Crowning A Champion: AKC National Championship Presented By Royal Canin Makes Grand Return To Television Featuring Celebrity Guest Jerry O’Connell

Largest Dog Show in North America will be broadcast January 23, 2017 on Hallmark Channel

Now in its 16th year, the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, the largest dog show in North America, will broadcast a three-hour special on Hallmark Channel Monday, January 23, 2017 from 6-9 p.m. ET/PT featuring more than 5,000 dog entries vying for the title of “Best in Show,” as well as a special appearance by celebrity guest Jerry O’Connell.

“I love all my pets – we’re a family, which is why I was so excited to be part of the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin,” said O’Connell. “As a lifelong dog-lover, getting to see some of the most magnificent dogs in the world and learning about new breeds and the amazing things they can do made this a truly unique and special experience.”

Joining O’Connell in the show lineup is AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo, sideline reporter Sam Ryan and sportscaster Jason Knapp. The televised broadcast, which was taped in Orlando, Fla. in December 2016, will feature winners from each of the competition categories, highlights from the Agility and Diving Dog competitions and some of America’s brightest up and coming Junior Showmanship handlers, culminating in the announcement of Best in Show.

“The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin is a gathering of the most beautiful and prestigious dogs in the world,” said Keith Levy, Royal Canin USAPresident. “We are looking forward to sharing their show experience with viewers on Hallmark Channel and encourage everyone to tune-in and meet the magnificent AKC breeds this year.”

Dennis Sprung, President and CEO of the AKC, added: “Our national championship is a wonderful display of the importance of the canine-human bond. We are pleased to show the world what the best canine athletes have to offer.”

The AKC National Championship is also welcoming pet-related companies to the broadcast mix. For the first time, this year’s broadcast will feature a line-up of new sponsors including PetSmart, Banfield Pet Hospital and Spectrum Brands’FURminator and Nature’s Miracle. Their stores, hospitals and products represent an assortment of highly valued goods and services by pet parents. The fit for these brands with the AKC National Championship is natural and will provide an even greater viewing experience for dog lovers.

“With more than 15,000 dog breeders and influencers involved, the show and now the television broadcast, presents opportunities that breeders, groomers, trainers, retailers, veterinarians, dog owners and puppy seekers will all find valuable,” said Kamie Eckert, Chief Customer Officer for Royal Canin. “We are excited that PetSmart, Banfield Pet Hospital and Spectrum Brands are a part of this endeavor and we are honored to share in this experience with them.”

In addition, viewers can treat their dogs to the Best in Show experience through the “Best in Show” sweepstakes. The sweepstakes winner’s package includes a $250PetSmart gift card, one year of ROYAL CANIN® dog food, a wellness package from Banfield Pet Hospital and the chance to see the 2017 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in-person. To enter visit www.royalcanin.com/events/akc-2016.

For more information, please visit: www.royalcanin.com/akcdogshow or www.akc.org/events/national-championship/.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Jan 23 2017. Filed under Breaking News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.