Posts tagged "AnimalPlanet"

Animal Planet Airing AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Feb 5th 2010 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pets News

Lisa Croft-Elliot/(c) Animal Planet

For two days in December, nearly 4,000 dogs from across the nation and around the world gathered in Long Beach, Calif. to compete in the American Kennel Club (AKC)/Eukanuba National Championship. The event has the distinction of being the only dog show in the United States that is organized and held solely by the AKC, the country's oldest and only not-for-profit purebred dog registry.

With $225,000 in prize money available, the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship is the largest prize-money dog show in the world, according to Animal Planet, which will air highlights from the event on Feb. 6.

Elite dogs competed in several separate events, including Best in Show and AKC invitationals in agility and obedience. In addition, the Eukanuba World Challenge -- presided over this year by Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson -- featured dogs from 41 countries. The event brings together "some of the world's most beautiful and diverse dogs," promises Animal Planet. (Be sure to watch for Sadie, a black Scottish terrier, pictured left, who was ranked the number-one dog going into the competition.)

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship premieres on Animal Planet and also on the Discovery Channel on Saturday, February 6, 2010, from 8-11 PM (ET/PT).

Puppy Bowl Earns 'No Animals Were Harmed'® Disclaimer

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts): Feb 4th 2010 5:00PM Filed Under: Dogs

puppy bowl VI Animal Planet

Forget about the Colts and Saints. This Sunday, we're cheering for the puppies!

For the sixth consecutive year, the "Puppy Bowl" on Animal Planet will provide a fluffy and adorable alternative to the Super Bowl. Viewers will watch 43 puppies play on a scaled-down gridiron. And don't worry; a referee will be there to watch out for "unnecessary ruffness." The halftime entertainment will consist of 20 kittens, while bunny cheerleaders will grace the sidelines throughout the game and a blimp will be flown by some very talented hamsters.

In case that doesn't give you enough of the warm fuzzies, chew on this: All of the puppies, kittens, bunnies and hamsters came from shelters and rescue groups that can be found on PetFinder.com, and almost all of the animals are of mixed breed. Plus, "Puppy Bowl VI" has earned the American Humane Association's "No Animals Were Harmed"® end-credit disclaimer!

Itching to get in on the action? "Puppy Bowl VI" will run on Animal Planet this Sunday, Feb 7 from 3 to 5 p.m. (EST/PST), and you can bone up on the starting lineup before the opening kickoff. (We think Coco looks like she's got real chops, but we have a feeling Jersey Boy might have some serious moves.) If you can't get the rest of your Super Bowl party to change channels, you're still covered. Animal Planet has five consecutive repeats scheduled.

'Pit Boss' Shorty Rossi is Animal Planet's Newest Star

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Jan 28th 2010 4:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Celebrity Pets

Stephanie Diani/Animal Planet

Shorty Rossi, the star of the new reality series, "Pit Boss," may be one of Animal Planet's most colorful characters. He runs Shortywood Productions, a talent management company in Los Angeles, Calif. representing actors who are, like Rossi, little people. He readily admits to having served time in prison for gang-related felonies, but that's all in the past. For the past nine years, Rossi has been rescuing pit bulls, a breed with which he fell in love while growing up in the housing projects of South Central Los Angeles.

Recently, Rossi spoke with Paw Nation about his new show, why he loves pit bulls, and what you should know about little people.

How did the show "Pit Boss" come about?
The producers always saw that I had a compassion for dogs. This is something that hasn't been done before and Animal Planet took the chance. It's been one of the most amazing things because it's about my two passions: rescuing dogs, and my entertainment company.

What is your real name?
My real name is Luigi Francis Shorty Rossi. That's what's on my passport. I changed it years ago while in the entertainment business. When I check into hotels or go on the airplane, my ticket is under Shorty Rossi.

'Groomer Has It' Lets You 'Pimp Your Pooch' Online

by Eliot Glazer (Subscribe to Eliot Glazer's posts): Oct 27th 2009 3:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Animal Sites We Love

Atticus with the Leno. Animal Planet

"Groomer Has It" put down its shears in June, but just because the cameras no longer are rolling on pet 'dos (and don'ts) doesn't mean you have to find another obsession. The marketing wizards behind the Animal Planet show decided to take to the Internets with a silly (albeit ridiculously satisfying) idea that lets you custom-design a stylish new look for your canine.

