The 2009 AKC Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show Your Canine News Connection

What: Dog events (and some for humans), for two days

When: December 12-13

Where: Long Beach, California

Everyone’s tails, um…tongues are already wagging about the ninth annual AKC Eukanuba National Championship coming to Long Beach in December. For starters, it’s the American Kennel Club’s 125th anniversary and, to celebrate, you’ll find full roster of spectacular events that will keep dog lovers sitting up and begging for more.

Visit this blog often so you can get to know the exceptional dogs competing in the national and international events, and which ones to watch the nights of the broadcast. You’ll also find updates as they happen, along with air dates and times, premiere party suggestions and the chance to purchase event memorabilia.

Get more details about the show at akc.org>>

Who Will Be the World’s Top Dog?

To commemorate the AKC’s 125th anniversary, the Eukanuba World Challenge—one of the show’s main events—has invited breeders from 41 countries to enter their prettiest pedigrees. Thousands of pooches will be competing for only three places in the finals for Best in Show.

But that’s just part of what will be happening during these two totally amazing dog days. You don’t necessarily have to be knockdown gorgeous to be leader of the pack. While the world challenge is going on, you’ll also want to take a lick, er look…at these events and contests.

Learn more about the 2009 Eukanuba World Challenge>>

Cool Canine Competitions

• AKC Agility Invitational – One of fastest-growing dog sports, you’ll see dogs literally jump through hoops, jump on seesaws, run through tunnels, clear multiple hurtles, and that’s just for starters.
• The National Obedience Invitational – Believe it or not, it all begins with a dog having good manners…no, we don’t mean using the right fork. Experience true synchronicity between human and canine.

Live Doggie Demos

• Police Dog Demo – They don’t need guns to apprehend criminals. Their teeth and agility are more than enough. Watch how these highly trained professionals protect and serve.
• Grooming Demo – See top professional dog groomers do their thing. You’ll learn the basics of keeping your pooch properly pampered, so he looks and feels fabulous.
• Dog-training Demo – A professional trick trainer will show you techniques to teach your old (or young) dog new tricks.

People Pleasers

• Appearance and autographed collars by Shawn Johnson – We’ll “tweet” tips on how to win the gorgeous dog collar that appears in the ad with—and is autographed by—this amazing Olympic Medalist who took home 4 for the U.S. in the 2008 Olympics, and finished first in the eight season of “Dancing With the Stars.”
• “Be a Dog” Exhibit – Did you know that dogs only see blue and yellow? Or that their taste is 1000 times less sensitive than ours? Experience first hand what it feels like to see, taste and live a dog’s life.
• AKC Meet the Breeds?
• Meet more than 150 American Kennel Club breeds and spend quality time with dogs, puppies and breeders from across the Country.