Comedian Heather McMahan Joins the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin for New Viewer's Choice Awards

ST. CHARLES, MO., (Dec. 12, 2024) - Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition and one of the billion-dollar brands of Mars, Incorporated, is partnering with actress, comedian and writer Heather McMahan for this year's 2024 AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin. The two are teaming up to celebrate how our dogs make us better and to bring the new virtual Viewer's Choice Awards to dog lovers eagerly anticipating the show. Royal Canin and Heather McMahan, who recently released her second comedy special Breadwinner and announced her third comedy tour, will give consumers an interactive experience that offers the opportunity to learn more about the criteria that is required for Best in Show.

While most household pets never compete on the show floor, every dog has a significant impact on our lives and brings out our best – and Heather McMahan knows exactly that. "With two French Bulldogs in my house, Rigatoni and Macaroni, I like to give them the best of the best especially when it comes to their food, which is why partnering with Royal Canin was an 'absolutely yes,'" said Heather McMahan. "I could not be more excited to head to the AKC National Championship and see these dogs doing the most to be at the top of their game. All my fellow dog lovers out there need to kick up their feet and join me in watching the show, you won't want to miss this."

The judging process of the AKC National Championship's Best in Show can often feel arbitrary to casual viewers, making it difficult for them to recognize all of the elements that go into crowning a champion. To address this and offer a chance to learn more about the 201 breeds competing, and the criteria judges are looking for, Royal Canin is introducing its fun, new Viewer's Choice Awards experience, inviting dog lovers to participate in the action first-hand.

The Viewer's Choice Awards will feature:

• Heather McMahan as the virtual host, who will participate in the live chat, offering commentary and sharing her experience from being at the show;
• An opportunity for participants to vote on competing dogs and score each breed based on the judge's criteria in real-time;
• A comparison of an individual's scores with other's participating;
• A live leaderboard that will track judging accuracy, giving top participants bragging rights.
  ​

"At Royal Canin, we understand the unique potential of each breed and are passionate about providing them with tailored nutrition for their specific needs," said Don MacIntosh, vice president of the professional division at Royal Canin North America. "As we prepare for the AKC National Championship, we look forward to partnering with Heather McMahan to celebrate dogs who are competing for Best in Show and all our dogs because they continue to bring out the best in each of us."

The 2024 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, will air Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, from 2 – 5 p.m. ET on ABC. During the broadcast, viewers are invited to participate in the Royal Canin Viewer's Choice Awards with Heather McMahan for an immersive experience. To learn more, visit https://akcroyalcanin.interactnow.tv/.

To learn more about the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, visit https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/national-championship/.

About ROYAL CANIN®:

ROYAL CANIN^® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN^® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.

Over the years, ROYAL CANIN^® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet’s age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.

ROYAL CANIN^® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.

To learn more about ROYAL CANIN^®, visit www.royalcanin.com

About The American Kennel Club:

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.