The National Dog Show will air on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. on NBC. This beloved event originated as the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show in 1879, making it one of the oldest continuous dog shows in the U.S. The show was rebranded in 2001 by NBC executive Jon Miller, inspired by the 2000 mockumentary *Best in Show*, and became a national Thanksgiving tradition in 2002.

The broadcast marks the 24th anniversary of NBC’s telecast and coincides with the 25th anniversary of the film ‘Best in Show,’ as the annual competition—taped the weekend of Nov. 15 and Nov. 16—returns to viewers across the country. The event presented at the Expo Center in Greater Philadelphia drew an audience on-site in Oaks, Pennsylvania, and involves over 200 breeds and thousands of dogs. Notably, the viewership of the National Dog Show has increased significantly since its NBC debut, with an average audience of 12.8 million last year, as its unique blend of entertainment and tradition continues to captivate millions.

The show will be co-hosted by John O’Hurley of NBC Sports and David Frei, the American Kennel Club’s dog expert and analyst. Frei said, “When a dog walks into the room, the energy changes.” The pair will guide viewers through breed competitions and the final Best in Show presentation during the two-hour telecast, striking a balance between engaging commentary and breed expertise.

Jon Miller, President of Acquisitions & Partnerships for NBC Sports, tied the broadcast to the film milestone, saying, “When ‘Best in Show’ premiered, it gave audiences a hilarious and heartfelt look into the world of competitive dog shows—a world we proudly showcase every Thanksgiving.” The continuation of this cultural legacy highlights how the National Dog Show has become a staple of American holiday traditions.

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia hosts the competition, with Purina among its sponsors and the American Kennel Club serving as the sanctioning body for breeds. The weekend taping in mid-November staged hundreds of breed classes at the Expo Center in Greater Philadelphia and offered an up-close look at the competition in Oaks, Pennsylvania. For those interested in entering their dogs in future events, owners can prepare by ensuring eligibility requirements and attending handling classes to master the skills needed for competition.

Recent winners referenced in advance materials include Vito, a 2-year-old pug who won ‘best in show’ at the 2024 National Dog Show, and Stache, a Sealyham terrier who won the title in 2023; additional results are available on outlets such as Hardypaw. The commitment to excellence in dog breeding and handling is evident in each participant.

Producers framed this year’s broadcast as both celebration and continuity: it preserves the program’s place on the Thanksgiving lineup and commemorates a cultural reference point for viewers with the film anniversary. The two-hour window immediately follows other holiday programming and is scheduled for local noon start times, promising viewers an afternoon filled with joy and festivities.

O’Hurley provided a lighthearted note on how his role began, saying, “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.” His on-air partnership with Frei aims to balance entertainment and breed expertise across the full run of competition highlighted in the telecast.

The National Dog Show remains described in advance materials as an annual Thanksgiving tradition and one of the country’s primary conformation events, drawing competitors, handlers, and spectators to the Greater Philadelphia area each year. This enduring event not only showcases the best of our canine companions but also highlights the deep bond between people and dogs, a theme that resonates with audiences nationwide.

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Original reporting: view the original article.