Upload a photo of your pooch's visage -- or choose from the dozen provided -- and let out your inner fashionista (or, y'know, groomer) by placing on your pooch a brand-spankin'-new 'do inspired by (among others) Whoopi Goldberg, Donald Trump, or Jennifer Aniston.

Doesn't Paw Nation's own in-house ~~guinea pig~~ dog, Atticus, look ready for prime time with "The Jay?"

Animal Planet's 'Dogs 101' Back for Second Season

by Helena Sung (Subscribe to Helena Sung's posts): Oct 3rd 2009 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Health

Fireman Richard Yorkey holding a Dalmatian. Photo: Animal Planet

Are Dalmatians really born without spots? What is a Xoloitzcuintli dog and how the heck do you pronounce it? Why does the Puli look like it has dreadlocks? A bevy of experts, trainers, veterinarians and dog enthusiasts answer those questions and more on the second season of Animal Planet's popular series, "Dogs 101".

Each episode focuses on a few breeds to showcase, imparting tons of information about a particular breed's history, personality and physique, but in a fun and entertaining fashion. "This series is a wink and a nod to what every pet owner knows -- that their dog ... is definitely the best, or the handsomest, or the funniest, or simply the most unusual," Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media, says in a statement.

This season, get ready to learn about some 37 different dog breeds. "Each person thinks their dog is the most special and unique, but a great majority of the breeds this season are ones that people probably never heard of," dog trainer and pet expert, Andrea Arden, tells Paw Nation. There's even an entire episode dedicated to "ugly dogs."

Joining the "Dogs 101" cast this season is Zak George (who has his own new show, "SuperFetch"), a dog trainer who believes anybody can teach their dog to perform any trick. "I talk about the dogs from a training perspective," George tells Paw Nation. "'Dogs 101' talks about the generalities of a breed, but is very responsible about not stereotyping dogs. All dogs have different qualities."

"I get a ton of emails after each show," says Arden. "Viewers really take the shows to heart."

"Dogs 101" premieres Saturday, October 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Animal Planet.

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Camouflage Animals

Madagascar Day Gecko
The green Madagascar Day Gecko lives in the dry regions of forests in Madagascar and neighboring islands. They usually grow to be between four to six inches long. Their tail makes up almost half of their length.

Getty Images

Camouflage Animals

Argentine Horned Frog Reptiles
The Argentine Horned Frog, also known as the Horned Frog or Pacman Frog, originated in South America. The green and black amphibian, which can grow up to six inches long, is a popular pets and can live for as long as 10 years.

Camouflage Animals

Walkingstick
The Walkingstick takes its camouflage abilities to the next level by creating the appearance of a stick or twig to hide from predators. While they normally stand still, these insects are able to walk around as though they were a twig caught in the wind. They can be found in tropical forests or woodlands all across the world.

Camouflage Animals

Dwarf Puff Adder
Found in Nambia, the venomous Dwarf Puff Adder hides from the hot desert sun by burying itself in the sand, where only its eyes show.

Camouflage Animals

Stonefish
Often resembling a rock, the brown colored Stonefish camouflages itself perfectly in the ocean. With 13 venomous dorsal spines on its back, the Stonefish can cause tissue damage and respiratory distress, which can lead to cardiovascular shock if left untreated.

Camouflage Animals

Chameleons
Chameleons, the quintessential color-changers, can transform their skin color when their mood, temperature or the amount of light around them is altered. Their hue, which can vary from yellow and pink to brown and black, is also altered when they communicate.

Camouflage Animals

Green Anole
Often confused with chameleons, Green Anoles turn brown when they're stressed or sick. Found in the trees and shrubs of the Southeastern United States, these lizards are popular pets.

Camouflage Animals

The Eastern Wood Frog
The Eastern Wood Frog tricks competitors by changing colors to match its surroundings. Found in North American woodlands, the frog also has a dark black patch from its eye to the base of its front limb that can change colors.

Camouflage Animals