Plot Synopsis

THE AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW is an annual canine competition that is the only event to feature rescue dogs. Purebred and mixed breeds vie for top honors in adorable categories including Best in Wiggle Butt, Best in Special Needs, Best in Couch Potato and more. The goal of the show is to shine a light on these incredible pets and inspire viewers to adopt their next dog from their local shelter or rescue organization. Whether already in homes or waiting to be adopted, these dogs are all heart and full of personality. The event is taped in front of a live audience at the Fairplex in Pomona, CA.

The inaugural event, hosted by Rebecca Romijn & Rich Eisen, premiered on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 8-11pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel. Jackie, who was adopted at age 10 from A Purposeful Rescue, won the "Best in Rescue" category, as well as $25,000. Other winners, each taking home $5,000, included: Lazarus (adopted from Adopt a Saint) for Best in Couch Potato; Oreo (Forte Animal Rescue) for Best in Fetching; Lizzie (Bullies and Buddies Rescue) for Best in Kissing; Bertie Botts (Hope for Paws) for Best in Listening; Jackie (A Purposeful Rescue) for Best in Senior Dog; Peaches (Smiling Dog Rescue) for Best in Snoring; Charlie (Animal Care Centers of NYC) for Best in Special Needs; Hazel (Abandoned Animal Rescue) for Best in Talking; Andy (The Pixie Project) for Best in Underbite; ad Betty (Dream Team Angels Rescue) for Best in Wiggle Butt.

THE 2019 AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW is a two-night event, premiering from 8-10pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel on Sunday, February 17 and Monday, February 18, 2019. The second annual canine competition is hosted by Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell, who are joined by co-hosts Ross Mathews and Larissa Wohl as they cover all the action ringside and backstage. Guest judges are pet rescue advocates Bill Berloni, Debbie Gibson, Brandon McMillan, Mike Rowe and Lisa Vanderpump. The event once again highlights the heartfelt traits and benefits of mixed breeds and rescued purebreds, including Afghan Hounds, Corgis, Golden Retrievers, Huskies and many more. Categories include Best in Couch Potato, Best in Wiggle Butt, Best in Underbite, Best in Talking, Best in Snoring, Best in Senior, Best in Short 'n Sweet, Best in Special Needs, Best in Smiling and Best in Belly Rubs. The top 10 dogs face off in the finals where one proud pooch will be crowned Best in Rescue. In addition to the competition ring, the show will highlight the importance of fostering homeless dogs and adopting from local animal organizations.

The 3rd annual AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW premiered as a two-night event from 8-10pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel on Sunday, February 16 and Monday, February 17, 2020. Rebecca Romijn and Rodney Peete host the canine competition, the only one of its kind to shine the spotlight on rescue dogs. Ross Mathews and Larissa Wohl serve as co-hosts/sideline reporters. Mixed breeds and purebreds vie for top honors over the two-night event in adorable categories including Best in Snoring, Best in Special Needs, Best in Underbite and more, with the winners in each category facing off for the title of Best in Rescue. Celebrity guest judges include Melissa Peterman, Jennie Garth, Gabby Douglas, Kevin Frazier, and Sandra Lee, and they're joined by these floor judges: David Alexander, Lisa Arturo, Jennifer Gray, and Terry Simons.
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The 2022 AMERICAN RESCUE DOG SHOW debuted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 9-11pm ET/PT on a new network: ABC. Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore host the new special, with Monica McNutt serving as sideline correspondent. Celebrity guest judges include Yvette Nicole Brown, Paula Abdul, and Leslie Jordan. This preeminent dog competition features rescued companions as they strut their fluff, competing for a slew of "best in" titles while stealing America's hearts. These prized pups may be cute, but the competition is fierce. In the two-hour special, rescued dogs from all across the country will compete in seven categories including Best In Underbite, Best In Snoring, Best In Belly Rubs and more. A $10,000 donation to a local animal welfare organization will be made in honor of the winning dog in each category, and each category winner will have the chance to be named the Best In Rescue with an additional $100,000 donation being made in their honor.