'Puppy Games': We are hopeful there won't be any doping scandals

In case you're looking for an alternative to the Olympics bonanza kicking off this weekend, animal lovers can tune into Animal Planet on Friday evening to see 15 kinds of dogs representing different countries compete in the inaugural "Puppy Games."

Rob Burk, Discovery Studios executive producer, said 15 nationalities are represented, including the pug and Shih Tzu for China, the dachshund for Germany, the Dalmatian for Croatia and the English bulldog. The Washington Post reports:

Like the network's popular "Puppy Bowl," the games feature both privately owned and animal-shelter pups (all of which have been adopted) at play in a setting resembling a stadium.

The games were taped in April at a production studio in the District, with staging for puppy gymnastics, boxing, swimming and soccer.

Using five cameras simultaneously to capture multiple angles, the production team recorded 75 hours of tape, edited to three hours. The broadcast airs opposite NBC's Summer Olympics opening ceremonies and will be rebroadcast Aug. 23, the night of the closing ceremonies.

But cat lovers shouldn't feel left out, Animal Planet Media executive producer Melinda Toporoff tells the Post:

"The kitties are in the opening and closing ceremonies with all their dance routines," Toporoff said.

-- Francisco Vara-Orta

Photo: David S. Holloway / Discovery Channel

Comments

[D. Sanders]

Abby is a ringer!!!! She is NOT a Boston Terrier!!!!! A Boston Terrier Mix maybe. But I am still proud to have her represent the USA. GO USA!!!!

[Steph]

I love the puppy games!! It's awesome!!