“Get Ready for the National Dog Show: A Thanksgiving Tradition Like No Other!”
The National Dog Show, a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, is set to air once again this year on NBC. The event will feature over 2,000 of the country’s top dogs competing for the title of Best in Show. These dogs represent 205 different breeds, ranging from Australian shepherds to Yorkshire terriers.
The dogs will be categorized into seven groups based on their breed characteristics and intended functions: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding. They will compete within their groups for First in Group, and then the seven finalists will face off for the prestigious Best in Show title, along with a $20,000 prize.
Judges will evaluate the dogs based on their appearance, temperament, and structure, comparing them to the ideal standard for their breed. Past winners include Stache the Sealyham terrier, Winston the French bulldog, Claire the Scottish deerhound, Thor the bulldog, Whiskey the whippet, and Newton the Brussels Griffon.
The tradition of dog shows dates back to mid-19th century England and made its way to the U.S. shortly after the Civil War. The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, has been held annually since 1933 and is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club.
The event became a Thanksgiving staple after NBC Sports executive Jon Miller was inspired by the movie “Best in Show” and decided to give it a try in the Thanksgiving time slot. The show has been a hit ever since, with high ratings and a dedicated audience.
This year’s show will feature a record number of 205 breeds, including the newest addition, the Lancashire heeler. These dogs, originally bred as cattle herders and ratters, are classified as part of the herding group. Lancashire heelers are known for their intelligence, versatility, and affectionate nature.
The National Dog Show will air on NBC directly after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, from noon to 2 p.m. in all time zones. It will also be available for streaming on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. For those looking for more dog show content, past shows from 2013 to 2023 are also available to stream on Peacock.