Smallscreen News

Westminster Dog Show begins February 15, Hall replaces Lopez

By April MacIntyre Feb 1, 2010, 4:45 GMT

Out sadly, Mario Lopez Fame Pictures, Inc - Santa Monica, CA, USA

Dogs and contests are like peanut butter and chocolate, a great combination.

USA Network announced that Mario Lopez is out as the co-host of the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Pedigree.   Replacing him is MSNBC's Tamron Hall. The show is America’s second longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby. 

Hall will be co-hosting the event with David Frei in his 21st consecutive year with the show.   Also joining the team again this year will be NBC Sports’ Tiffany Simons as a sideline reporter. 

On Monday, February 15, USA will air the first hour of the show at 8pm and will then switch over to CNBC for the 9-11pm ET/PT portion of the broadcast.  On Tuesday, February 16, USA will air all three hours, including the crowning of the 2010 Best in Show, from 8-11pm ET/PT.

"I've been a dog lover my entire life,” says Hall. “I currently have two furry 'best friends' in my family, and I can't wait for the show. I'm honored to be given the opportunity to join this team."  

Hall anchors MSNBC Live weekday mornings and co-anchors weekday afternoons from 3-4 PM ET. Hall can also be seen on NBC News as a fill-in correspondent and newsreader for “The Today Show” and “Weekend Today.”

This year also introduces three newly recognized breeds to the main event. The Irish Red and White Setter joins the Sporting Group; the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd debut in the Herding Group. 

Despite its name, the Irish Red and White Setter is a distinct breed, not just a different colored version of the Irish Setter. Bred primarily for the field, they are strong, powerful and athletic, with a keen and intelligent attitude.

Once the cherished companion of Vikings, the Norwegian Buhund is a versatile farm dog from Norway that herds livestock, guards property and has been used for hunting game. The Pyrenean Shepherd is also known by its French name, Berger des Pyrénées, but fanciers of the breed in America often shorten his name to "Pyr shep." 

Entries for the 2010 show totals 2,500 dogs, representing 48 states, the District of Columbia and at least eight foreign countries. The largest entries hail from California (251) and New York (224).

The highest breed entered this year came from the Australian Shepherds with 44; other large entries include Rhodesian Ridgebacks (43), Labrador Retrievers (42), Golden Retrievers (40), Pugs (36), French Bulldogs (36) and German Shorthaired Pointers (36).  

There are also 120 entries in Junior Showmanship, where young handlers ages 9-18 compete based only on their handling abilities with their dogs.  

This year’s Best in Show will be judged by Mr. Elliott Weiss of Eagle, Idaho.  He heads a panel of 41 judges from 18 states.   
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's Madison Square Garden. 

For additional information, log on to www.westminsterkennelclub.org.