Root for the Underdog

While competitive sports have yet to catch on in some circles of the animal kingdom, dogs have the special combination of people-pleasing showmanship and a natural jealous streak when they get around their own kind that makes them perfect professional athletes. And unlike the physically stressful competitions you might see in Beijing this summer, the Chomp-ionship at Muttropolis offers such mellow options as wagging, howling and an eat-off. These contestants may not have quite the training of the Olympic athletes, but they also couldn't care less how they perform as long as someone says, "Who's a good boy?" after they're done.
Sat., July 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 2008