Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s a celebration of man’s best friend as well. Each year, millions of Americans look forward to a cherished holiday tradition: The National Dog Show. This month, about 2,000 of the country’s most distinguished dogs gather in Philadelphia to compete for esteemed titles in their breed categories and the ultimate Best in Show award, showcasing 205 breeds ranging from the Australian shepherd to the Yorkshire terrier.
The show will be broadcast on NBC this Thursday, following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking its 22nd consecutive year on air.
Here’s how the competition is structured: dogs are divided into seven categories based on their breed characteristics and intended roles—these include sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding. Each dog competes for the title of First in Group within their category, and the winners then compete for the Best in Show title. The victor not only earns the title but also receives a prize of $20,000.
While each dog is considered a champion in its own right, judges assess them based on how closely they align with the judge’s mental image of the perfect dog as defined by the breed standards, which encompass qualities such as appearance, temperament, and structure. Last year’s winner was a charming Sealyham terrier named Stache, while previous victors include Winston the French bulldog and Claire the Scottish deerhound.
Dog shows first emerged in mid-19th century England and soon made their way to the United States shortly after the Civil War. The first dog show in the U.S. took place in Chicago in 1874, hosted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The Westminster Kennel Club’s show, established in 1877, still runs today and is the second oldest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., trailing only the Kentucky Derby.
The National Dog Show, originally known as the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show, was established in 1879 and has been held annually since 1933, sanctioned by the AKC which means it features only purebred dogs registered with the club.
So, how did watching dogs become a cozy Thanksgiving pastime? The influence of the 2000 film “Best in Show” was significant in this shift. NBC Sports’ Jon Miller was inspired after watching the satirical film and realized that a real dog show would resonate with viewers during the lull between the morning parade and afternoon football games. Persuading Purina to sponsor the event and the Philadelphia Kennel Club to adopt the name “National Dog Show,” NBC aired the show for the first time in 2002. The ratings were strong, and it has continued to be a Thanksgiving staple ever since, with the familiar commentary of Seinfeld actor John O’Hurley and presenter David Frei.
In summary, The National Dog Show is a delightful celebration that uplifts spirits during the festive holiday season, bringing families together in their love for dogs. This heartwarming tradition beautifully combines the joy of Thanksgiving with admiration for canines, reminding us that while families gather for a meal, there is room for four-legged friends in the festivities.