Dog Show USA Provides Big Stage For All Dogs in Second Annual Online Competition

New York, NY (PRWeb) December 8, 2006 -- Proud pet owners across the nation will unite in the second annual dog show where all of America's 60 million pooches are eligible to win "Best in Show." Online only at DogShowUSA.com, every dog in the country -- mixed breeds and purebreds alike -- can compete on even terms with the public voting for the winner.

Launching in conjunction with the holiday season, "Dog Show USA Presented by Purina," hosts competition in 11 categories, as follows:

Representation of Breed:
•    Sporting Group
•    Hound Group
•    Working Group
•    Terrier Group
•    Toy Group
•    Non-Sporting Group
•    Herding Group
•    Mixed Breed

Humorous Appeal:
•    Cutest Dog
•    Dog Owner Look Alike
•    Best Dog Trick

The broadband site allows pet owners to upload video and photo entries free of charge, unleashing the canine beauty of America's dogs no matter what breed, lineage or mix of breeds. All participants need to do is capture the finest qualities and distinctive personality traits of their pets and let the voters decide.

Unlike a traditional dog show, where judges evaluate individual dogs for how well they conform to published breed standards, "Dog Show USA" gives the public a chance to rate all of the dogs for their individuality. There's no age, gender or class discrimination in this dog show. Participants will be vying for prizes including a trip to Philadelphia for The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, a one year supply of Purina Dog Chow dog food, sweepstakes for a trip for four to Universal Studios in Orlando Florida, iPods and grooming kits.

Last year's show produced an amazing array of winners including Tillie, a Dachshund/Cocker Spaniel mix from Eagle Rock (suburban Los Angeles), who was selected by the public vote as "Best in Show." In its inaugural edition, "Dog Show USA" generated over 14,000 entries in the same 11 categories in place for this year. Almost 15,000 votes were cast by the public in selecting Tillie and the other winners.

Starting January 4, 2007, the blue ribbon panel judges, including "Seinfeld" and "Dancing with the Stars" favorite John O'Hurley and the dean of dog show commentators, David Frei, will select 10 finalists from each category. Once these lucky canines are determined, America will vote online. Dog Show USA will accept entries through the holiday season and winners will be announced online on Monday, February 26, and at the Chicago Dog Show. The winner will also be featured on-air during an NBC SportsDesk broadcast on March 3, 2007.

"Finally, a dog show that my pets can enter," said O'Hurley, in reference to his two dogs, a Maltese named Scoshi and a rescued mutt named Betty. "They are not show dogs, but they still deserve their own 'Best in Show' opportunity, or at least 'Cutest Face' award. The best thing is that the three of us can check out the field whenever we want on DogShowUSA.com. With 60 million dogs eligible, there is sure to be a lot of competition to scout out."

Other special site features include up to the minute ratings for each dog entered, games, blogs, message boards, where dog owners can meet other dog lovers and webisodes featuring web host and NBC personality Kenan Harkin providing visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the dog show world, plus a host of interactive features.

A complete set of "Dog Show USA" official rules is available at www.dogshowusa.com.

Contact Information:
Steve Griffith, Pyramid Public Relations, 212.643.1068 x250
Lisa Bruno, Pyramid Public Relations, 212.643.1068 x254

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