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Discover how the National Dog Show became a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, celebrating purebred dogs and American heritage.
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Thanksgiving Day in the United States has its rituals. There’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, football games broadcast from coast to coast, and the aroma of roasting turkey filling the air in kitchens everywhere. But for millions of families, another tradition has earned a permanent place on the holiday calendar: The National Dog Show Presented by Purina.
This “benched” show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, is more than a lively television spectacle sandwiched between towering balloons and touchdowns. It is a living link to the history of American purebred dogs, a showcase of the best of the sport, and one of the few opportunities where the public can step behind the velvet curtain of dog shows and meet the recognized breeds, and their breeders, face to face.
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia was founded in 1879, in an era when purebred dogs were becoming both status symbols and beloved companions for an emerging middle class. In fact, the organization predates the American Kennel Club (AKC) itself, which was founded in 1884. Like the Westminster Kennel Club in New York, Philadelphia’s club helped to formalize Conformation shows in America, giving structure to what had been casual exhibitions at fairs and expositions.
Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia became a steady force in the region, stewarding shows that attracted serious breeders and devoted fanciers. By mid-century, its reputation was established: if you wanted to see quality dogs, Philadelphia was a destination.
The show as we know it today was reborn in 2002, when NBC chose to broadcast it nationally on Thanksgiving Day. The timing was strategic: families were already gathered, televisions were already on, and America was ready for a new holiday tradition.
With the support of Purina, the broadcast transformed the show into one of the most-viewed dog events in the world, rivaling even Westminster in visibility. Now, up to 20 million people tune in each year. For exhibitors, that means not just a chance at winning a ribbon, but an opportunity to showcase their breed to households who might otherwise never encounter it.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the National Dog Show is that it remains benched—one of only two such shows left in the country, alongside The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. (There used to be three, and many more, but the Golden Gate Kennel Club show at The Cow Palace in California is no longer benched).
For spectators, this means that when they walk through the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, they can stop at rows of benches (now more of an area) where breeds are stationed for the day. It’s an educational goldmine. Visitors can meet a Komondor in full corded coat, learn what makes a Lagotto Romagnolo special, or discover the differences between a Whippet and a Greyhound, all from the people who live with and love them. In an age when so much information about dogs is muddled online, benched shows provide clarity and authenticity.
At its heart, the National Dog Show is about recognition of the dog, the breeder, and the years of dedication behind every entry. While no cash prizes are awarded, the ribbons and trophies carry immense prestige.
Each Group winner and the eventual Best in Show dog is rewarded with gleaming silver trophies, polished to reflect the history and dignity of the event. The satin-ribbon rosettes are more than decorative; they are tangible proof of triumph on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For exhibitors, being photographed with a National Dog Show ribbon is often a career-defining moment, shared proudly in breed journals and club newsletters.
But perhaps the greatest prize of all is visibility. With millions of viewers tuning in each Thanksgiving Day, the winning dog doesn’t just claim a title, they become an ambassador for their breed. Interest in winners brings fresh attention to their breeds. For responsible breeders, handlers, and clubs, that spotlight is invaluable.
In this sense, the National Dog Show’s prizes extend far beyond the Expo Center floor. They ripple outward into homes across America, inspiring future fanciers, educating curious families, and reminding the country why purebred dogs remain a cherished part of our cultural fabric.
Over the years, the National Dog Show has crowned winners who became household names. Claire the Scottish Deerhound captured America’s heart by winning Best in Show two years in a row, in 2020 and 2021—a feat that cemented her place in history. Vito the Pug won in 2024, and Stache, a Sealyham Terrier, won in 2023. Each year, the winner not only joins an elite club but often sparks increased interest in their breed nationwide.
The show also thrives on its personalities. Longtime co-hosts John O’Hurley, best known for his role on the television show Seinfeld, and David Frei, one of the sport’s most recognizable voices, have guided millions of viewers through the intricacies of judging, Breed Standards, and the joyful chaos of the dog show world.
Part of the magic of the National Dog Show lies in its placement on Thanksgiving Day. Just as families celebrate gratitude, abundance, and togetherness, the broadcast invites viewers to celebrate the companionship and diversity of dogs.
While the parade dazzles with spectacle, and football games provide intensity, the National Dog Show offers a quieter delight: a moment to marvel at breeds ancient and modern, at dogs groomed and trained to perfection, and at the timeless partnership between humans and their canine companions.
The impact of the National Dog Show stretches beyond the Best in Show ring. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia has used the event as a platform for charitable giving, supporting canine health research, therapy-dog programs, and local animal organizations. It is a reminder that the world of purebred dogs is not just about competition; it is about stewardship, education, and responsibility. In 2025, the club announced charitable contributions totaling $137,000 to organizations supporting dog-related causes.
And for the sport itself, the visibility is invaluable. At a time when only a pair of benched shows remain, and when the general public has limited exposure to well-bred dogs, the National Dog Show keeps alive the spirit of accessibility and transparency.
As the show moves forward, its significance only deepens. It honors the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s legacy, maintains the rare institution of the benched show format, and provides one of the most important educational stages for the sport of purebred dogs.
For millions of Americans, it has become as inseparable from Thanksgiving as stuffing and pie. And for exhibitors, judges, and fanciers, it is proof that the beauty of dogs, whether in a televised spotlight or on a Philadelphia bench, will always command attention, admiration, and respect.
Dog fanciers often draw comparisons between The National Dog Show Presented by Purina and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Both are iconic, both are benched, and both attract top dogs from across the country. Yet each has its own personality and place in the sport.
Timing & Tradition: Westminster, first held in 1877, is the oldest continuously run dog show in America. Its traditional mid-winter timing in New York City makes it a glittering event. The National Dog Show, by contrast, is tied to Thanksgiving Day, making it a family-friendly tradition built around warmth and togetherness.
Audience Reach: Westminster is revered within the dog show world, while the National Dog Show reaches into millions of American homes on a national holiday. Its television audience is broader and often less familiar with the intricacies of the sport, which makes its educational mission vital.
Venue & Atmosphere: Westminster is back at Madison Square Garden (after a brief sidetrack to the Lyndhurst Estate and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center), carrying a blend of grandeur and exclusivity. The National Dog Show is staged at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, a space that allows for a festival-like atmosphere where the public can roam among the benches, meet the dogs, and talk with breeders.
Tone & Style: Westminster’s coverage emphasizes prestige and history; the National Dog Show leans into accessibility, charm, and family appeal. John O’Hurley’s light touch as co-host adds a friendly tone, complementing David Frei’s considerable expertise.
Together, the two shows represent a dual heartbeat of the sport: one steeped in legacy and formality, the other open-armed, celebratory, and broadcast on a national holiday.
Meet the Judges
Elizabeth Muthard shares insights on judging the Sporting Group at the 2025 National Dog Show, highlighting tradition and top breeds.
