Race Across The World meets Crufts in Amazon’s The Pack: When is it released? Who are the contestants and dogs?

Amazon Prime Video is about to brighten up 2020 with new challenge series The Pack, a TV show that celebrates the pure joy of the relationship between humans and dogs.

Hosted by Olympic gold-medal winning ski racer Lindsey Vonn, the show sends 12 teams of dogs and their humans on an epic adventure across multiple continents.

What’s the prize at the end? The winners take home a life-changing $750,000. $500,000 goes to the winner and the other $250,000 is awarded to the animal charity of their choice.

Adding to the feelgood factor, the show donated another $250,000 during filming to multiple charities and animal rescue organisations in each country it visited, helping to pay it forward to dogs and those who love them around the world.

The series will test the competitors’ bond with their dogs as they face tasks that will test their strengths and weaknesses.

All the challenges are designed by accredited veterinarians and certified dog experts that also accompany the group on their exciting journey, making sure it is a positive experience for everyone.

Here is everything you need to know about The Pack…

When is The Pack released on Amazon Prime Video?

The Pack premieres on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, November 20.

All 10 episodes will be available to stream and watch on the launch date.

Who is The Pack presenter Lindsey Vonn?

Lindsey Vonn is  the most decorated American ski racer in history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. She has won four World Cup overall championships and is one of only two female skiers to do so, winning three consecutive titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010 before adding another in 2012.

Vonn won the gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics, a first for an  American woman. She also won a record eight  World Cup season titles in the downhill  discipline (2008-2013, 2015 & 2016), five titles in super-G (2009–2012 & 2015)  and three consecutive titles in the combined (2010-2012). In 2016, she won her 20th World Cup crystal globe title, the overall record for men or women. Her total of 82 World Cup victories is a women’s record.

She is joined on the show by Lucy, a Cavalier King Charles with long hair and expressive eyes.

Lucy can usually be found "on the slopes with her mom or snoring like her dad".

Who are the contestants on The Pack?

Brian Calvert  &  Dixie

Dixie is a five-year-old Old Bluetick Coonhound. She’s a therapy dog for veterans and a deer-tracking dog. She’s known as Dixie The Praying Dog because Brian taught her how to ‘bow’ down to pray and say thank you to veterans on command. 

Brian is a 47-year-old man from Camby, Indiana. For half of the week, Brian drives semi-trucks while taking Dixie to public appearances and events for the rest of the week. Both Brian and Dixie have dedicated their lives to helping veterans, kids, and anyone who might need a smile.

Brian and Dixie have a custom Jeep Wrangler with Dixie’s signature logo on it. They drive around in the Jeep participating in parades, escorting charity motorcycle rides, and escorting veterans’ funerals.

Chelsey Lowe & Gryffin

Gryffin and Chelsey currently live in Newport Beach, California, where they enjoy doing activities such as surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, yoga, beach volleyball, and  anything  else  outdoors. Chelsey played college volleyball at UC Santa Barbara and is a yoga instructor.

Chelsey found Gryffin at just seven weeks old about seven years ago, on her way home from a trip, and Gryffin hasn’t left her side since. They do everything together. Chelsey even brings her to work, teaching her yoga classes with Gryffin by her side.

Chisum Joe Johnson & Kepo

Kepo joined Chisum’s family in 2017. Chisum initially got Kepo as a friend to his older dog (who has since died) and a new friend for him. Chisum began to train Kepo as a tracking pup, and through that, they developed a close bond. Chisum says he didn’t realise how smart a dog could be until he befriended Kepo.

Chisum credits Kepo for keeping him grounded after a stressful day at the fire station.

Daniel Reese & Allister

Four years ago, Daniel Reese was blessed to be in the right place at the right time to rescue Allister, his sweet Wired Haired Rat Terrier, who is now Daniel’s forever fur best friend. Allister is always ready for the next big adventure. Daniel gets so much love from Allister that he now wants to share that feeling with the world.

