SILVER SPRING, Md. — On Saturday and Sunday, more than 150 breeds of the world's most competitive and coiffed canines compete for the "National Champion" title at the sixth annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, Calif. These four-footed stars prance around the ring, exuding enthusiasm and sheer anticipation when the winner is announced.

Live for the third consecutive year, Animal Planet broadcasts this renowned international event, which returns to the Long Beach Convention Center after its two-year run in Tampa, Fla. The televised event, beginning at 3 p.m. Hawai'i time on both days, is hosted by former Entertainment Tonight personalities Bob Goen and Leanza Cornett and is simulcast on the Discovery Channel.

"With more than 3,000 dogs in competition and an expected attendance of at least 25,000 spectators covering nearly 400,000 square feet of space, this is a one-of-a-kind canine extravaganza," said Gina DiNardo Lash, AKC spokesperson. "This unique event offers numerous onsite attractions and demonstrations including 150 'AKC Meet the Breed' booths, and exciting agility and obedience competitions. Whether you attend in person or watch our live broadcast on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel this is an event that will entertain and educate all animal lovers."

The event features a slate of thousands of the world's finest dogs as they gather for the coveted and crowning title. Nearly 3,000 dogs from every AKC-recognized breed and variety competed in last year's competition; this included dogs from all 50 states and 20 foreign countries.

The championship provides in-depth competition coverage and behind-the-scenes features about the owners, breeders, trainers and handlers. In addition, Animal Planet shares expert health and training tips and personal stories of some of finest dogs of their breeds, making this a show that's more than just standards, points and judges.

Dog lovers in the Los Angeles/Long Beach area have the opportunity to witness the excitement of the show for themselves. The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship continues its tradition of highlighting responsible dog ownership with "Meet the Breeds," a showcase of the wide variety of breeds. It's a chance to meet members of the canine fancy who share their insights and expertise on the breeds' unique qualities and characteristics.

"The dogs shown at this competition are examples of the work of responsible breeders — people who dedicate their lives to the sport and to creating the most ideal examples of their breed," said Ron Menaker, show chairman. "Watching or attending ... is an ideal way for any dog lover to learn more about purebred dogs and to witness the human/canine bond."

The championship offers the only sizeable monetary award in dog shows, with cash and prizes totaling more than $225,000. The national champion wins $50,000. The previous best-in-show winner, CH Nanuke's Snoklassic No Boundaries, an Alaskan malamute better known as "Costello," earned more than $80,000 when he was crowned national champion, best bred-by-exhibitor in show, and viewer's choice, all on the same night.