Eukanuba Returns To The AKC National Championship Dog Show As Companion Events Sponsor

Eukanuba™, a dog food brand specializing in high-performance nutrition for active dogs, returns as a sponsor of the companion events at one of North America’s largest and most prestigious dog sporting events: the AKC National Championship Dog Show presented by Royal Canin. The show, taking place in Orlando, FL on Dec. 16-17, 2017, will air on Animal Planet this New Year’s Day at 7 p.m. ET, with an encore airing at 11 p.m. ET.

“From our Best in Show heritage to crowning the show’s companion title winners, Eukanuba is proud to have partnered with the American Kennel Club over the past 17 years to see this show grow since its inception in 2001,” said Jason Taylor, PRO Sales Director for Eukanuba and Assistant Show Chair of the AKC National Championship. “As a performance dog food brand, Eukanuba strives to enhance the lives of dogs by providing high quality nutrition to enable them to perform extraordinary feats. Our partnership with the AKC National Championship further demonstrates our commitment to helping dogs compete at the highest levels.”

The AKC National Championship Dog Show continues to grow each year, attracting thousands of the world’s best canine competitors. From agility and obedience to diving dogs, Orlandospectators and Animal Planet viewers will have the opportunity to see the extraordinary things that dogs can do.

U.S. Marine and Military Police K9 handler Megan Leavey, whose own story was the subject of a major motion picture, will make several special appearances throughout the weekend, sharing her own experiences and expertise with extraordinary dogs.

“When the stakes are high – and lives are even at risk – I’ve seen the tremendous skills of dogs put to the test,” explained Leavey. “I’m thrilled to be able to join Eukanuba in this celebration of those skills for what I know will be a fun, awe-inspiring display of canine talent.”

In addition, Eukanuba will sponsor competitions and show attractions including:

• AKC Agility Invitational: The AKC Agility Invitational presented by Eukanuba will honor the dogs who expertly work with their handlers as they navigate a timed obstacle course. Dogs who excel in this athletic event are ones who demonstrate conditioning, concentration, training and teamwork.
• AKC Obedience Classic: Eukanuba believes that in order to inspire good behavior in dogs, positive rewards are essential. The AKC Obedience Classic presented by Eukanuba will recognize dogs that have been trained and conditioned to follow handler commands with pure concentration and commitment.
• North America Diving Dogs Championship: At the 2017 North America Diving Dogs Championship, sponsored by Eukanuba, dogs of all breeds will compete in both distance and air retrieve by jumping off of a dock into a body of water. North America Diving Dogs titles are recognized through the AKC’s Title Recognition Program.
• Eukanuba Booth: The Eukanuba booth will feature a BREEDSMART™ Hospitality area and brand partner, Canine Companions for Independence. Show attendees who are existing BREEDSMART members, or members that join the program at the show, will be greeted by Eukanuba brand representatives available to share the benefits of feeding Eukanuba products. Booth visitors will also have the opportunity to learn more about the special partnership between Eukanuba and Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Canine Companions volunteers and assistance dog graduate teams will be present at the booth. Additionally, professional trainers will conduct demonstrations of the dogs’ skills.

Eukanuba will also be the presenting sponsor of the 18th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE.) These awards celebrate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities.

“The ACE Awards are a way to celebrate dogs’ service to people,” explained Taylor. “There is no better display of the canine-human bond. It is through these stories that we see their true nature to be heroes, protectors and best friends.”

Visit: www.akc.org/events/national-championship to find out more about the show, and the Eukanuba sponsored events.