HALLMARK CHANNEL ANNOUNCES NEW, ORIGINAL SPECIAL 'BEST IN SHOW SHELTER DOG CHAMPIONSHIP,' A NATIONAL SEARCH FOR AMERICA'S REAL TOP DOGS, PREMIERING 2018

Program Part of Crown Media Family Networks' Corporate Pet Initiative to Empty the Shelters

STUDIO CITY, CA - August 1, 2017 -- Hallmark Channel announces its own Crown Media Productions will produce a new Original Special, "Best in Show Shelter Dog Championship," which premieres on the network Monday, February 12, 2018. The special will feature dogs up for adoption in shelters across America. The announcement was made at the network's bi-annual Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.

Rather than relying on the arbitrary areas of conformation, money, color and size, "Best in Show Shelter Dog Championship" will focus on the heartfelt traits and benefits of mixed breeds who typically live longer and healthier lives. The show's official mascot is the network's own rescued and adopted pet, Happy the Dog. In addition to starring in movies and specials, Happy the Dog is a certified therapy dog and emotional support animal for sick children.

"At Crown Media Family Networks, we are about more than platforms: our heritage brand is about heart and emotional connection," said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Crown Media Family Networks (home of Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Hallmark Drama, and Hallmark Movies Now).

"'Best in Show Shelter Dog Championship' is another great opportunity to create programming that showcases the beautiful animals waiting for homes at your local shelter and it underscores our company's commitment to shelter pet adoption until all of the shelters are empty. This dog show will prove that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and that all dogs are beautiful regardless of color, shape or size," Abbott concluded.

The special will feature dog shelters across the country. Unlike other dog shows, "Best in Show Shelter Dog Championship" will advocate for mandatory spay-neuter programs as ultimately being "pro-dog." All entrants will exhibit common dog "skills" and compete in a number of categories: Best Rescue Story, Best Smile, Most Cuddly, Messiest Eater, Best Tail Wag, Special Needs and 'Best in Show' for Dog with the Most Heart. A grand prize of $25,000 will be given to the shelter entering the canine who wins Best in Show.

In addition to competition in the ring, "Best in Show Shelter Dog Championship" will include heartwarming stories of courageous dogs who have overcome tremendous odds to be rescued and to find forever homes.

ABOUT HALLMARK CHANNEL

Hallmark Channel is Crown Media Family Networks' flagship 24-hour cable television network, distributed nationwide in high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) to 88 million homes. As the country's leading destination for quality family entertainment, Hallmark Channel delivers on the 100-year legacy of the Hallmark brand. In addition to its signature new, original movies, the network features an ambitious lineup of other new, original content, including scripted primetime series, such as "Good Witch," "When Calls the Heart" and "Chesapeake Shores"; annual specials including "Kitten Bowl" and "Hero Dog Awards"; and a daily, two-hour lifestyle show, "Home & Family." Additionally, Hallmark Channel is the exclusive home to world premiere presentations of the acclaimed Hallmark Hall of Fame franchise. Dedicated to helping viewers celebrate life's special moments, Hallmark Channel also offers annual holiday programming franchises, including "Countdown to Christmas," "Countdown to Valentine's Day," "Summer Nights," "Fall Harvest" and "Winterfest." Rounding out the network's diverse slate are some of television's most beloved comedies and series, including "The Golden Girls," "The Middle," "Last Man Standing," and "Frasier." Hallmark Cards, Inc. owns and operates Crown Media Family Networks. Hallmark Channel on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube