Shelter Dog Showdown

Though he’s not a Southern breed, we’re tipping our hats to Flynn, the Bichon Frise who took home the coveted Best in Show purple ribbon at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. But for the non-pedigreed pups out there, Hallmark Channel has created a different kind of competition. On Monday, February 19 at 8 p.m., the home of all things feel-good will premiere the 2018 American Rescue Dog Show to feature shelter and mixed breed dogs and promote pet adoption.

Two Saint Bernards compete for Best in Couch Potato.

While traditional dog shows judge each contestant by its breed standard, the Rescue Dog Show focuses on other, more heartfelt categories: Fetching, Couch Potato, Underbite, Snoring, Senior Dogs, Talking, Kissing, Listening, Wiggle Butt, and Special Needs. The ten group winners will go on to compete for Best in Rescue and because every competitor is either adopted or is adoptable, the winner also receives $25,000 for his or her home shelter. “We are proud to honor rescue pets and raise awareness of how truly special these animals are,” says Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Crown Media Family Networks, the parent company of Hallmark. “There are beautiful animals available at local shelters and we encourage our viewers to choose adoption through our pet programming.”

Host Rebecca Romijn and the show’s mascot, Happy the dog, share a moment on the red carpet.

Below, get a sneak peek of the show along with five of our favorite Southern contenders. And click here to see adoptable pets in your area.

All the Basset Hounds lined up and ready to compete.

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Well, most of the Basset Hounds are ready to compete.

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One of the bulldog competitors who is available for adoption.

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Rick Springfield, one of the celebrity judges, and a pup strike a pose.

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Hosts Rebecca Romijn and Rich Eisen host the show, with a little help.

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Mokee is a Boston Terrier who was rescued in Knoxville, Tennessee. Despite having arthritis, a luxating patella, and gum disease, he’s still charming his way towards Best in Special Needs.

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Allister, a terrier mix from Arkansas, will be competing for Best in Couch Potato. As a trained therapy dog, he’s an expert snuggler.

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Frankie is a Boston Terrier-Shih Tzu mix who was rescued in Knoxville, Tennessee, and will be competing for Best in Underbite.

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Hazel is a Peruvian Inca Orchid mixed with a little bit of German Shepherd. She was rescued from Houston, Texas, and is competing for Best in Talking; she loves to yodel, especially for peanut butter.

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Kody is a French Bulldog from Oklahoma. He’s a senior dog and although he’s very social, he also loves a good nap. He’ll be competing for Best in Snoring.

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Caroline Sanders Clements is the associate editor at Garden & Gun and oversees the magazine’s annual Made in the South Awards. Since joining G&G’s editorial team in 2017, the Athens, Georgia, native has written and edited stories about artists, architects, historians, musicians, tomato farmers, James Beard Award winners, and one mixed martial artist. She lives in North Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, Sam, and dog, Bucket.

Shelter Dog Showdown

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