Tyrese Maxey, a guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, ran an agility course with two dogs as part of the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge Agility Show at the National Dog Show taping in Philadelphia on Nov. 16, 2025. The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, traces its roots back to the late 19th century and became a modern televised Thanksgiving tradition on NBC starting in 2002, following the success of the film *Best in Show*.

The appearance—recorded for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s event and televised by NBC—paired an NBA athlete with two agility dogs in a lighthearted segment. The moment briefly shifted attention from competition to a different kind of teamwork: man and dog on the course.

Maxey worked alongside two named dogs: Howie, a Border Collie, and Spike, another agility dog selected by show officials. The presence of these breeds is no coincidence, as Border Collies and similar quick-footed breeds are frequently seen in agility competitions due to their natural predisposition for such activities. Howie briefly engaged with a toy during the run, leading to a playful tug-of-war moment.

Maxey spoke about the experience afterward, noting, “I’ve been on the course with no crowd. So that was my first time with the crowd.” He added a second, wry assessment of his outing: “It was really fun. They got me out here sweating. Like I just played a whole quarter. I think I’m going to stick to staying on the court.” Such experiences at agility courses not only offer physical exercise and mental stimulation for the dogs but also strengthen the bond between the handler and the animal.

The National Dog Show appearance fused sport and spectacle at a long-running event hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The recording aired on NBC as part of the National Dog Show telecast.

The mix of breeds on the agility course underscored why certain dogs are commonly seen in agility and performance demonstrations. Border Collies are widely regarded as one of the most successful breeds in U.S. agility competitions, often joined by breeds like Shetland Sheepdogs and Australian Shepherds. Maxey’s run demonstrated how handlers and their dogs react under public pressure, and it produced a handful of playful, unpredictable moments for the audience and crew.

ESPN captured additional detail about the sequence and the run-through on the course, noting the interaction between Maxey and the dogs during the recording.

Maxey’s appearance came between team commitments.

The segment offered a different stage for a professional athlete and highlighted the personalities of several show dogs as they navigated obstacles, handled cues and, in one case, indulged a tug-of-war detour. Organizers from the Kennel Club of Philadelphia handled the logistics of the recording while NBC carried the segment as part of its National Dog Show telecast.

For Maxey, the attempt was an exercise in humility and fun; for the dogs, it was another performance under bright lights and cameras. The blend of athletes and animals on the agility course created moments that ranged from playful to unexpectedly competitive, and for a few minutes the scoreboard was replaced by tunnels, jumps and a tug toy.

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