Thanksgiving isn’t just for turkey—it’s also for dogs! Each year, millions of Americans tune in to celebrate one of the holiday’s furriest traditions: the National Dog Show. Held in Philadelphia, this beloved event showcases some of the finest canines in the country competing for the prestigious title of Best in Show.
This year, over 2,000 dogs representing 205 breeds, including the newly eligible Lancashire heeler, will participate. The show airs on NBC right after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, continuing a tradition that’s captivated viewers for 22 years.
The Competition:
Dogs are categorized into seven groups based on their breed’s characteristics and original purposes:
- Sporting (e.g., Labrador retrievers)
- Hound (e.g., Greyhounds)
- Working (e.g., Boxers)
- Terrier (e.g., Scottish terriers)
- Toy (e.g., Pugs)
- Non-Sporting (e.g., Poodles)
- Herding (e.g., Border collies)
Winners in each group advance to the final showdown for Best in Show, judged on how closely they match their breed’s ideal standards in appearance, temperament, and structure. The winner receives $20,000 and nationwide recognition.
Past Winners:
Recent champions include:
- Stache, a Sealyham terrier, crowned Best in Show in 2023.
- Winston, a French bulldog, in 2022.
- Claire, a Scottish deerhound who made history with back-to-back wins in 2020 and 2021.
A Rich History:
Dog shows date back to 19th-century England and arrived in the U.S. in 1874 with a small competition featuring pointers and setters. The National Dog Show, originally called the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show, began in 1879 and has been held annually since 1933. Sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it only allows purebred dogs registered with the AKC.
The modern Thanksgiving tradition owes its popularity to the 2000 movie Best in Show. NBC executive Jon Miller, inspired by the film, pitched the idea of airing the real event in the time slot between the Macy’s Parade and football. First broadcast in 2002, the show has been a ratings success ever since.
This Year’s Spotlight: The Lancashire Heeler
New to the competition, the Lancashire heeler joins the herding group. Originally bred in the U.K. as a cattle herder and ratter, the breed is now recognized by the AKC. These small, intelligent dogs have a unique trait known as the “Heeler Smile,” where they curl back their lips in a happy expression. With fewer than 5,000 individuals worldwide, they’re considered a rare gem in the canine world.
How to Watch:
The National Dog Show airs Thursday on NBC from 12 to 2 p.m. in all time zones, immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It will also stream on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. For those eager for more canine content, past shows from 2013 to 2023 are available on Peacock.
Celebrate the holiday with family, food, and a little extra fluff—because every dog deserves its day! 🐾