Eighth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

Thousands of Champion Dogs From Around the World Compete for Top Honors and $225,000 at Eighth Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

One of the World's Most Prestigious Dog Shows Descends on Long Beach, Calif.

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club(R) (AKC) and Eukanuba today announced that nearly 3,000 award-winning canines will go head-to-head at the eighth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 13-14. Recognized as one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world, this highly anticipated two-day event features dogs and handlers competing in a range of events all under one roof, including the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC Obedience Invitational and the breed competitions that will lead to the crowning of the 2008 the Best in Show champion.


The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship also is host to the Eukanuba World Challenge, a colorful event showcasing top dogs from 52 countries all vying for prestigious international recognition. Rare breeds such as the Briquet Griffon Vendeen and the Xoloitzcuintl will compete against traditional favorites such as the Dachshund and Labrador Retriever for the title of "World Challenge Champion" and a total of $15,000.


The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be simulcast on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 from 8-11 p.m. (ET/PT). Highlights from the AKC Agility Invitational will air on Animal Planet on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).


AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Highlights:


Best in Show Competition - The country's top-25 dogs (based on breed points) from each of the 158 AKC recognized breeds are invited to compete, as well as every Best in Show winner from AKC all-breed shows held during the qualification period. Reigning National Specialty winners and breeder/owner handled Champions from the Bred-by-Exhibitor and/or Puppy Class also will work their magic to capture the coveted title of top dog. The owner of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show winner will receive more than $50,000, and the breeder/s of the Best in Show winner will be awarded $15,000.

AKC Agility Invitational-As one of the AKC's fastest-growing canine sports and one of the most exciting to watch during the two-day show, the agility competition demonstrates the athleticism and versatility of these fast canines as they race against the clock and overcome a challenging obstacle course of tunnels, weave poles, jumps and seesaws. It is a sport of physical skill, control, patience and most importantly, teamwork between handler and dog.

AKC National Obedience Invitational - Obedience trials demonstrate how useful a dog is as a valued companion. Accuracy and precision are essential, but the natural movement of the handler and the willingness and enjoyment of the dog also are important. To be invited to this prestigious competition, a dog and handler must be ranked within the top-10 percent of its breed or be ranked among the top-25 dogs nationwide.

Eukanuba World Challenge - The international challenge will feature top dogs from 52 countries and six continents. Watch and cheer on Charmin, the 2007 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Best in Show champion, as he represents the U.S. in this intense competition.

Junior Handlers -Top ranking preteen and teen handlers (ages 9-18), who have met high academic standards and qualification criteria based on year-round competition will compete for prestigious wins and scholarship money.

AKC Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE)- Each year dogs are recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective community. There are five categories the ACE Award recognizes - Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service and Exemplary Companion - these honorees and their owners will be on-hand in Long Beach to receive their awards and be recognized in front of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship audience.

AKC Meet the Breeds(R) - Showcasing nearly 150 breeds, including both adult dogs and puppies, reputable breeders will be on-hand to share their insights and expertise about unique canine characteristics. AKC Meet the Breeds is designed to teach responsible dog ownership while providing an interactive and fun experience for show attendees. Don't forget to check out one of the newest breeds recognized by the AKC - the Dogue de Bordeaux.



"Alongside our partners - AKC and Animal Planet - we're proud to host one of the most prestigious and well-respected dog shows in the world and celebrate all of the accomplishments of these remarkable dogs, their handlers, owners and breeders," said Dan Rajczak, general manager, Procter & Gamble Pet Care. "We're looking forward to cheering on all of these amazing dogs and watching which will emerge as the new 2008 AKC/Eukanuba National Champion."


This AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is a fun event for dog enthusiasts and families, and will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif. Show hours for all daytime activities are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST daily, and 7 to 11 p.m. PST for the televised evening events. Tickets can be purchased at the door and through Ticketmaster.


"The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is a unique experience for all dog lovers - whether they are watching the show on TV or enjoying it in person," said Ron Menaker, Show Chairman. "With nearly 400,000 square feet of event space, 3,000 dogs in competition, dozens of vendors, 148 educational displays, numerous demonstrations and now 52 international competitors in our World Challenge event, there is nothing that can compare to this complete canine extravaganza."


Four-Legged Fun Facts:


Breed Breakdown - Every one of the 158 AKC registered breeds will be represented in the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship are entered to compete in various competitions, including: 33 Basset Hounds; 30 Border Collies; 30 French Bulldogs; 29 Havanese; 25 Rhodesian Ridgebacks; 25 Silky Terriers; and 25 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Working Dogs Lead the Pack - Each breed of dog is in one of seven groups, with the entry break down as follows: 322 Sporting; 359 Hounds; 348 Working; 289 Terriers; 331 Toy; 252 Non-Sporting; and 257 Herding.

Which Flag Are You Cheering For? Dogs from 52 countries will compete in the Eukanuba World Challenge from countries such as Australia, Ireland, Italy, India, Japan and New Zealand.

Athletes Rule! A total of 468 dogs will display their athleticism in the AKC Agility Invitational which includes 133 breeds from 42 states. Some dogs have traveled as far as Japan and Sweden to compete!

Manners Will Get You Everywhere! More than 100 obedience canines will work in-tune with their owners to win top honors in the AKC Obedience Invitational.



For more information about tickets, schedules, specific breeds, groups, competitions, winners and local competitors, please visit www.akc.org.


The American Kennel Club (AKC), founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Its rules and regulations govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year.


Eukanuba offers the most complete food lineup, delivering nutrition that is customized by breed and breed size as well as health and performance requirements. Eukanuba is a division of Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG). Visit us on the Web at http://www.eukanuba.com or www.Iams.com.


Animal Planet Media, a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications available in more than 95 million homes nationwide, is the world's only entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of life in the animal kingdom.



Media Contacts:

Jason Taylor Eukanuba (937) 264-7436 taylor.j@pg.com
Daisy Okas American Kennel Club (212) 696-8343 dlo@akc.org
Melissa Berry Animal Planet (240) 662-2946 melissa_berry@discovery.com


Heather Wilkins
PainePR
(949) 809-6766
hwilkins@painepr.com