Once again, the prestigious American Kennel Club (AKC)/Eukanuba National Championship brings some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse dogs together to compete in this celebrated canine competition. With their coats trimmed, nails filed and gaits perfected, top dogs from around the country – and the world – vie for the title of Best in Show and the chance to join the elite family of past National Championship winners. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship premieres on Animal Planet and will be simulcast on Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 6 2010, from 8-11 PM (ET/PT).

Last month nearly 4,000 dogs descended upon Long Beach, California, to compete for more than $225,000 in cash prizes at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. The competition is the largest prize-money dog show in the world, bestowing a $50,000 cash prize to the dog crowned Best in Show.

Hosted by entertainment personality Bob Goen, the competitors are usually determined through an invitational system including the top 25 dogs in each AKC-recognized breed, but this year it has been waived in honor of the AKC’s 125th anniversary. This year’s open format allows any pure-bred, unaltered dog that is six months of age or older an opportunity to compete for top dog honors.

Dog show insider and breeder Gina DiNardo and American Kennel Club judge Edd Bivin also assist with the play-by-play. Throughout the broadcast, feature reporter Leanza Cornett checks in with special profiles of owners, handlers and dogs and digs up dog health and training tips from the experts. Viewers also learn about the rules and regulations, passions and preferences of the dog show world and many of its star breeders and handlers.

About the Competition

 

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the AKC’s culminating event, determining the nation’s best canines. Like all dog shows, it is a process of elimination, with one dog being named “Best in Show” at the end of the two-day contest.

Only the “Best of Breed” winners advance to compete in the group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls into one of seven group classifications. The seven groups are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. Four placements are awarded in each group, but only the first-place winner advances to the “Best in Show” competition.

The Seven Groups in All-Breed Shows

Sporting — These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels.

Hounds — These breeds were bred for hunting game by sight or scent. These breeds include beagles, bassets, dachshunds and greyhounds.

Working — These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property, and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, Doberman Pinscher and St. Bernard.

Terrier — This group includes breeds such as the Airedale, Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.

Toy — These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.

Non-Sporting — This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Bulldog, Dalmatian and Poodle. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.

Herding — These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Briard, Collie, German Shepherd and Old English Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.

Finally, the seven group winners are brought into the ring, where they compete for “Best in Show,” the highest award at any dog show.

A Breed Apart

 

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the only major dog show that…

• Out of thousands of AKC sanctioned events, is organized and held solely by the AKC, the nation’s oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry.
• Is strictly by invitation only. The top 25 dogs in every AKC recognized breed and variety, as well as every Bred-by-Exhibitor Champion and Best in Show winner during the qualification period, are invited to compete. In addition, the winner of each breed’s national specialty show is invited to compete.
• Invites international competitors. In January 2006, international dogs from 20 countries as far away as Brazil, Malaysia, England and Japan participated.
• Offers significant prize money — a total of over $225,000. In addition, special competition and prize money for AKC Bred-By-Exhibitor Champions is offered.
• Celebrates the heart and soul of the sport of purebred dogs by awarding the AKC Breeder of the Year Award. Seven individuals are honored who have left a great impact on a specific breed. These breeders have dedicated their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs.
• Invites nearly 4,000 dogs to compete in three national AKC events taking place under the same roof. The AKC National Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational are held at the same time.
• Showcases the AKC Meet the Breeds, an exciting annual event for families as representatives from up to 157 AKC National Breed Clubs, who share their knowledge and love of their chosen breed via informative displays and canine representatives.
• Serves as the only all breed qualifying show in America for entry into Crufts — the world’s largest dog show. The Kennel Club (England) has designated the winners of Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Best Bred-by-Exhibitor and Awards of Merit at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship as qualified to enter Crufts.
• Offers sizable scholarship awards for its Junior Handler winners and requires a specific grade point average as part of the eligibility criteria. Junior handlers, between 9 and 18 years of age, are invited to demonstrate their expertise for an opportunity to receive a $2,000 scholarship.

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