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For millions of families, Thanksgiving isn't complete without watching the National Dog Show. This beloved tradition has been bringing joy to living rooms across America for over two decades, turning Turkey Day into a celebration of our furry friends. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering this heartwarming competition for the first time, we've got everything you need to know about this year's show — from when to tune in to which adorable breeds are competing for the coveted Best in Show title.
The National Dog Show is one of America's most prestigious dog competitions, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia — an organization that's been celebrating canine excellence since 1879. Every year, nearly 2,000 dogs representing over 200 breeds gather to compete for top honors. What makes this show extra special is its Thanksgiving Day broadcast on NBC, which has been delighting viewers since 2002. With nearly 20 million people tuning in annually, it's become the most-watched dog show in the country and a cherished holiday tradition that brings families together right after the Macy's parade.
The National Dog Show airs every Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2PM in all time zones on NBC. The timing is perfect — it comes on right after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ends, giving you something perfect to watch while the turkey finishes cooking. (The actual competition takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving.) If you miss the live broadcast, don't worry — NBC typically offers streaming options through their website and on Peacock so you can catch up on all the tail-wagging action.
The path to Best in Show is quite the journey. Dogs first compete at the breed level, where they're judged against the official standard for their breed — think of it as comparing each pup to their breed's ideal blueprint. Winners from each breed then advance to compete in 1 of 7 groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. The 7 group winners then face off in the final round, where one lucky dog takes home the Best in Show title and a $20,000 prize. Judges evaluate everything from coat quality and movement to temperament and how closely each dog matches their breed standard. It's serious business, but the dogs seem to love every minute of the spotlight.
Each of the 7 groups showcases different types of dogs with unique histories and purposes. The Sporting Group features athletic breeds like retrievers and spaniels, while the Working Group includes powerful dogs bred for jobs like guarding and pulling sleds. Terriers bring their feisty personalities, Toys charm with their petite size and the Herding Group demonstrates the intelligence of breeds developed to manage livestock. The Non-Sporting Group is the most diverse, featuring everything from Dalmatians to Poodles. Keep an eye out for any newly recognized breeds — this year, the Lancashire Heeler made its debut after gaining official AKC recognition.
The show wouldn't be the same without its charismatic hosting team. John O'Hurley (you might remember him as J. Peterman from “Seinfeld”), dog expert David Frei and NBC Olympics host Mary Carillo guide viewers through the competition with warmth, humor and fascinating breed insights. They make the show accessible whether you're a dog show pro or just love watching adorable pups strut their stuff. Speaking of adorable, the 2024 show made history when Vito, a 2-year-old pug, became the first of his breed ever to win Best in Show. The previous year, a charming Sealyham Terrier named Stache took home the top prize. Each winner brings their own special personality to the competition, reminding us why we love dogs so much.
Watching the National Dog Show can become a fun family tradition with a little creativity. Consider making it interactive by having everyone pick their favorite dog from each group, or create bingo cards with different breeds and characteristics to spot. Kids especially love learning about the different breeds and their original purposes — did you know Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, or that Newfoundlands are natural water rescue dogs? The show offers a wonderful opportunity to talk about responsible pet ownership and what makes each breed special.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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