The National Dog Show, a prestigious event that has been a part of American culture since 1879, brings together the best of the best in the dog world to compete for the coveted title of “Best in Show.” Sanctioned by the American Kennel Club and organized by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, this all-breed benched conformation show is held annually on Thanksgiving Day. It is a celebration of purebred dogs, where breeders, handlers, and dogs showcase their hard work, talent, and beauty to a national audience. Broadcast by NBC since 2002, the show has become a beloved holiday tradition, attracting millions of viewers who tune in to watch the excitement unfold after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
National Dog Show 2025
While the National Dog Show is known for its competition, it is also a family-friendly event that highlights the bond between dogs and their owners, as well as the dedication required in the world of competitive dog shows. The event stands as one of the last remaining benched dog shows in the United States, a format where each dog is individually showcased in its designated space, allowing the public to get up close and personal with the competing canines. The show’s significance extends beyond entertainment; it plays a vital role in the promotion of responsible breeding practices, the preservation of purebred dogs, and the enhancement of dog-owner relationships.
National Dog Show History and Television History
| Key Dates |
Milestones |
| 1879 |
Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show established |
| 1927 |
Show temporarily ends, resumes in 1933 |
| 2002 |
NBC Sports begins televising the show on Thanksgiving |
| 2020 |
Show held behind closed doors due to COVID-19 |
| 2023 |
2023 marked the 144th National Dog Show |
Television History of the National Dog Show
| Year |
Broadcast Information |
| 2002 |
First year aired on NBC |
| 2005 |
Show rebrands as “The National Dog Show” after gaining popularity |
| 2020 |
Show airs behind closed doors due to pandemic restrictions |
| 2023 |
National Dog Show airs after the Macy’s Parade, hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei |
National Dog Show Key Competitions and Winners
| Year |
Breed |
Winner’s Name |
| 2001 |
Labrador Retriever |
Gustavus Brady (“Gus”) |
| 2005 |
Colored Bull Terrier |
Rocky Top’s Sundance Kid (“Rufus”) |
| 2012 |
Wire Fox Terrier |
Afterall Painting the Sky (“Sky”) |
| 2020 |
Scottish Deerhound |
GCH Foxcliffe Claire Randall Fraser (“Claire”) |
| 2025 |
Pug |
GCHG Andi In Cahoots (“Vito”) |
Best in Show History of the National Dog Show
| Year |
Breed |
Winner’s Call Name |
| 2001 |
Labrador Retriever |
Gus |
| 2015 |
Skye Terrier |
Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie (“Charlie”) |
| 2018 |
Whippet |
Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey (“Whiskey”) |
| 2023 |
Sealyham Terrier |
Goodspice Efbe Money Stache (“Stache”) |
National Dog Show Impact on Popular Culture
| Cultural Influence |
Significance |
Holiday Tradition
|
Becomes a part of Thanksgiving celebrations in American households |
| Television Influence |
Reaches millions of viewers annually, drawing attention to the world of purebred dogs |
| Celebrity Engagement |
Frequently features appearances from actors, athletes, and other public figures |
Television Broadcast and Viewership
| Year |
Television Airing Time |
| 2002 |
Televised after Macy’s Parade on NBC |
| 2015 |
Broadcast at noon on Thanksgiving Day |
| 2020 |
Airs behind closed doors with limited access |
| 2023 |
Rebroadcasted on Friday and Saturday evenings |
National Dog Show Role in Promoting Purebred Dogs
| Event Focus |
Impact |
| AKC-Conformational Shows |
Promotes the standards of purebred dog breeding |
| Benched Dog Show Format |
Allows for better understanding and appreciation of breeds |
| Public Engagement |
Encourages responsible breeding and dog ownership |
Benched Dog Show Format: What It Means
| Benched Format Feature |
Purpose and Impact |
| Dogs on Display |
Public can observe dogs up close, learning about breed characteristics |
| Handler Engagement |
Offers opportunity for handlers to interact with the audience |
| Judging Process |
Judges assess dogs while they are on display, providing a transparent process |
National Dog Show Sponsorships and Partnerships
| Sponsor |
Role in Show |
| Nestlé Purina PetCare |
Presenting sponsor for many years |
| The Kennel Club of Philadelphia |
