Tweet This Page

This is just an unofficial fan page, we have no connection to any shows or networks.

Please click here to vote for our site!

By Krista

Interview with David Frei and Mary Carrillo of "Westminster Kennel Club Dog" on USA Network 1/19/12

I was at this call, but USA did not have a transcript, and we didn't record it ourselves since we didn't know ahead of time. USA did send some quotes from the interview, below.

I asked the part below about asking Mary what her favorite dog breed was. I also asked another question about whether they had any Belgian Tervurens entered.  They said there were 11 Terverns entered.

David Frei/Mary Carillo Conference Call
1/19/2012
Westminster Kennel Club Dog TV commentators discuss all things canine in advance of February show.

David Frei on 2011 winner Hickory:
“She just had 9 puppies and is living comfortably on a farm in Virginia. We don’t know yet if she is going to be able to make it to the show. We might have to stick her in a cab to get there.”

David on increase in popularity of the show:
“The increase in viewership is because of all the different types of media that we have now. We have the online website, Facebook, and Twitter going strong now. Last year, we had the highest ratings of the last five years and I think that was mainly because of the social media and a lot of people were able to interact with us. We call it a two screen experience and were able to have conversations with the audience about the dogs both before and during the show.”

Mary on working with world class dogs vs. world class athletes:
“At the Olympics I would always notice that the sprinters all have- by necessity- confidence. They are about to run the race of their life that in front of millions. I think terriers, my personal favorite breed, are a lot like this. They show the same kind of confidence at Westminster.”

David on his work with therapy dogs:
“I’m just the guy holding the leash, the dogs really do all the work. It’s really special and great that we can use Westminster to spread the word about therapy dogs. We have had a few Westminster champions that were therapy dogs, most notably Rufus who won in 2006 and James from 2007. Last year we took Hickory to the Ronald McDonald House after she won Westminster. Then in 2008, we took Uno to Milwaukee to throw out the first pitch at the Brewers game and along the way stopped at the Ronald McDonald house there. They usually don’t allow dogs, but they decided that they wanted him there for the families.”

Mary on what her favorite dog breed is:
“I have had a couple of dogs throughout my life. Right now I have a Westie who I am crazy about. I like terriers because of what’s going on inside of their head and in their hearts. I like how bossy they are and how crazy they can be, but they are also sweet and good natured at the same time. I have recently developed a soft spot for rescue dogs as well. I just got my hands on one, Petie, and he is part terrier. He seems like he is really happy and has a great smile.”

David on the new Purina Sponsorship:
“We love Purina. Purina is very involved with rescue dogs. We are happy to have them and so is the dog show world as well. I know that dog’s lives are very important to them and that comes first. They have been very loyal to the dog show world throughout the years. I have been working with them for 10 years now at the National Dog Show. Dog’s lives are very important to them. Whether it’s a rescue dog or any other family pet, that comes first for them.”

“We love Purina. Purina does a lot with rescue dogs more than any other dog company that we know of. We are happy to have them. They have been very loyal to the dog show world throughout the years. I have been working with them for 10 years now at the National Dog show. Dogs lives are very important to them. Whether it’s a rescue dog or any other family pet, that comes first for them. We are all looking forward to working with them this year.”

PLEASE JOIN "WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW" CO-HOSTS DAVID FREI AND MARY CARILLO DISCUSS THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 1PM ET / 10AM PT

The WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW Airs Live on USA Network February 13 and 14 at 8/7c

Please join David Frei and Mary Carillo as they discuss preparations ahead of this year's show, including the introduction of six all-new breeds. Additionally, they will give an update on last year's winner, Hickory, the 2011 Champion Scottish Deerhound. They will also announce upcoming press conferences and media opportunities ahead of the big event taking place live at Madison Square Garden. 

Back to the Main Articles Page

Back to the Main Primetime TV Page

We need more episode guide recap writers, article writers, MS FrontPage and Web Expression users, graphics designers, and more, so please email us if you can help out!  More volunteers always needed!  Thanks!

Page updated 1/8/13