A top-ranked, energetic Whippet named “Whiskey” captivated judges and fans to win the Best In Show title for 2018 at NBC’s “National Dog Show Presented by Purina,” which NBC televised on November 22.
A three-year-old male from the Hound group, the athletic canine topped a talented pool of 1,992 dogs entered in the tradition-rich, all-breed show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
Whiskey’s registered name is GCHP Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey, and he is owned by Justin Smithey (pictured) and Dr. Ken Latimer of Toano, Virginia.
The Best in Group winners also featured King, a Wire Fox Terrier (Terrier group); Bogie, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel (Toy group); Ducky, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever (Sporting group); Billy, a Lhasa Apso (Non-Sporting group); Irupe, a Doberman Pinscher (Working group) and Bella, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Herding group).
An encore presentation of “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina,” hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei, will air Saturday, Nov. 24 (8-10 p.m. ET) on NBC.
NBC will celebrate man’s best friend in the 17th anniversary edition of the family favorite holiday special “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” airing on Thanksgiving Day (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones), Nov. 22, following the telecast of NBC’s “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
“The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” will be hosted by award-winning TV personality, author and Broadway star John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld,” “Dancing with the Stars”). Returning to offer expert analysis is American Kennel Club-licensed judge David Frei, who has officiated at dog shows worldwide and, alongside O’Hurley, has co-hosted the competition since its inception in 2002. NBC Sports correspondent Mary Carillo will report from inside the show ring, and former U.S. Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir will offer behind-the-scenes access as digital contributors.
“For 17 years, the ‘National Dog Show Presented by Purina®’ has been at the forefront of the purebred dog world,” said O’Hurley. “I’m proud to be a part of a legacy that not only celebrates such a rich history of dog breeds, but also being part of a tradition that entertains everyone from 4 to 94.”
Two new American Kennel Club-sanctioned breeds will be included in this year’s competition – the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje (sporting group) and the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (hound group) – bringing the total recognized breeds to 192. Since 2003, 45 new breeds have been introduced to the event.
Last year, Newton, a 3-year-old Brussels Griffon (toy group), took home the Best in Show title among the seven group winners. Newton impressed the judges with his superior condition and form, beautiful coat and loving personality.
A beloved holiday tradition for families across the nation, the broadcast reached more than 22 million viewers last year. Over the last two years the telecast has delivered its two biggest audiences in its 17-year run on NBC. The National Dog Show is part of a five-hour block of family programing on NBC, offering the country’s 65 million pet-owning households a full afternoon of fun entertainment while raising money for canine-related causes. In its unique format, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia offers an open environment for the esteemed event and remains one of the only “benched” dog shows, displaying all 2,000 competing purebred canines to the visiting public.
Continuing the family fun, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will present a Thanksgiving Day marathon (beginning 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) of “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®,” featuring all five Best in Show winners from 2013-17.
In celebration of Thanksgiving and the National Dog Show, Purina is inviting pet owners across the nation to share why they are thankful for their pet. From Nov. 9-25, for every unique post shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that includes @Purina and #DogThanking, Purina will donate $1 (up to $25,000) to Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation Pets and Vets program. This amazing program helps pair shelter pets with veterans coping with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety and other service-related challenges as they transition back to civilian life following their service.
The 142nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place at New York City’s Madison Square Garden from February 11 to February 13, 2018. In the U.S., portions of the event were televised on Fox, NatGeo Wild, FS1 and Fox Sports Go.
Here are the results of the event:
2018 Best in Show was awarded to “GCHP CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love.”
Breed: Bichons Frises
DOB: 3/05/12
Breeder: L Van Keuren & G Blue & LL Carlton & LA Letsche DVM
Owner: Patrina & Bruce Odette & Lindsay Van Keuren & Lorrie Carlton & L Letsche DVM
Sire: GCH Glenleigh Gangs N’ Roses
Dam: GCH Belle Creeks Razzle Dazzle
AKC: NP 31794401
2018 Reserve Best In Show was awarded to “GCH CH Ingebar’s Tynan Dances With Wildflowers”
Breed: Giant Schnauzers
DOB: 5/08/13
Breeder: Maryann Bisceglia
Owner: Sandra Nordstrom & Carol Mann & Maryann Bisceglia
The following is a press release from Hallmark Channel:
Hallmark Channel’s inaugural “2018 American Rescue Dog Show” premieres exclusively on the network on February 19, 2018 (8 p.m. ET/PT). The special features shelter dogs of various breeds from across the country vying for top dog in the world’s most adorable categories. The “2018 American Rescue Dog Show” is hosted by Rebecca Romijn and Rich Eisen, with celebrity judges Linda Blair, Rick Springfield, Brandon McMillan, Ross Matthews, Andrea Arden and Larissa Wohl covering all the action ringside. The announcement was made today as part of Crown Media Family Networks’ TV Critics Association Winter Press Tour.
The “2018 American Rescue Dog Show” will focus on the heartfelt traits and benefits of mixed breeds and rescued purebreds. Breeds competing for first place include Basset Hounds, English Bull Dogs, Maltese, St. Bernard, Mixed Breeds and many more. Categories they are competing for include Best in Couch Potato, Best in Wiggle Butt, Best in Underbite, Best in Talking, Best in Snoring, Best in Senior Dog, Best in Fetcher, Best in Kissing, Best in Special Needs and Best in Listener. The top 10 dogs will face off in the finals of which one will be crowned Best in Rescue. In addition to competition in the ring, the show will highlight heartwarming stories of courageous dogs who have overcome tremendous odds to be rescued and find forever homes.