Donna Modafferi & Charlie

Donna Modafferi and her Schnoodle (a Schnauzer-Poodle cross) Charlie currently reside in New York City. Donna fell in love with Charlie’s adorable face from a photo she saw online, proving there is such a thing as love at first sight. When Donna brought Charlie home in July 2016, Charlie fit into Donna’s little family perfectly and has brought them so much joy and love ever since.

Josh White & Snow

Josh has a three-year-old Standard Poodle named Snow. Josh loves to groom Snow, changing up her look to then go out and take photos of her! Snow enjoys all the attention and all the love, but most of all, she just enjoys spending time with Josh – and Josh enjoys spending all his time with her!

Kioni 'Kentucky' Russell Gallahue & Derby

Kentucky got Derby from  a loving family that realized that they couldn’t take care of him and needed to re-home  him. Kentucky took him in, and they have been best friends ever since. Once living with Kentucky, Derby discovered a whole new world, and Kentucky helped give Derby the confidence to enjoy and explore it.

Derby came into Kentucky’s life at a low point, and he helped get Kentucky through the hard times and start a new life in San Diego. Together they are inseparable. They love to surf, ride motorcycles, and find new, fun, crazy activities together.

Linh Iacona & Chance

After suddenly losing her first dog, a senior rescue, Linh searched on Petfinder, found Chance (who at the time was called Griff) and drove eight hours to pick him up at his foster home. At only six weeks old, he was found homeless roaming the streets of  Kentucky before he was transported to Pennsylvania to be fostered. 

Linh adopted Chance at three and a half months old, and now he’s living his best life in Brooklyn.

Lucy Riles & Duchess

Duchess is an eight-year-old Black Lab who loves tennis balls and playing fetch with Lucy, a Stay-at-Home Mom of four kids, two dogs and wife to one husband. Duchess and Lucy’s bond began when Duchess was four months old.

With a toddler and baby already in tow, Lucy decided to adopt Duchess from Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue. But as the years went on, it’s pretty clear that Duchess was the one doing the rescuing all along.

The unconditional love, security, companionship and emotional support Duchess has provided Lucy and her kids has got their family through some of life’s most devastating losses and obstacles.

Not only has Duchess saved the lives and hearts of Lucy and her family, but Duchess is also about to win over your hearts as well! This duo may be the oldest female team on The Pack and viewed as a couple of underdogs... but never underestimate the inner strength of a mum and her lab. Lucy and Duchess are here to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Mark LeBlanc & Ace

Mark is a 31-year-old mechanical engineer and professional photographer with a furry best friend in Ace, a 10-year-old Border Collie. Mark specifically wanted a breed that could match his physical abilities and intensity, and Ace was exactly that .

They love to push themselves to the limit in the mountains. Living in Salt Lake City, Utah,  they are always active outdoors doing  things  like  rock  climbing, backcountry  skiing,  mountain biking,  and trail running. At six months old, Ace was catching frisbees 30 yards away, and at 10 years old, a 10-mile trail run is simply a warm-up. Together, Mark and Ace have an unbreakable bond and a thrill for adventure.

Mitra Najibeth Yosri & Bozley

Nine years ago, Mitra Yosri met Bozley, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Bozley escorted Mitra when she made the life-changing decision to move from Utah to Los Angeles, and they do absolutely everything together.

With the unconditional love and companionship that Bozley has always provided her, Mitra has been able to take risks and pursue her dreams. Today, Mitra and Bozley enjoy cuddling and hiking through the hills of Eagle Rock and sharing food. Mitra is happiest at  home with Bozley and her two cats.

Bozley is happiest trying to catch flies and never leaving Mitra’s side.

Vania  Zuniga & Jax

Jax is a goofy three-year-old Golden Retriever who loves to be attached to Vania’s hip (unless there is a squirrel around). This pair loves to spend their time soaking up the sun at the beach. Jax loves to put a smile on anyone’s face, but be careful because his dog hair gets everywhere!

Watch The Pack on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, November 20.