The National Dog Show Presented by Purina and hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia is a singular event on the dog show calendar. This acclaimed celebration of purebred dogs honors the traditions of the sport while it unabashedly promotes its many virtues to a city (and a nation) that adores dogs. Since 1879, when the club held its first official dog show, the City of Brotherly Love has been welcoming breeders, exhibitors, and spectators to its annual event by the thousands. Today, thanks to a partnership with NBC, everyone can marvel at the show’s Best of Breed winners owing to a television broadcast on Thanksgiving Day that has become a holiday tradition in its own right for countless viewers across America.
The National Dog Show is a big stage where recognized breeds are given a few moments in the spotlight, parading around the Group ring to thunderous applause. However, for the 20,000 visitors who are lucky enough to attend the show in person, the real action is found among the rows and rows of setups where the dogs and their people are hunkered down for the day. Lively and informative interactions happen organically back in these “benching areas,” with breeders, exhibitors, and visitors sharing stories, asking and answering questions, and otherwise enjoying a day that’s enthusiastically devoted to the promotion and presentation of purebred dogs.
The 2025 show included a total entry of 1,994 dogs of 207 Breeds and Varieties. On the benches and in the rings, visitors had the opportunity to get up close and personal with lots of familiar breeds as well as many that are not often seen—even in competition. Among the lesser known breeds to be found at this year’s show were the Bracco Italiano, Spinoni Italiano, Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian Greyhound, and Bergamasco Sheepdog. Only at a major event like this can spectators get to know the breeders and exhibitors who work tirelessly to preserve and protect the extraordinary diversity of the purebred dog.
At the National Dog Show, anyone and everyone who loves dogs can enjoy a feast for the eyes (and the opportunity to hug a dog or two).
Any way you look at it, there’s plenty to see at the National Dog Show.
Featured photo by Margaret Foxmoore.
