AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

Get ready for one of the biggest events in canine competition. Man's best friends are putting their best paws forward for the cameras and legions of fans as they vie for "Best In Show" and the title of National Champion at "The Planet's" greatest dog show. Coats trimmed, nails filed and gaits perfected, top dogs from around the country and the world come together to compete in one of America's most prestigious dog shows. The eight annual "AKC/Eukanuba National Championship" will air on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 8 PM e/p, on Animal Planet.

More than 2,400 dogs headed to Long Beach, California in December to compete for a total of $225,000 in cash prizes. The "AKC/Eukanuba National Championship" is the largest prize money dog show in the world, bestowing a $50,000 cash prize to the dog crowned National Champion.

Hosted by Bob Goen, this high-profile dog show features invitees from the country's top 25 dogs in each AKC-recognized breed. Invitations to dogs are based on breed points accumulated over a set period. In addition, every dog awarded Best in Show at a licensed or member AKC all-breed dog show during the same time period was extended an automatic invitation to enter the competition. Dog show insider Lee Arnold and American Kennel Club judge Edd Bivin also assist with the play-by-play.

Throughout the broadcast, feature reporter Leanza Cornett checks in with special profiles of owners, handlers and dogs and digs up dog health and training tips from the experts. Viewers also learn about the rules and regulations, passions and preferences of the dog show world and many of its star breeders and handlers. (Source: Animal Planet)