Eukanuba Dog Show

The Eukanuba Dog Show is a prestigious event in the world of purebred dogs, and an exclusive one at that.

There are thousands of dog shows held around the world every year, but only a few can promote themselves as all-star events. Westminster and Crufts are two such shows that immediately come to mind, and the Eukanuba Dog Show also takes its place among the elite.

This show is held by the American Kennel Club itself, a registering body that sanctions a good deal of the average dog shows that are held each year by all-breed and specialty dog clubs. However, this is the only show that AKC actually oversees from start to finish, and it's sponsored by Eukanuba dog food, a product of the Iams company.

The Eukanuba National Championship is the biggest year end event. It serves as the final crowning of the year's "top dog" among many worthy champions.

While almost any dog with a current AKC registration is eligible for entry at nearly any other AKC sanctioned dog show, this is not the case at the Eukanuba dog show. Here, the entry is limited to the creme de la creme of champions, and dogs gain entry by invitation only.

The qualifying period for entrants runs from October of the previous year to October of the current year. The points are tabulated from all AKC sanctioned shows, and the top scoring dogs are identified. A formal invitation is then issued for the show that is held each December.

So, who's invited? The list for breed competition breaks down like this:

• Only the top 25 dogs in each recognized AKC breed/variety are invited to participate. This includes the reigning champions being specialed in the Best of Breed class, as well as other champions racking up breed points at various dog shows as they work their way up the ranks.
• Each dog that achieves a Best in Show award during the course of the year is also issued an invitation.
• Additionally, all Bred-by-Exhibitor champions are extended an invitation.
• Best of Breed winners at specialty shows are also eligible to attend.
• The top Junior Handlers in the USA are invited.
• Further invitations are also extended to the top dogs from various countries outside of the USA.

Additionally, the top agility and obedience dogs are also invited to compete in their respective national championships.

The competition for this show begins at the Best of Breed level. The winners of each breed competion then move on to compete against each other within their assigned groups.

These include:

• Toy
• Sporting
• Non-Sporting
• Terrier
• Hound
• Working
• Herding

The winner from each of these seven groups then moves on to compete for the highly coveted Best in Show award and prestigious title of National Champion.

While many dog clubs offer prizes for winners at their shows, the prizes offered at the Eukanuba invitational are quite substantial. Out of a $225,000.00 pot, a whopping $50,000.00 is awarded to the dog lucky enough to be crowned the National Champion.

The rest of the money is awarded to the winners of various classes within the scope of the competition. This includes $2000.00 scholarships for winning Junior Handlers.

In addition to the various competitions, The Eukanuba invitational is also an educational event. Breed clubs, those devoted to promoting a particular breed of dog, set up display booths filled with informative material and photos to help the public learn more about the dog of choice. Representatives of each club operate the booths and answer visitor questions. Typically, attendees get to meet one or more live ambassadors of the breed.

Of nearly equal importance to dedicated breeders around the country, this show also awards the Breeder of the Year. This is something of a lifetime achievement award that goes to seven breeders who each have made significant contributions to the overall well being of their chosen breed. It's akin to being inducted in the hall of fame.

As mentioned previously, Crufts Dog Show is one of the few elite events in purebred dogs. This annual event is held in England, and it too has a limited entry. Winners of the Eukanuba National Championship are automatically issued an invitation to compete at Crufts.

If this dog show sounds exciting to you, you'll be happy to learn that you can watch it from home. The Animal Planet Network televises a broadcast of the major highlights each February, so be sure to watch your local listings for a date and time.

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