog experts Lee Arnold and Edd Bivin, viewers can watch the competition and learn about the world of dog shows, as well as nearly 160 AKC-registered dog breeds.
The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship airs on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel at 8 p.m. (EST/PST) and will repeat multiple times after the premiere.
If you can’t wait to learn the winners, click here for a rundown of the show’s results.