The Search for the Greatest American Dog

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

23 May 2008 10:31 PM

The other night I saw a preview for a new show that'll premier on CBS this summer called "The Greatest American Dog." From what I can tell it's an American Idol-like contest for dogs. Except not geared so much to their singing talent as their brain ability.

The Premise

It looks like producers scoured the dog-loving free world for any and all kinds of talented dogs. They picked 12 to live together in a house and compete for "Greatest American Dog" honors.

I'm still not sure if they're going to do an American Idol like start to the series where we get to see all the "auditions" for "house privileges" or what. And if there will be eliminations or points awarded and the one with the most at the end gets the grand prize. (Which is $250,000. That's something to howl about.)

The Judges

Zoologist Jarod Miller is set to host the show.

Wendy Diamond (editor-in-chief of Animal Fair), Allan Reznik (editor-at-large for Dog World and Dog Fancy, and Victoria Stilwell (host of "It's Me or the Dog") are set to judge.

When "The Greatest American Dog" Airs

July 10, 2008.

Can There Really Be Such a Thing?

As a culture I think we're too obsessed with competitions. Especially of this nature. Sure, some of these dogs are going to have some really impressive tricks up their paws, but do novel tricks make for "the greatest" dog?

I argue they don't. I happen to think my dog is the greatest -at least for me. (Just like I believe there are thousands of other dog owners out there that feel the same about their beloved pooches too.) Murph's maybe only just above average on the dog intelligence meter, but to me he's brilliant. And while maybe I don't challenge him as much as I should mentally so he knows many a neat trick, he forgives me for that and instead loves to help in any way he can.

It may not be the best reason why I think he's the greatest, but it's why I love my pound hound like I do.

Still, it'll be interesting to see what kind of dog is going to take the reality TV title of Greatest American Dog.

Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

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