The National Dog Show will air on NBC on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m., presenting a two-hour special that showcases purebred dogs. This beloved show has been anchored in American culture since its origins in the history of the National Dog Show as part of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s annual events.

Staged and taped the weekend of Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 in front of a live audience at the Expo Center in Greater Philadelphia and in Oaks, Pennsylvania, the event brings 205 dogs among 2,000 animals to television audiences as part of an annual Thanksgiving tradition. Participants typically include just over 200 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, making it a diverse and competitive environment. The show is presented by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and sponsored by Purina, and the telecast runs for two hours. For more information, see the Full list of breeds by group at the 2025 National Dog Show.

John O’Hurley and David Frei return as co-hosts for the broadcast. “He called me and I was in L.A. I picked up the phone and I said, ‘Hello.’ And he said, ‘Woof, Woof.’ And that’s how it all started,” O’Hurley said, recounting his connection to the telecast. This dynamic duo continues to bring joy and valuable insights to the viewers, adding depth to the dog show experience.

Jon Miller, President of Acquisitions & Partnerships at NBC Sports, framed the program as part entertainment and part window into competitive showing. “When ‘Best in Show’ premiered, it gave audiences a hilarious and heartfelt look into the world of competitive dog shows,” he said, how the telecast has transformed the public’s perception of dog shows.

David Frei, co-host and analyst with the American Kennel Club, described what a single entry brings to the ring: “When a dog walks into the room, the energy changes.” For those considering participating, it’s crucial for owners to ensure their dogs are healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and properly groomed according to the breed standard, as these factors significantly influence their performance. For more details on preparation, refer to the AKC Beginner’s Guide to Dog Shows | Vizsla Club of Illinois.

The broadcast will highlight past winners alongside the current competition; Stache, a Sealyham terrier, won “best in show” in 2023. The eleven competitions that make up this event underscore the rigorous preparation required for each dog, including socialization and compliance with judging criteria that vary by breed. Organizers said the taped competition and benched format allow spectators to view dogs up close at the venue in Oaks and Greater Philadelphia.

The show’s production and broadcast are managed in partnership with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and NBC, with Purina listed as a sponsor. The two-hour telecast condenses the event for a Thanksgiving Day audience, highlighting the excitement and dedication involved in showcasing these impressive breeds. Viewers can catch the show scheduled to air from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025.

Viewers and attendees will see the blend of breed standards and ring presentation that defines the National Dog Show, a program that emphasizes purebred competition and public exhibition of dogs on site. The taped weekend of Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 at the Expo Center provided the footage and judging that will be presented in the holiday telecast. NBC Sports provides a full list of entries and group breakdowns for the 2025 event, ensuring fans are well-informed about the diverse representation and competition.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.