NBC’S THANKSGIVING DAY TRADITION CONTINUES WITH “THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA" ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22

New Breed Tibetan Mastiff Makes Dog Show Debut

NEW YORK - October 30, 2007 - NBC continues its Thanksgiving Day celebration with "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" on Thursday, November 22 (Noon - 2 p.m. in all time zones), airing immediately following the telecast of NBC's "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."

Over 2,000 aspiring purebreds vie for the coveted "Best in Show" title on NBC's sixth broadcast of one of America's most prestigious dog shows. Some 150 breeds and varieties of dogs - from Afghan Hounds to Colored Bull Terriers and Doberman Pinschers to the newly-sanctioned Tibetan Mastiff - will highlight the show hosted by purebred dog owner John O'Hurley (NBC's "Seinfeld," "Dancing with the Stars") and David Frei, the "dean of dog show commentators."

O'Hurley is back in his sixth year as host of this classic. The award-winning actor and a New York Times best-selling author, has now completed his second book, "Before The Dog Can Eat Your Homework First You Have To Do It: Life Lessons From A Wise Old Dog To A Young Boy." O'Hurley's hosting partner and expert analyst Frei is an American Kennel Club- licensed judge who has officiated at dog shows worldwide. Frei is on-air host of USA Network's famed "Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show" and is one of America's foremost authorities on purebreds and the dog show world.

The elite canines must prevail though several levels of competition before boasting the "Best in Show" title. The entrants are first judged against their own breed, and then are classified by seven different groups: Sporting, Hounds, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. The winner from each group is then brought into the ring to compete for the coveted title of "Best in Show."

"We've found over the years that families tune in to root for their favorite breed, usually their own dog or their neighbor's," said Doug Vaughan, Vice President, Special Programs, NBC News and Entertainment. "The pairing of "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade" and "The National Dog Show" is tailor-made for families and serves as a nice kick-off to the holidays."

Annually, the show attracts a total audience approaching 18 million people. The two-hour special celebrates the wonders of man's best friend through the voices of O'Hurley, on the whimsy of canines, and Frei, America's foremost authority on purebreds.

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®" benefits the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Canine Health Foundation. It is hosted each fall by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, which is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP) staged its first show in 1879 and has hosted the Philadelphia shows annually since 1933. Four new breeds will be introduced to the American television audience this year with the AKC recognizing the Swedish Vallhund, Beauceron, Tibetan Mastiff and Plott breeds in the past year.

Purina brand pet foods are manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, whose North American headquarters are located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, MO. Purina, a global pet food company, promotes responsible pet care, humane education, canine health research and the positive bond between people and their pets. Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A. - the world's largest food company.

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®" is a property of NBC and Carson International of Ketchum, Idaho, the world's most prominent producer and packager of canine events for live audiences and for television.

 

Source: NBC Press Release

 

 

powered by FreeFind