USA NETWORK'S PREMIERE OF "BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA" TO FEATURE OLYMPIC MEDALISTS JOHNNY WEIR AND TARA LIPINSKI

--Star-studded event includes Beverly Hills Housewife Lisa Vanderpump and more--

NEW YORK, NY - March 16, 2017 -USA Network's broadcast of the BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA will feature Olympic medalists Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski as correspondents on the show's red carpet. The competition, which is co-hosted by legendary dog show judge David Frei and actor John O'Hurley, will also include sports icon Mary Carillo reporting from backstage. Lisa Vanderpump ("The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," "Vanderpump Rules") will present the Best in Show award, and "E! News" Co-Host Maria Menounos will be on hand interviewing attendees about how their dogs are the stars of their families. Fans can tune in to see more of their favorite dog loving celebrities on the red carpet and in the crowd as these glamorous canines square off to win the top prize. The inaugural telecast of the BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA premieres on USA on Easter Sunday, April 16 at 8/7c.

During the show, USA will stream a live puppy viewing party on the network's Facebook page, allowing fans at home a chance to experience the spectacle with their favorite four legged friends. Throughout the broadcast, viewers can post photos of their furry companions on Twitter using @Purina along with the hashtag #BHDogShow to share how their dogs play a starring role in their lives. From April 10-23, Purina will donate $1 for each social media post (up to $25,000) to Leader Dogs for the Blind, a global organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

In addition to the Easter night debut of the BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA, USA will present an encore on April 17 at 9 AM/8c, and NBC will air an encore on Sunday, April 23 at 1 PM/12c. NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will also feature the show in its annual "Thanksgiving Day Dog Show Marathon" on Thursday, November 23.

About the BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA

Over 1,000 dogs from more than 150 eligible breeds will compete in the new BEVERLY HILLS DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA. Canine contestants will walk an awards show style red carpet after group judging. Created by NBC Sports Group in a multi-year agreement with the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills and Purina, the two-hour television presentation will include special features depicting canine life in Beverly Hills, as well as the traditional dog show judging of breeds and groups. The evening will culminate with the crowning of Best in Show - and will also feature the seven Best in Show finalists walking a fashion-show style runway while the judge decides the champion.