WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB CROWNS BEST IN SHOW ON USA NETWORK FEBRUARY 16 AT 8PM ET/PT

The 140th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW is Presented By Purina(R) Pro Plan(R) For a Fifth Consecutive Year

David Frei Co-Hosts his 27th and Final Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show with Mary Carillo, Kelli Stavast Serves as Floor Reporter

NEW YORK - January 29, 2016 - The 140th WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW trots into Madison Square Garden with presenting partner Purina(R) Pro Plan(R) on February 16 at 8pm ET/PT on USA Network. The competition will be televised live on CNBC on Monday, February 15 from 8-11pm ET/PT. Then on Tuesday, February 16, USA will air the final competition day live from 8-11pm ET/PT, featuring the crowning of Best In Show.

USA is offering digital access throughout THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW, starting at 8am ET, on February 15. The live judging of all 199 breeds and varieties can be accessed online or on mobile devices at WKCLive.com. The show will be filmed by more than 11 fixed and roaming cameras for a custom interactive experience that will showcase the in-the-ring and out-of-the-ring action, as well as all access interviews and behind-the-scenes coverage of the primetime action. Fans are encouraged to join the social conversation by using the hashtag #WKCDogShow. Also, as part of a multi-platform partnership with Purina Pro Plan, fans can submit selfies with their dogs for the chance to be seen on-air during the live telecast and other great prizes.

David Frei will co-host the event again this year with NBC Sports analyst Mary Carillo and reporter Kelli Stavast. This marks Frei's 27th consecutive, and final, year in his role as co-host of the competition. As a longtime breeder, owner, handler and judge in the world of purebred dogs, he has enjoyed much competitive success with his Afghan Hounds, Brittanys and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He is the author of Angel On A Leash, a book about his work and observations in the world of therapy dogs and his life in dogs. David also serves as host for the National Dog Show presented by Purina, which airs on NBC on Thanksgiving afternoon.

Purina Pro Plan will serve as presenting sponsor of the show for the fifth consecutive year.

"Purina Pro Plan is proud to have been the food of choice for nine of the last nine Westminster Best In Show Winners," said Ann Viklund, Director of Conformation, Professional Engagement Team, Nestlé Purina PetCare. "We are honored that these top dogs choose the nutrition in Pro Plan to keep them performing at their absolute best as they achieve success on the world's most prestigious stage - and we aim to continue that legacy this year."

This year, seven breeds newly recognized by the American Kennel Club in the past year, will be making their competitive debuts at Westminster. The additions include the Bergamasco, the Berger Picard, the Miniature American Shepherd and the Spanish Water Dog, all competing in the Herding Group, the Boerboel, competing in the Working Group, the Cirneco dell'Etna, competing in the Hound Group and the Lagotto Romagnolo, competing in the Sporting Group. A total of 2,706 dogs and 91 Junior Showmanship competitors were entered this year. Representing 50 states and 12 foreign countries, the most dogs were entered from New York (270) for the sixth year in a row, followed by California (219), Pennsylvania (203) and New Jersey (190). Labrador Retrievers were the highest entry breed with 51. Other top entries include Golden Retrievers with 50 and French Bulldogs with 48.

Monday evening's competition, televised live on CNBC, includes the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups. Tuesday's Group judging consists of Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, followed by the 2016 crowning of Best In Show live on USA Network. This year's Best In Show will be judged by Dr. Richard Meen of Toronto, Canada. He leads a panel of 37 judges from 17 states and two foreign countries.

About Purina Pro Plan:

Nine of the last nine Westminster Best In Show Winners were fueled by Purina Pro Plan. Our goal is to give your dog the nutrition to be his absolute best, helping him to be energetic and resilient, and maintain an ideal body condition, healthy skin and a stunning coat. Our wide range of dry and wet foods, snacks and supplement bars are sold exclusively at pet specialty retailers. For more information, visit www.proplan.com or follow @ProPlan on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Vine or Google+.

About Westminster Kennel Club

The Westminster Kennel Club is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. Established in 1877, Westminster's influence has been felt for more than a century through its famous all-breed, benched dog show held every year at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Today, America's dog show has expanded into Westminster Week which includes the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster and the Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster at Piers 92 /94. More than 3,000 dogs from the US and abroad makes Westminster Week like no other. Westminster. There is only one. Visit us at: www.westminsterkennelclub.org, @WKCDogs

About USA Network

USA Network, the leader in cable entertainment, offers a powerful stable of dramatic, comedic and unscripted originals in more than 102 million U.S. homes. The network also features spectacular live television, a dynamic portfolio of acquired series and the best in blockbuster theatrical films and entertainment events. A trailblazer in digital innovation and storytelling, USA is defining, driving and setting the industry standard for Social TV. USA is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. The award-winning website is located at http://www.usanetwork.com. Watch USA Network anywhere: On Demand, online or across mobile and connected TVs.