Planet's Greatest Dog Show Celebrates Its Fifth Year With Live Broadcasts

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ -- It's hard not to love them with their
wagging tails, their playful spirit and their protective bark - dogs have long been called man's best friend.

On Jan. 14-15, 2006, more than 150 breeds of the world's most competitive and coiffed canines will compete for the crown at
the fifth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Tampa.

For the second year, this renowned international event, featuring a slate of thousands of the finest dogs from around the world, will be broadcast live by Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, starting at 8 p.m. EST both nights.

The event returns to the side-by-side Tampa Convention Center and St. Pete Times Forum. The facilities will house the three championship events during the weekend: AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, AKC National Agility Championship and the AKC National Obedience Invitational.

Almost 2,500 dogs from every AKC-recognized breed and variety competed last year, including 108 competitors from foreign registries representing 16 countries.

"Watching the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship grow to become one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world has been a joy for us," said Jeffrey Ansell, president, The Iams Company. "Since its inception in 2001, this event has provided a stage for thousands of hard-working 'top dogs' as well as their
breeders, owners and handlers."

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship offers the only sizeable monetary award in dog shows, with cash and prizes totaling more than $225,000 to be awarded. The National Champion will win $50,000.

The 2005 "Best In Show" winner, CH Heather's Knock on Wood, a bloodhound known as "Knotty," won the breed's national specialty in 2004 and was the first hound to be crowned National Champion.

For more information about the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship, visit http://www.topdogshow.com.

The American Kennel Club (AKC), founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Its rules and regulations govern more than 16,000 canine competitions each year.

The Iams Company, founded in 1946, is committed to enhancing the well-being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products.

Animal Planet, available in over 86 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network's original programming brings together people of all ages by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an entertaining mix of programming.