AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

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.