Hosts the event, provides organizational support |
| Pet-related Companies |
Many sponsor specific breeds or provide products for the event |
Corporate Sponsorship of the National Dog Show
| Sponsor |
Contribution |
| Nestlé Purina PetCare |
Financial support and promotional activities during the event |
| Toyota |
Offers car models and promotional events linked with the dog show |
| Comcast |
Broadcasting partner providing media and promotion |
National Dog Show Contribution to Dog Breeding Standards
| Area of Impact |
Details |
| AKC Recognition |
The show plays a role in recognizing and setting breed standards |
| Purebred Integrity |
Showcasing the best representatives of each breed helps preserve breed standards |
| Dog Health and Welfare |
Promotes healthy breeding practices and responsible ownership |
Promoting Breeds and Health Standards
| Breeding Focus |
Goal and Benefits |
| Health Screenings |
Ensures that only healthy dogs are bred, benefiting the future generations of the breed |
| Genetic Diversity |
Aims to avoid inbreeding, maintaining strong gene pools for various breeds |
| Ethical Breeding Practices |
Promotes responsible breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs |
National Dog Show A Family Tradition
| Aspect of Show |
Family Engagement |
| Entertainment for All Ages |
The show appeals to viewers of all generations, creating a fun family event |
| Accessibility |
The event’s televised nature makes it accessible to families across the nation |
| Viewer Participation |
Viewers often root for dogs of specific breeds, enhancing family engagement during the show |
The Family-Friendliness of the National Dog Show
| Feature |
Family Appeal |
| Accessibility via TV |
Families can watch the show together at home during Thanksgiving |
| Kid-Friendly Content |
Educational and enjoyable for children to learn about different dog breeds and their traits |
| Family-Owned Dogs |
Many handlers participate with family-owned dogs, making the event more relatable and warm |
National Dog Show Influence on Dog-Owner Relationships
| Relationship Impact |
Details |
| Strengthens Bond with Pets |
Highlights the deep bond between dog owners and their pets, inspiring others to strengthen their relationships with their dogs |
| Promotes Responsible Ownership |
Encourages pet owners to take care of their dogs and become better stewards of their breeds |
| Inspires Dog Adoption |
Show helps raise awareness of various breeds available for adoption |
Dog-Owner Dynamics at the National Dog Show
| Owner Role |
Significance |
| Caretaker |
Owners often act as caretakers who invest time and effort into training and preparing their dogs |
| Handler |
In many cases, owners double as handlers, showcasing the strong connection they share with their dogs |
| Advocate for the Breed |
Owners represent their breeds, advocating for responsible breeding and fostering awareness about breed characteristics |
National Dog Show in 2025 and Beyond
| Future Plans |
Predictions |
| Continued TV Broadcasts |
The National Dog Show will continue to be a staple on Thanksgiving television |
| Expanding Reach |
Efforts will be made to expand its audience globally, showcasing American dog breeds to the world |
| New Breeds and Categories |
As dog breeding evolves, more breeds may be introduced, and new categories of competition may emerge |
Looking Ahead to the Future of the National Dog Show
| Future Changes |
Significance |
| Virtual Participation |
Incorporating virtual engagement for viewers who can’t attend the show in person |
| Expanded Audience Reach |
Aiming to attract younger audiences and more diverse viewers by expanding the show’s media presence |
| New Judging Categories |
Incorporating new categories or event types to keep the competition fresh and interesting |
National Dog Show Summary
The National Dog Show, a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, showcases the best purebred dogs from around the country. Sanctioned by the American Kennel Club and organized by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the show has been televised by NBC since 2002. It plays a significant role in promoting responsible breeding, dog-owner relationships, and purebred dog standards. The event features a benched format where dogs are displayed for public interaction and judging. With millions of viewers each year, it remains a key cultural event in the United States, celebrating both the beauty and talent of dogs.
