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 thanks to a television broadcast on Thanksgiving Day that has become a holiday tradition in its own right for countless families across America.
For television viewers, the National Dog Show is a big stage where each breed is given a few moments in the spotlight, parading around the Group ring to thunderous applause. However, for the thousands of visitors who are lucky enough to attend the show in person, the real action is found among the rows and rows of set ups where the dogs and their people are hunkered down for the entire 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 devoted exclusively to the promotion and presentation of purebred dogs.
In the National Dog Show’s official pamphlet, Kennel Club of Philadelphia President Wayne Ferguson shares his unique perspective on the show’s importance to every supporter of purebred dogs, both locally and nationwide. “We continue to build upon our efforts to make our show experience entertaining and educational for all,” he notes. “Our tradition-rich shows are a regional treasure as well as a national phenomenon and a win at Philadelphia is considered one of Dogdom’s greatest achievements.” The winners at this year’s show would surely agree, as will the more than 20 million viewers who tune in to view their favorite breeds at “the most widely watched canine event in the world.”
This year’s show included a total entry of 1,941 dogs of 210 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 Azawakh, Belgian Laekenois, Cirneco dell’Etna, Pumi, Sloughi, and Swedish Vallhund. Also represented were several AKC Miscellaneous breeds that are perhaps better known internationally, including the Basset Fauve de Bretagne (France), Pyrenean Mastiff (Spain), Small Munsterlander (Germany), and Yakutian Laika (Russia). 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.
The National Dog Show, and everyone who makes it possible each year, provides all of us with a genuine reason to be thankful.
At the National Dog Show, spectators (of all ages) get to meet exhibitors and their dogs (of all sizes) in the benching areas. Featured photo by Dan Sayers
