This year’s AKC National Championship is the largest dog show in North America and the LARGEST in AKC history with 5,284 conformation entries from 50 states and Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico and 27 countries combined with competitions in Agility, Obedience, Rally and Diving Dogs 5,724 entries, bringing the total event entries to 11,008.

“Animal Planet is pleased to continue our annual tradition of exclusively premiering the AKC National Championship Dog Show Presented by Royal Canin on New Year’s Day, which will allow our audiences the opportunity to ring in 2020 with the nation’s most beloved dog breeds and top competitors,” said Erin Wanner, Senior Vice President of Production for Animal Planet.

Hosted by AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo and sportscaster Carolyn Manno, the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin will feature dogs from around the world competing for various titles across multiple events and more than $150,000 in prize money, the largest in the world of dog shows. Noted sportscaster Mary Carillo joins the broadcasting team this year as a featured reporter with engaging interviews throughout the broadcast. Audiences will see highlights from each competition category, including agility, obedience and dock diving, and the show will culminate with the highly anticipated Best in Show, judged by Mrs. Dorothy N. Collier.

“Each year, we attract several thousand of the top canine competitors from around the world as they compete to become America’s National Champion,” said Dennis Sprung, Show Chairman, and President and CEO of the AKC. “The American Kennel Club is thrilled Animal Planet will once again televise our signature event, where dog enthusiasts across the country can witness the crowning of our 2019 AKC National Champion.

Kamie Eckert, Royal Canin USA President adds, “Royal Canin is a company passionate about breeds and what makes each one unique. That’s why we are thrilled to share this passion with audiences across the country on New Year’s Day, as they tune in to watch the National Championship on Animal Planet. Viewers can look forward to seeing an action-packed show that highlights the magnificent details that make dogs extraordinary.”

B Live Productions will once again produce the TV broadcast and livestream.

This year’s show will again include the Eukanuba brand, which helped the AKC create the event in 2001. Eukanuba will serve as the sponsor of the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), as well as for the companion events – obedience, agility, rally and dock diving.

AKC National Championship welcomes TropiClean Pet Products, a leading manufacturer of pet, grooming and oral care products.