Dogs Reign Supreme: USA Network & Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Crown Best In Show At Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Dog Show trots into Madison Square Garden with the 137^th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, and presenting partner Purina® Pro Plan®, along with co-sponsors Progressive Insurance and Subaru on February 12 at 8pm ET/PT on USA Network. David Frei will be co-hosting with NBC sports analyst Mary Carillo. Also rounding out the team will be NBC Sports' Carolyn Manno as a sideline reporter. The competition will be televised live on CNBC on Monday, February 11 from 8-11pm ET/PT. Then on Tuesday, February 12, USA will air the entire conclusion from 8-11pm ET/PT, including the crowning of Best In Show.

USA is offering unparalleled, worldwide digital access throughout THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, starting at 8:30am ET, on February 11. The live judging of all 187 breeds and varieties can be accessed online or on mobile devices at WestminsterKennelClub.org. Additionally, fans can engage with interactive social experiences including WKC Chatter, interviews, Facebook and Twitter (#wkcdogs) integrations, and real-time behind the scenes moments from the floor. Sponsored by presenting partner Purina Pro Plan, the show will be filmed by more than 12 fixed and roaming cameras that will showcase the in-the-ring and out-of-the-ring action as well as interviews with co-host David Frei and sneak-peeks of the primetime action. For the first time during the Tuesday night broadcast, USA will offer a second screen experience on Zeebox with trivia, polls, photos and video that fans can access while they watch THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW.

David Frei joins the show for the 24^th consecutive year in his role as co-host.  As a longtime breeder, owner, handler, and judge in the world of purebred dogs, he has enjoyed much competitive success with his Afghan Hounds, Brittanys and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  In November 2011, Frei published a book titled Angels On A Leash, featuring his work with therapy dogs and breeding.  Also returning as co-host this year is Mary Carillo, NBC Sports staple, best known for her coverage on the Olympic Games.  Winner of two Peabody Awards for her work on HBO documentaries, Carillo also serves as a tennis analyst and ski reporter. 

This year, two new breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club will make their debut at Westminster.  The additions include the Treeing Walker Coonhound part of the Hound Group and the Russell Terrier, competing in the Terrier Group.

Monday evening's competition, which will be broadcasted live on CNBC, includes Hounds, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups. Tuesday's judgment will consist of Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups followed by the 2013 crowning of Best In Show live on USA Network. This year's Best In Show will be judged by Michael Dougherty. Michael is from Escondido, California. He leads a panel of 43 judges from 18 states and three foreign countries.

A total of 2,721 dogs and 84 Junior Showmanship competitors were entered this year. Representing 50 states and seven countries, the most dogs were entered from New York (287), followed by California (228) and New Jersey (219).

Golden Retrievers were the highest entry breed with 61. Other top entries include Labradors with 54 and Rhodesian Ridgebacks with 50.

Purina Pro Plan will serve as presenting sponsor of the show for the second consecutive year.  The brand will debut a new TV ad on this year's program, called "How I'm Great", comprised exclusively of consumer generated video clips provided by dog owners of their dogs achieving greatness.

"Purina Pro Plan is inspired by the great dogs competing at the 137^th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and we're excited to showcase everyday dogs achieving greatness in their own way in our ad," said Candy Caciolo, portfolio director, Professional Engagement Marketing, Nestle Purina PetCare.  "We're proud to be the official pet food sponsor of the show. Supporting Westminster is a great fit for Purina Pro Plan, which has a history of supporting the sport of purebred dogs."

For photos and information on WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, please log on to the NBCUniversal Media Village at http://www.nbcumv.com/.

The Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs.  Established in 1877, Westminster's influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all breed, benched dog show held every year at New York's Madison Square Garden.  The show is America's second longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby.  For additional information, log on to www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

The #1 network in all of basic cable for seven consecutive years, USA Network is seen in over 102 million U.S. homes.  USA is a leader in scripted programming with a powerful stable of originals, spectacular live television and is home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, a broad portfolio of acquired series and entertainment events. Viewers come to USA to find television's best in critically-acclaimed and award-winning original programming. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV.  USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.

SOURCE USA Network