NBC to Air NATIONAL DOG SHOW PRESENTED BY PURINA, 11/27

The NBC THANKSGIVING Day special, "The NATIONAL DOG SHOW Presented by Purina ," will crown one of America's great purebreds as its 2014 champion on THANKSGIVING Day, bringing canine competition and entertainment to America's viewers for the 13th year.

The holiday special (noon-2 p.m. in all time zones) follows the Macy's THANKSGIVING Day Parade on NBC and is watched annually by a total of more than 20 million viewers. Over 175 breeds vie for Best in Show honors in the tradition-rich Kennel Club of Philadelphia competition. An encore presentation will air on NBC in primetime on Saturday, November 29, from 8-10 p.m. ET.

The TV special is a celebration of America's fascination with man's best friend, hosted by beloved TV personality John O'Hurley, best known as "J. Peterman" on Seinfeld. O'Hurley is joined by expert analyst David Frei, THE VOICE of the WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW on usa network and America's foremost authority on the sport. NBC's Mary Carillo will report from the busy backstage benching area as the dogs prepare to compete.

The NATIONAL DOG SHOW also boasts a powerful digital presence at NBCSports.com and on theNBC Sports Live Extraapp that includes a live stream of the entire NBC THANKSGIVING Day show and will feature all seven group competition videos and Best in Show. Because of heavy interest from breed enthusiasts around the world, the NBC Sports digital platforms offer an exclusive look atthe walks and judging of every breed-winning canine, a total of over 175. The online video will include extensive highlights from the TV special that will be available on desktop, tablets andsmart phones. NBC Sports will feature behind-the-scenes photos and video, capturing all of the backstage energy generated by 1,500-plus eager canines.

Unlike traditional dog show coverage, the two-hour special's unique content is facilitated by the open format of the event, one of only four remaining "benched" shows in which the dogs are on display all day for the visiting public.

The show will spotlight two new, AKC-recognized breeds, the Coton de Tulear of the non-sporting group and the Wirehaired Vizsla of the sporting group. Both are making their major-event debuts in The NATIONAL DOG SHOW and will be introduced to American viewers during the broadcast THANKSGIVING Day.

The show will feature two vignettes that highlight Purina's longstanding commitment to innovation designed to help pets live longer, healthier lives. One vignette will highlight Purina's discovery of a nutritional breakthrough that will help pets sustain a healthy brain as they grow older. The other vignette will feature a different approach to dog food that combines dog owners' first-hand knowledge of their pet with Purina's proven nutritional expertise to create a personalized feeding experience for dogs through a product called Just Right by Purina.

Broadcast and online content will also include The NATIONAL DOG SHOW Therapy Dog Ambassador Team with Butler, the official Weather Channel Therapy Dog, who was in Philadelphia for the shows after traveling around the country this year to comfort families adversely affected by severe weather events.

About Nestl Purina PetCare
Nestl Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestl Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestl S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.

SOURCE The National Dog Show

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