MUST LOVE DOGS: USA NETWORK & WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB CROWN BEST IN SHOW ON VALENTINE'S DAY

The 136th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, sponsored by PURINA PRO PLAN Airs Live on USA Network February 13 and 14 at 8/7c

NEW YORK - January 24, 2012 - USA Network announced today that the 136th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, presented by Purina Pro Plan, will air February 13 and 14 at 8/7c. Co-hosting the event will be David Frei and sports analyst Mary Carillo with NBC Sports' Tiffany Simons as sideline reporter. The Madison Square Garden competition will be televised live on USA on Monday, February 13 from 8-9pmET/PT, when it will switch over to CNBC. Then on Tuesday, February 14, USA will air the entire conclusion from 8-11pm ET/PT, including the crowning of Best In Show.

David Frei returns as co-host for his 23rd consecutive year. Frei is 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. Sideline reporter Tiffany Simons will be returning to this year's show. She currently reports for NBC Sports and hosts Mets Weekly throughout the Major League Baseball season.

This year, six new breeds officially recognized by the American Kennel Club will make their debut at Westminster. Two additions to the Herding Group include the energetic Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the agile Finnish Lapphund. The Terrier Group will add the Cesky Terrior, a short legged, extremely loyal hunting terrier. For the Non-Sporting Group, the cheerful but mischievous Norwegian Lundehund and the keenly intelligent Xoloitzcuintli will be introduced. The sixth addition is the strong and pleasant American English Coonhound to the Hound Group.

Monday's competition includes Hounds, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups while Tuesday's contest will consist of Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups followed by the 2012 crowning of Best In Show. This year's Best In Show will be judged by Cindy Vogles from Greenwood Village, CO. She heads a panel of 38 judges from 19 states.

A total of 2,077 dogs were entered into this year's competition, in addition to 105 Junior Showmanship entries. Representing 47 states and 10 countries, the most dogs were entered from New York (204), followed closely by California (187).

For the second year in a row, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were the highest entry breed with 40 followed by French Bulldogs (39), Labrador Retrievers (38), Golden Retrievers (32), and Vizslas (29).

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.

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