One of the most beloved Thanksgiving traditions, the National Dog Show, returns to NBC and Peacock on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year’s event promises to showcase over 1,900 dogs competing for the prestigious title of Best in Show. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 National Dog Show, including how it works, where to watch it, and who has claimed the title in past years.
What is the National Dog Show?
The National Dog Show is one of the most recognized purebred dog competitions in the world, hosted annually by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia since 1879. Sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the event features only AKC-registered purebred dogs, with 212 breeds and varieties represented. This year, 1,940 dogs from 205 different breeds will compete in the show, which is divided into seven groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
The National Dog Show has been televised on NBC since 2002, right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The show is hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei, who have been presenting the event together since its first broadcast. Mary Carillo and Britney Eurton will also provide additional commentary and behind-the-scenes insights from the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, where the show is held.
Where is the 2024 National Dog Show?
The 2024 National Dog Show takes place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, where it has been hosted for many years.
How Can I Watch the National Dog Show?
Date: November 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time (ET)
TV Network: NBC
Live Streaming: You can stream the event via Peacock, NBC Sports, or the NBC Sports app, available on various devices including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire.
How Does the National Dog Show Work?
The National Dog Show is organized into a multi-round competition. In the first round, dogs are judged against others of the same breed, with winners advancing as “Best in Breed.” These breed winners then compete in one of the seven groups based on their category (e.g., sporting, hound, working). Each group winner is crowned “First in Group” and moves on to the final round.
The final round features the best dogs from each group, who will compete for the coveted title of Best in Show. This ultimate winner is judged against others based on how well they meet the breed’s specific standards.
What is the Prize for Best in Show?
The Best in Show winner is awarded the prestigious ribbon, symbolizing their top position in the competition. Additionally, the winning dog takes home a prize of $20,000.
Who Won the 2023 National Dog Show?
In 2023, Stache, a Sealyham Terrier, claimed the Best in Show title, beating over 1,850 dogs representing 199 breeds. Stache made history as the first Sealyham Terrier to win Best in Show, and the first terrier since 2015 to claim the crown. The Sealyham Terrier, known for its signature white coat, was originally bred for hunting small game and remains a popular working and companion dog.
Past Best in Show Winners
- 2023: Stache (Sealyham Terrier)
- 2022: Winston (French Bulldog)
- 2021: Claire (Scottish Deerhound)
- 2020: Claire (Scottish Deerhound)
- 2019: Thor (Bulldog)
- 2018: Whiskey (Whippet)
- 2017: Newton (Brussels Griffon)
- 2016: Gia (Greyhound)
- 2015: Charlie (Skye Terrier)
- 2014: Nathan (Bloodhound)
- 2013: Jewel (American Foxhound)
- 2012: Sky (Wire Fox Terrier)
- 2011: Eira (Wire Fox Terrier)
- 2010: Clooney (Irish Setter)
- 2009: Sadie (Scottish Terrier)
- 2008: Holly (Pointer)
- 2007: Swizzle (Australian Shepherd)
- 2006: Vikki (Toy Poodle)
- 2005: Rufus (Colored Bull Terrier)
- 2004: Gracie (Smooth Fox Terrier)
- 2003: Raisin (Doberman Pinscher)
- 2002: Miki (Standard Poodle)
Conclusion
The 2024 National Dog Show promises another exciting chapter in one of the most treasured Thanksgiving traditions. With thousands of fans tuning in for the pageantry and beauty of purebred dogs, this year’s event will be a spectacle of grace, precision, and competition. Be sure to tune in to NBC on November 28 for all the action, and watch as a new dog vies for the title of Best in Show.
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