The National Dog Show aired on November 27, 2025, from approximately 12:00 p.m. ET to 2:00 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.

The two-hour broadcast, which follows the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, presented more than 180 breeds competing for the title of Best In Show, with commentators John O’Hurley and David Frei calling the action.

Commentators for the telecast blend television experience and breed expertise. John O’Hurley is listed as a commentator affiliated with NBC, while David Frei is affiliated with the American Kennel Club and noted in organizational listings as an approved judge; both are credited in the program lineup. The expertise of these commentators is particularly important as interest in performance events like agility and rally grows.

Television viewers can expect a compressed showcase of the bench-style competition during the two-hour window beginning at noon Eastern, with judges and handlers presenting breeds in sequence toward the Best In Show finale. This format emphasizes not only the dogs and their handlers but also showcases the specific breed characteristics that enthusiasts appreciate.

Last year’s top prize winner, Vito, a pug that won Best In Show, figures into the event’s recent history and will be part of the show’s backdrop as fans watch whether any returning champions or new contenders will emerge. Dogs like Vito highlight the ongoing vitality of dog shows, despite the broader decline, as they continue to capture the hearts of viewers.

The National Dog Show has become a Thanksgiving fixture in the broadcast schedule by airing immediately after the parade, giving viewers a continuous holiday lineup of events on the network. The program’s placement and two-hour run set a tight pace for judges and handlers to present dozens of breeds to the cameras and the commentary team.

Fans who prefer streaming or online clips can find coverage and highlights related to the telecast; one official presentation of the event is available on YouTube in the network’s program feed. These online resources serve to expand the reach of the show and engage new audiences who may not otherwise attend local events.

The American Kennel Club’s role in the show is reflected through its on-air presence and the participation of sanctioned judges and commentators connected to the registry. To gain recognition by the AKC, a new breed must first establish a documented population and studbook, ultimately requiring at least 150 dogs with three-generation pedigrees. For additional background on breed trends and the broader dog-show landscape, ABC7News offers context on related American Kennel Club topics.

Producers and commentators will move quickly through group and ring judging to ensure the program reaches the Best In Show decision within its scheduled two-hour slot. As dog shows generate substantial tourism and local spending—exhibitors reportedly spend between $512 and $982 per show weekend—the importance of these events to community economies cannot be overstated. The format places emphasis on presentation, breed standards and the handlers who bring dogs to the ring under time constraints customary to televised events.

For many viewers, the telecast is as much an introduction to distinct breeds as it is a competition. The show’s lineup of more than 180 breeds provides an overview of the range of conformation events and gives viewers a snapshot of the competitors that attract breeders and enthusiasts to bench shows across the country.

Source

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.