THE NATIONAL DOG SHOW to Introduce 2 New Breeds on Thanksgiving Day

The NATIONAL DOG SHOW Presented by Purina will introduce two new American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds the Coton de Tulear and the Wirehaired Vizsla to the American public on THANKSGIVING Day. With the addition of the Coton de Tulear and the Wirehaired Vizsla, a total of 33 new breeds have been introduced to the competition since 2003.

The two new additions to the American Kennel Club Registry will make their major event debut on the two-hour NBC TV special THANKSGIVING Day, immediately following the Macy's THANKSGIVING Day Parade. A total audience of some 20 million viewers is expected to watch the broadcast, from noon-2 p.m. in all time zones.

The following is a description of each new breed:

• The Coton de Tulear (KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE) wasdeveloped by natural selection in Madagascar. The Coton's "cottony texture" of the white coat,rectangular silhouette and convex topline define the breed. Intelligent, quirky and clown-like, Cotons quickly became a favorite of the island'saristocracy,who proclaimedthem,"The Royal Dog of Madagascar". With long flowing coats in theshow ring, family pets are often kept in "easy care" short clips. Sturdy and athletic, Cotonsexcel in agility and obediencetraining and make for ideal companions, readily adaptableto all lifestyles.
• The Wirehaired Vizsla (VEESH-la)was developed by hunters and falconers who desired a sturdy, versatile hunting dog able to withstand harsh winters whether in fields, forests or waters. The Wirehaired Vizsla is a distinguished, versatile dog of medium size, bred for substance and a dense wire coat. Balanced in size and proportion, the dog is both robust and lean yet graceful with a far-reaching drive, enabling the breed to hunt in all elements and cover any terrain. This natural point and retrieve breed possesses an excellent nose for hunting and tracking on land and in water. The breed's most distinguishing features are its weather resistant coat and its beard and eyebrows. The Wirehaired Vizsla is intelligent, loyal, sensitive and biddable and is a tractable and affectionate companion in the home.

Breed descriptions sourced from AKC.org, Dogbreedinfo.com and from the breed clubs.

SOURCE NATIONAL DOG SHOW Presented by Purina