George Lopez to host World Dog Awards on The CW

The CW Network announced George Lopez will serve as host for the inaugural The World Dog Awards, making its debut Thursday, Jan. 15 (8-10 p.m. ET), on The CW Network. Filmed at the aptly named Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, Saturday, Jan. 10, The World Dog Awards will combine the glamour of a Hollywood awards show with the appreciation for man's best friend.

Lopez's multi-faceted career encompasses television, film, standup comedy and late-night television. For two seasons, Lopez hosted late-night television talk show "Lopez Tonight," which represented his return to television after co-creating, writing, producing and starring in the hit sitcom "George Lopez."

Along with Lopez, dog-loving celebrities scheduled to appear include Beth Behrs ("Two Broke Girls"), Ian Somerhalder ("The Vampire Diaries"), JB Smoove ("Top Five"), Andy Cohen ("Watch What Happens: Live"), Jason Gann ("Wilfred"), Justin Silver ("Dogs in the City"), singer Lance Bass, Lisa Vanderpump ("The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"), Mark Feuerstein ("Royal Pains"), Nikki Reed (the "Twilight" films), Perrey Reeves ("Entourage"), Robert Herjavec ("Shark Tank"), Ross Mathews ("E! News"), G. Hannelius ("Dog with a Blog") and many more. 

The World Dog Awards will honor some of the most laudable pups on the planet, from the ones who have achieved fame in world of entertainment or on social media to everyday dogs who have had an indelible impact on the lives of their human companions. Awards will be handed out for Best in Film, Top TV Dog, Supporting Actor to a Dog and Dog of the Year to name a few.

Fans will be able to participate by voting on several viewer-generated categories at www.worlddogawards.com, including awards for "Most Pawpular" (awarded to the dog with the most influential social media presence) and "Hot Dog" (awarded to the most talented extreme sports dog).

Pedigree Brand is partnering with The World Dog Awards to help drive awareness for dogs in need. Through its philanthropic organization, Pedigree Foundation, the brand and The CW can help more dogs find loving homes. By using the hashtag #dogtales, viewers can join in and share their own "Dog Tales" - stories about the special relationships they have with their adopted dogs. Select stories shared using the hashtag will be featured during the broadcast.

Categories for The World Dog Awards include:

AWARDS

Best in Film: Awarded to the best dog-centric film of the past 25 years

Top TV Dog: Awarded to the top dog in a current television series

Celebrity Dog Selfie: Awarded to the top social media-posted selfie featuring a celebrity and his or her dog

Supporting Actor to a Dog: Awarded for the best performance by a human actor alongside a dog

Best Actor Playing a Dog: Awarded for the best performance by an actor in the role of a dog

Top Movie Dog: Awarded for the best contemporary performance by a dog in a film

A-List Dog: Awarded to the celebrity dog that has made the biggest impact in the media

Dog of the Year: Awarded to the dog that has made the biggest impact in pop culture this year

Top Spot: The best television commercial starring a dog

Best Mascot: Honoring the most beloved cheerleader in a dog costume from collegiate sports

VIEWER-GENERATED CATEGORIES

Most Pawpular: Awarded to the dog with the most influential social media presence

Performing Pups: Awarded to the best performing dog

Happiest Reunion: Awarded for the most inspiring moment when a soldier and his or her dog were reunited

Hot Dog: Awarded to the most talented extreme sports dog

America's Top Mutt: Showcasing the cutest, funniest and most ridiculous mutts

Most Dog-Like Cat: Awarded to the cat with the most canine personality traits

HONORARY CATEGORIES

Dog's Best Friend: Presented by the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), this award will go to the celebrity who has advanced the welfare of homeless dogs and dog-related causes

K911: Presented by Subaru, this award will go to a dog that is an everyday superhero for helping to save a child's life

"The Dog's Life" Achievement Award: Awarded to an iconic dog character in popular culture that has had a huge cultural impact

Underdog: This honor is bestowed upon a pup that has overcome incredible obstacles or odds