How to Make the National Dog Show a Part of Your Thanksgiving Day Tradition
The National Dog Show will be broadcast on NBC directly after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 28.
Over 2,000 dogs from 193 breeds compete for the title of Best in Show.
The show will last from noon to 2 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28.
What's the best part of Thanksgiving? For some, it's the feast. For others, it's marathon football games. But for the dog lovers of the world, the definite answer is an annual viewing of the National Dog Show. According to the show's official website, the two-hour special is the most widely viewed dog show in America.
The National Dog Show's massive popularity should come as no surprise. After all, when else can 20 million viewers simultaneously bask in the glory of a Havanese terrier strutting across a stage, hair streaming in the wind? Or admire the stateliness of a whippet, like Whiskey, the winner of the 2018 competition?
That's just the start: Over 2,000 American Kennel Club sanctioned dogs from a record 195 breeds and varieties will compete for the titles of Best in Show this year. For the uninitiated, here's how to make enthusiastically cheering for dogs a part of your Thanksgiving tradition.
Where and when can I watch the National Dog Show?
If you're already tuning in for NBC's Macy's Day Parade from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day, stay put.
The broadcast of the National Dog Show begins at noon on Thursday, November 28, and lasts until 2 p.m. in all time zones.
Help! I don't have a TV. Can I still watch?
Fear not—the dogs will come to you. After all, the internet is a dog-loving place.
The National Dog Show will be streamed on NBC.com and NBC Sports, as well as on Hulu and YouTube TV for subscribers. Don't have cable? We suggest signing up for Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV, which offer free 7-day trials.
Is the National Dog Show broadcast live?
No, it's pre-taped. Technically, the National Dog Show was already held on November 16 and 17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.
For over 125 years, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia has hosted a dog show. Along with the Westminster Kennel Dog Show, held in New York annually since 1877, the Kennel Club's National Dog Show is one of the oldest such events in the country. Airing since 2002, it pairs the high-stakes unpredictability of a sporting event with the glory of dogs, resulting in twists like the Miniature Pinscher who escaped from its owner in 2014. It's a delight.
We have an escapee! #TheDogShow pic.twitter.com/htTcRi3WeM
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) November 27, 2014
Aside from their long traditions, the National Dog Show and Westminster Kennel Dog Show are distinguished for being "benched shows," which means the competing dogs are on display throughout the show, except when in the ring. For an admission fee, people can meet (and pet) all the dogs. I've done it; it's spectacular.
So there's already a winner?
Yes, the results of the 2019 National Dog Show are already up, in case you will be too busy cooking a turkey on Thursday to watch dogs skip around for two hours.
Don't forget about the hosts.
Naturally, the dogs are the highlight of the dog show–but commentators come as a close second. With humor and expertise, the hosts make sense of the show's complicated rules and rituals.
A post shared by The National Dog Show (@natldogshow) on Sep 23, 2019 at 9:02am PDT
The show is hosted by Seinfeld actor and presenter John O'Hurley and dog expert David Frei. Then, sports broadcaster Mary Carillo gives commentary and analysis from within the show ring. This year, expect appearances from U.S. Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, as well.
Introducing the Azawakh, the show's newest breed.
For the first time, the Azawakh is eligible to compete in the National Dog Show. Originally hailing from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the Azawakh is now one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. It's part of the hound group.
How does the competition work?
The American Kennel Club splits up a recognized 205 breeds and varieties into seven distinct groups: Sorting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding.
The competition is whittled down over the course of three rounds. First, "Best in Breed" recognizes which dog best fits the breed standards; essentially picking the ideal poodle or ideal Schnauzer. Then, "First in Group" recognizes which dog fits the group standards.
The seven winners of "First in Group" go on to compete in "Best in Show."
Who are are past winners of the National Dog Show?
Last year, Whiskey the Whippet won the title of Best in Show.
A post shared by The National Dog Show (@natldogshow) on Sep 26, 2019 at 7:35am PDT
If you're looking to make bets, these are the past years' winners.
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: Ch. Aimhi Avalon Renissance (Smooth Fox Terrier)
2003: Ch. Blue Chip Purple Reign (Doberman)
2002: Ch. Ale Kai Mikimoto on Fifth (Standard Poodle)
Personally? We're rooting for one of Oprah's dog breeds to win.
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