John O’Hurley has been the cherished host of The National Dog Show since its inception in 2002, attracting millions of viewers every Thanksgiving Day. As families around the nation have embraced this annual event as a holiday staple, O’Hurley also shares insights into his own family’s Thanksgiving traditions during a conversation with PEOPLE.
The O’Hurley household celebrates the day with delicious food, quality time with loved ones, and of course, dogs. “I have spent every single Thanksgiving in New York City, and I go to a specific Italian restaurant,” O’Hurley, 71, reveals. “We have a wonderful — either traditional or Italian — Thanksgiving dinner.” This routine highlights the importance of family connections during the holiday.
In addition to their culinary traditions, O’Hurley’s family has participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since his son’s birth, which makes the event even more special. “We’re always at the beginning of the Macy’s parade. It’s been historically in our family and a tradition ever since my son was born,” he notes. As his son nears his 19th birthday, the tradition continues, bringing joy and nostalgia with each passing year.
As the National Dog Show takes center stage, O’Hurley mentions that his teenage son has started to take on a more active role, conducting interviews with dog show analysts, handlers, and the remarkable dogs themselves. Hosting the show has been a significant highlight for O’Hurley. He reflects, “The fact that this has become a national tradition… We have an audience of between 20 and 30 million people watching every Thanksgiving.”
O’Hurley’s love for dogs extends beyond the screen; he has authored several books that discuss the life lessons learned from these loyal companions, exemplified by titles such as It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump and Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework.
The National Dog Show not only celebrates the diversity of dog breeds but also acknowledges the essential role dogs have played throughout history. O’Hurley elaborates, “We wouldn’t be here without them. They’ve become our lifesavers and continue to this day.” Today’s dogs serve as invaluable service animals and contribute significantly in various fields, including the military and search-and-rescue, demonstrating their enduring significance in human lives.
Presented by Purina, The National Dog Show features an impressive lineup of up to 2,000 dogs from nearly 200 different breeds in a competition approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The show, which draws inspiration from the acclaimed movie Best In Show, will be available for streaming from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET on NBC on November 27, offering a heartwarming celebration of dogs and their rich history alongside families gathered for the holiday.