When considering adding a dog to their home.

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM AKC

Contact: Daisy Okas                                                 Date: August 2, 2007
   Phone: 212-696-8343

                “UNDERDOG” PROMPTS AKC TO REMIND POTENTIAL DOG OWNERS TO
             RESEARCH THE RIGHT BREED FOR THEIR LIFESTYLE

–Taking the Time to Pick the Right Breed Makes You The Real Hero— New York, NY—
With the release of the action adventure movie Underdog, the American Kennel Club®
reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions
 

Distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, Underdog is a live re-make of the classic animated
television series of the same name and revives the infamous phrase— “There’s no need
to fear, Underdog is here!” The story features “Shoeshine,” a canine superhero who
gains heroic powers after a mysterious accident occurs in the laboratory of maniacal
scientist Dr. Simon Barsinister. “Shoeshine” uses his new superhero powers to
protect the beleaguered citizens of Capital City as well as his canine sweetheart,
“Polly Purebred.”

The AKC® joins the National Beagle Club, the American Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Club and the American Rottweiler Club in sending the message that
potential puppy owners should carefully research a breed when buying a dog
and should buy only from a reputable source.

“People who see Underdog may think about owning one of the three dog
breeds featured in the film,” said Lisa Peterson, AKC spokesperson. “Each
of these wonderful breeds has its own distinct traits and personalities.
With 157 AKC recognized breeds to choose from, people need
to do their research and select the dog that best fits their family.”

A few facts to think about if you are considering a Beagle:

          • Beagles that have been raised and socialized in the home are truly
"people dogs"; they need companionship and are rarely happy
without their human family around them.

• Their versatility and temperament make them a top choice for families,
as evidenced by their 5th place ranking in AKC’s annual list of the
most popular breeds.

• Beagles take their food very seriously, and so children must be
taught to treat their pets with respect and never to tease or
approach a beagle while eating.

          • Since most beagles are "good eaters," so it’s important monitor
their weight.

• When outdoors, a Beagle must always be kept in a secure environment.
Because of their scenthound heritage, beagles should not be permitted
outdoors off lead unless confined to a safely fenced area.

• Like people, dogs have unique personalities. Some Beagles are very
energetic while others are rather mellow. Always do your research to
find a dog that fits both your expectations and lifestyle.

• For more information go to the National Beagle Club website
at: http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/

Facts to consider about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

• Cavaliers are housedogs who want to be with their human family
members and will follow them from room to room. Puppies need socialization
and training to become well-adjusted, well-trained members of the family.

• This breed loves children who are gentle and well-behaved. Children
who are loud, boisterous or rough will frighten a Cavalier.

• Cavaliers are a long-haired breed and need regular grooming to
avoid a tangled or matted coat.

• A fenced in yard is a must for a Cavalier. The fence and gate must be
secure enough at the bottom so the dog cannot slip or dig out from under,
as well as tall enough (at least 4’).

• The breed has the highest percent increase over the past decade in
terms of popularity -- having moved up the AKC’s list from 75th in
1996 to 27th in 2006 – a 511% increase. Therefore you must be
extra-diligent in locating a reputable breeder as unscrupulous breeders
and importers abound. Always start your search for a Cavalier with
the AKC’s designated parent club, the American Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel Club at http:// www.ACKCSC.org

Facts to consider about the Rottweiler:

          • The Rottweiler is a robust, powerful and loyal breed. He is an outstanding
companion yet because of his size and strength, a commitment to training is a necessity.

          • A large yard with a six-foot high fence is ideal and a yard is essential if a
puppy or young dog is being acquired. If you don't have the space, consider a smaller
or less active breed.

          • If your area has a local Rottweiler club (and there are several in all regions
of the U.S.), attend meetings or contact them for assistance in locating breeders nearby,
or contact the American Rottweiler Club at http://www.amrottclub.org.

To learn more about these breeds, the American Kennel Club and responsible dog
ownership, visit http://www.akc.org

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, 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 nearly 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 20,000 competitions
for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally,
tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field trials and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations
include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information,
visit www.akc.org. AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos
are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.