Bloodhound 'Knotty' Crowned at 2005 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship LIVE on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel

Bloodhound 'Knotty' Crowned at 2005 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship LIVE on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- And the winner is ... Ch. Heathers Knock on Wood, commonly known as "Knotty," a Bloodhound. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050117/NYM050 ) Earning a $50,000 cash prize and the title of AKC/Eukanuba National Champion, Knotty was crowned the nation's top dog at the conclusion of the two-day competition televised live from Tampa, Fla. Best in Show judge Michele L. Billings of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., awarded the National Champion title to Knotty, owned by Lyn Sherman of Topanga, Calif. and handled by Ken Griffith. In total, 2,451 dogs in every AKC-recognized breed and variety, including 108 competitors from foreign registries representing 16 countries, competed in conformation for prestigious titles and $225,000, the largest prize money dog show in the world. This year marked the first time the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was aired live on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. Last year's simulcast of the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel was the No. 1-rated dog show in their history. "By winning Best in Show, Knotty joins an elite group. We also applaud each and every one of the nearly 2,500 dogs entered in this year's AKC/Eukanuba National Championship," said Ron Menaker, AKC Chairman. "The event captured the essence of our sport and the love and devotion we all have for our dogs and I'm thrilled we could share this passion with the millions of people watching at home." "It was a great honor to award Knotty with The Iams Celebration of Champions trophy, which features a likeness of all AKC/Eukanuba National Champions, plus a check for $50,000," said Jeffrey P. Ansell, President of The Iams Company. "We congratulate Knotty and his breeder, Heather and Peter, his owner Lyn, and his handler Ken for their tremendous accomplishment." VIEWER'S CHOICE BENEFITS AKC PARENT CLUBS In addition to this year's traditional competition, dog lovers watching the show voted online for their favorite dog from among all the Best of Breed winners in each group. The Viewer's Choice winners, which earned cash for their AKC Parent Clubs, were announced on air during the broadcast. Viewers cast votes for the Viewer's Choice award at Animal Planet's web site (http://www.animalplanet.com/). Viewers and Best in Show Judge Billings agreed that Knotty is top dog. More than 140,000 votes were cast crowning Knotty the Viewer's Choice Award Winner. Knotty was recognized with a $10,000 donation from Animal Planet to the American Bloodhound Club. In addition, the Parent Clubs of the seven Viewer's Choice group winners -- the Pug, the 13-inch Beagle, the Bichon Frise, the Golden Retriever, the Great Pyrenees, the Smooth Fox Terrier, and the German Shepherd Dog -- each received $2,000. Visit http://www.akc.org/ for complete information about all the Best of Breed winners. The American Kennel Club (AKC), founded in 1884, maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world. Its rules and regulations govern more than 16,000 canine competitions each year. The Iams Company, founded in 1946, is committed to enhancing the well- being of dogs and cats by providing world-class quality foods and pet care products. Animal Planet, available in over 86 million homes nationwide, is the only television network dedicated exclusively to the connection between humans and animals. The network's original programming brings together people of all ages by tapping into a fundamental fascination with animals and providing an entertaining mix of programming. Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050117/NYM050 AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN2 PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com Source: Animal Planet CONTACT: Erin Kretzschmar of Fleishman-Hillard, +1-816-512-2281, for Animal Planet; Kurt Iverson of The Iams Company, +1-937-264-7436; or Daisy Okas of American Kennel Club, +1-212-696-8342 Web site: http://www.discovery.com/ http://www.animalplanet.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment