2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show behind the scenes chat a success

A 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show behind the scenes chat with the hosts was a fun experience for viewers.

A 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show behind the scenes chat on Facebook Live was a fun experience for fans anxious for dog sports to return.

On Thursday night, May 14, BHDS hosts David Frei and John O’Hurley talked for about a half hour with Carol Bryant of the canine wellness blog Fidose of Reality about the show and life in quarantine.

Bryant is also the current president of the Dog Writers Association of America, and several months ago she helped us with looking into what makes Westminster such a special experience.

Topics covered included the basics of how dog shows work, the recent passing of Frei and O’Hurley’s blood-related Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and their two-decade-long working relationship hosting the BHDS and the National Dog Show.

“It’s not based on the cuteness factor at all – instead the winning dogs are the ones who adhere the closest to the written standard for its breed,” O’Hurley explained.

Though Frei and O’Hurley are in a somewhat impartial position in delivering facts and information about the dogs, O’Hurley still roots for the Golden Retriever to do well, and Frei does the same for the Brittany.

Originally scheduled to air on Palm Sunday, April 5, the coronavirus pandemic then rescheduled it several times due to post-production delays. The actual event was filmed February 29-March 1, before restrictions were put in place. Over 1800 dogs were entered, representing nearly every breed that the American Kennel Club recognizes.

“This year had the best representation in the show’s history, It’s becoming one of the top five shows in the country, and it’s just a nice piece of TV that everyone can watch,” O’Hurley said.

Though O’Hurley’s wife has been busy cooking recipes from the cookbooks of celebrity chef Ming Tsai, for Frei and his wife keep things simpler with Campbell’s Tomato Soup and nacho cheese Doritos, or meatloaf.

They are both staying busy with movies, shows and charity work as well, though Frei is mostly retired and looks forward to enjoying his favorite local restaurant again.

The 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show behind the scenes coverage during the show comes from sportscaster Mary Carrillo, TV personality Mary Menounos and American Ninja Warrior host Akbar Gbaja-Biamilla.

Viewers can watch the 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show presented by Purina on NBC at 8 p.m. ET.