Nation’s Top DogsVie to Win Best-in-Show (NAPSA)—Heydoglovers! Do you have a favorite breed? Would you like to see what the very best dogs of that breed look like? Well look no further. The American Kennel Club and The Iams Companywill host the first-ever AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic at the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando on December 12, 2001. The unique competition will feature the top 20 dogs in each AKC-recognized breed, based on points accumulated at dog shows across the country throughout the year. And for those who cannot be in Orlando to attend the event, cable television’s Animal Planet will tape the show for broadcast on February 2, 2002. Alfred Cheaur, AKC president and CEO, said, “We’re excited to have this opportunity to showcase our top dogs and dedicated breeders. This will set the stage for an exciting annual tradition for dog lovers.” In addition to being a national dog show, the AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic offer unprecedented cash prizes to the winnerof each breed. There’s also special competitions to recognize the best dogs that are bred and shown by their owners, and another contest to highlight the nation’s top Junior Handlers, who must be underthe age of 18. “All of us at the AKC are thrilled about the potential of the AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic,” said Barbara Schwartz, show chairperson. “This event will help raise the visibility of the sport and it will allow the entire nation to see and appreciate America’s best purebred dogs.” The judges for the event include some of the most respected canine conformation judges in the country. The show follows traditional AKC format, offering competition at three levels, Best * DOG * CLASSIC 2001 Every dog, they say, has his day. The ones deemedthe bestof each breed will have theirs at a new national dog show. of Breed, Group, and Best in Show. “We are delighted to be part of whatis truly a landmark event in the world of dog shows,” said Maggie Ruckel, Group Manager, Influencer & Relationship Marketing, The Iams Company. “The AKC/Eukanuba American Dog Classic will become the hallmark of all dog shows—a true celebration of the highest quality purebreds in the country.” The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Its rules and regulations govern more than 15,000 competitions each year. The Iams Company, founded in 1946, is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods. Launched in October 1996, and now available in over 70 million homes, Animal Planet offers a wide range of television entertainment including dramatic realitybased series, talk shows, original fictional programming, high-quality children’s shows, documentaries and more. For more about the event, visit www.ake.org and www.iams.com.
