Tune in to the Television Premiere of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

—January 31st at 8 p.m. on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel —

The American Kennel Club® and Eukanuba invite you to tune in for the eighth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 8 PM (ET/PT).

Nearly 3,000 of the world’s top dogs vied for honors in Long Beach, CA for a total of $225,000, including $50,000 to the Best in Show winner. The show also hosted the second annual Eukanuba World Challenge, an international competition featuring the top dogs from 52 countries and six continents. The highlights and the winning moment from the Eukanuba World Challenge will be included in the telecast.

The show was also held in conjunction with the AKC Agility Invitational and the AKC National Obedience Invitational. Highlights from the AKC Agility Invitational will air on Animal Planet on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8 PM (ET/PT) featuring segments of the AKC National Obedience Invitational as well.

“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 renowned 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. Reporter Leanza Cornett will also contribute with special features throughout the broadcast.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will repeat multiple times following the premiere.