“We are proud to honor rescue pets and raise awareness of how truly special these animals are,” said Bill Abbott, President and CEO, Crown Media Family Networks. “There are beautiful animals available at local shelters and we encourage our viewers to choose adoption through our pet programming, which is at the heart of our brand.” The mission of the “2018 American Rescue Dog Show” is to celebrate rescue dogs in a personality-driven competition. The goal of the show is to spotlight these incredible pets and inspire viewers to adopt their next dog from their local shelter or rescue organization.
Whether already in homes or waiting to be adopted, these dogs are all heart and full of personality. The pedigree of these dogs is pure love. Serving as the show’s official mascot is the network’s own rescued and adopted pet, Happy the Dog. In addition to starring in movies and specials, Happy the Dog is a certified therapy dog and emotional support animal.
“2018 American Rescue Dog Show” is produced by Michael Levitt Productions. Executive Producers Michael Levitt and Jennifer Schulz are both animal advocates and rescuers whose lives are dedicated to increasing awareness of pet adoption. Levitt, an accomplished TV producer, and Schulz, a communications professional for pet brands and organizations, joined forces to create a show that is both entertaining and heart-warming. Their goal is to celebrate rescue dogs with the hope of inspiring Hallmark Channel viewers to adopt their next pet.
Lastly, the Petco Foundation is providing $75,000 in non-profit grants to the winners and AdoptAPet.com will be showcased throughout the show as a great resource for viewers to find their next pet.
NBC presented the 16th anniversary edition of the beloved holiday special “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” on Thanksgiving Day (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones), Nov. 23, 2017, following the telecast of NBC’s “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.” Newton, a red-rough variety Brussels Griffon, was named Best in Show.
“The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” celebrates man’s best friend and is hosted by award-winning actor, author and Broadway star John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld,” “Dancing with the Stars”). Expert analysis is offered by David Frei, an American Kennel Club-licensed judge and, along with O’Hurley, co-host of USA Network’s “Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina.” NBC’s Mary Carillo reports from the benching area and inside the show ring, while Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir offer a behind-the-scenes look at the show as reporters and digital contributors.
“For 16 years, the ‘National Dog Show Presented by Purina’ has been at the forefront of the purebred dog world,” said O’Hurley. “I’m proud to be a part of a legacy that not only celebrates such a rich history of dog breeds, but also being part of a tradition that entertains everyone from 4 to 94.”
NBC will present an encore of this year’s “National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT).
In celebration of Thanksgiving and the National Dog Show, Purina is inviting pet owners across the country to share what makes their pet the best, using #DogThanking and tag @Purina. From Nov. 16-26, for every unique post shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that includes @purina and #dogthanking, Purina will donate $1 (up to $50,000) to GreaterGood.org, an organization which helps provide relief for people and pets in areas affecting by hurricanes, including Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
NBC will present the 16th anniversary edition of the beloved holiday special “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” on Thanksgiving Day (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones), Nov. 23, following the telecast of NBC’s “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
“The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” celebrates man’s best friend and is hosted by award-winning actor, author and Broadway star John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld,” “Dancing with the Stars”). Expert analysis is offered by David Frei, an American Kennel Club-licensed judge and, along with O’Hurley, co-host of USA Network’s “Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina.” NBC’s Mary Carillo will report from the benching area and inside the show ring, while Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir offer a behind-the-scenes look at the show as reporters and digital contributors.
“For 16 years, the ‘National Dog Show Presented by Purina®’ has been at the forefront of the purebred dog world,” said O’Hurley. “I’m proud to be a part of a legacy that not only celebrates such a rich history of dog breeds, but also being part of a tradition that entertains everyone from 4 to 94.”
NBC will present an encore of this year’s “National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” on Saturday, Nov. 25 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT).
Last year, 4-year-old Greyhound Gia was named Best in Show from among the seven group winners. She won over the crowd with her impressively slim and athletic build, beautiful grey coat and outstanding showmanship.
Last year’s broadcast set new records for its 15-year run on NBC, reaching more than 22 million total viewers. An established family holiday tradition, the broadcast is part of a five-hour block of family programming and will showcase more than 2,000 purebred canines competing for the title of Best in Show. Unlike traditional dog show coverage, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show offers the country’s 65 million pet-owning households an afternoon of family-friendly activities, facilitated by the open format of the esteemed event. As one of the only remaining “benched” dog shows, all of the competing breeds are on display for the visiting public.
To continue the family fun, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will present a Thanksgiving Day marathon (beginning 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) of “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®,” featuring all five Best in Show winners from 2012-16.
In celebration of Thanksgiving and the National Dog Show, Purina is inviting pet owners across the country to share what makes their pet the best, using #DogThanking and tag @Purina. From Nov. 16-26, for every unique post shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram that includes @purina and #dogthanking, Purina will donate $1 (up to $50,000) to GreaterGood.org, an organization which helps provide relief for people and pets in areas affecting by hurricanes, including Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
For more information on the “National Dog Show Presented by Purina®,” visit: http://www.nationaldogshow.com
Breed descriptions and more information can be found at http://nds.nationaldogshow.com/event-info-groups.php
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The inaugural Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina will be televised on USA Network on April 16, 2017, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The show was previously recorded on March 4 and March 5, 2017, at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. David Frei and John O’Hurley co-hosted the show.
Olympic medalists Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir are correspondents on the show’s red carpet. Celebrities featured on the show include TV personality Maria Menounos, reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump and actress Bo Derek
As part of the Beverly Hills Dog Show Presented by Purina, Purina is inviting dog owners and lovers across the nation to share with their digital and social communities (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) why their dog is the star of their family.
From April 10 to April 23, 2017, for every original social post submitted using the hashtag #BHDogShow and tagging @Purina, Purina will donate $1.00 (up to $25,000) to Leader Dogs for the Blind, a global organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.