nationaldogshow.com
What nationaldogshow.com Is (And What The National Dog Show Actually Is)
The nationaldogshow.com site you asked about is the official home for The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, one of the most recognized conformation dog shows in the United States. This isn’t just a hobby event — it’s a long-running, high-profile competition where purebred dogs from across the country are judged against strict breed standards. The site serves as the central source of event info, schedules, FAQs, registration details, and more for people attending or following the show.
The National Dog Show itself has roots stretching back into the 19th century. It was originally the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show before being reborn under the modern name and format. Today it is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and only dogs registered with the AKC — meaning purebred dogs — can enter.
While the core of nationaldogshow.com is about the live event — how to attend, where it is, how to enter, and when dogs are judged — the site also hosts blog posts, breed information, entrant guidelines, and details about the various sides of the show experience.
What Happens at The National Dog Show
This show is specifically a conformation dog show. That means judges are looking at how well each dog conforms to its particular breed’s standard — basically a written description of the ideal version of that breed in terms of structure, movement, temperament, and overall style. Dogs start by competing against others of the same breed. If they win “Best of Breed,” they move on to compete against other breed winners within their group. Finally, the winners from each of the seven AKC groups vie for Best in Show, the top honor.
The AKC divides breeds into seven groups for judging:
- Herding
- Hound
- Non-Sporting
- Sporting
- Terrier
- Toy
- Working
Most participants are expected to stay at benches in assigned areas throughout the day — which makes this a benched show, rare among modern dog competitions. It gives the public a chance to see the dogs up close even when they’re not in the ring.
Where and When It Takes Place
The event happens just once a year, typically in mid-to-late November, over a weekend at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. nationaldogshow.com provides dates, ticketing info, exhibitor details, and schedules for everything that weekend.
The live competition usually happens over two days, and then a condensed broadcast version is shown on television. This broadcast has become something of a Thanksgiving tradition in the U.S., airing immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade every year on NBC.
The Television Tradition
While the show has existed for over a century, the TV version of the National Dog Show only started in 2002, when NBC began airing a two-hour edited version on Thanksgiving Day. Since then, millions of viewers have tuned in annually, making it one of the most watched specials of the holiday season.
The broadcast usually includes commentary from well-known hosts like John O’Hurley and David Frei, who guide viewers through the competition and introduce standout dogs and winners.
Who Competes
Because it’s sanctioned by the AKC, only purebred dogs registered with that organization are allowed to participate. Each eligible dog represents its breed and aims first to win at that level, then to win its group, and ultimately to compete for Best in Show.
In a typical year, around 2,000 dogs from over 200 breeds and varieties enter the competition. Shows like this give a cross-section of how diverse recognized breeds can be — from tiny toy breeds to large working dogs — all judged according to detailed written standards.
Beyond the Competition
The National Dog Show experience isn’t just about the competition itself. The larger event weekend often includes:
- Breed showcases and education so the public can learn about different dogs.
- Youth and family activities, sometimes featuring agility displays or obedience demonstrations.
- Vendors and exhibitors offering dog-related products, services, and information.
The official website normally collects all this information into visitor guides, instructions for attendees, schedules, and more.
Notable Recent Winners
Recent editions of the show have crowned a variety of breeds as Best in Show, demonstrating the wide range of canine types that compete each year. For instance, at the 2025 National Dog Show presented by Purina, a Belgian Sheepdog named Soliel won Best in Show, beating out six other group winners.
In the previous year (2024), a Pug named Vito took home Best in Show, marking the first time that breed had ever won the title at this event.
These victories illustrate that any breed — large or small — can come out on top if it best matches its ideal breed standard on the day of competition.
Why It Matters
Shows like the National Dog Show have a few core purposes:
- Celebrating breed diversity. Each purebred dog shown represents generations of careful breeding to preserve specific traits.
- Educating the public. The benched format is particularly good for allowing spectators to see dogs up close and learn about what makes each breed unique.
- Supporting the dog-showing community. Breeders, handlers, judges, and owners all participate, expanding the sport and encouraging high standards.
And because it’s televised on a major network during a national holiday, it brings that world to millions of viewers who might never otherwise see a dedicated conformation show.
Key Takeaways
- nationaldogshow.com is the official site for The National Dog Show Presented by Purina.
- The National Dog Show is a major AKC-sanctioned purebred conformation event held annually in Pennsylvania.
- Winners progress from Best of Breed to Group wins to the top honor, Best in Show.
- The show has been a Thanksgiving TV tradition on NBC since 2002.
- Around 2,000 dogs in 200+ breeds typically compete each year.
- Recent winners include a Belgian Sheepdog (2025) and a Pug (2024).
FAQ
What dogs are allowed to compete?
Only AKC-registered purebred dogs are eligible for competition. Mixed-breed dogs cannot enter.
Is the show live on TV?
The event is pre-recorded on site and then a condensed version is aired on NBC on Thanksgiving Day each year.
Can the public attend in person?
Yes. Tickets are sold for spectators to watch the live judging and to see the dogs up close throughout the weekend.
Does the site have live streams or videos?
nationaldogshow.com includes videos and information about watching past events, and the NBC broadcast itself is often available through streaming platforms like Peacock.
Who hosts the broadcast?
Regular broadcast hosts include John O’Hurley, David Frei, Mary Carillo, and Britney Eurton.
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