The National Dog Show is a Thanksgiving Day tradition that brings together family members who don’t care about NFL Football. This year, John O’Hurley and David Frei return to host the dog competition held in Philadelphia on November 23, 2023. Each year, about 2,000 very special dogs compete to find out who will become the Best in Show.
Over the years, some adorable pups have captured the title and our hearts. It is estimated that over 20 million people tune in each year to watch the competition, whether they are breeders or dog trainers themselves or just love to watch the dog parade.
How to watch The 2023 National Dog Show
Watch The National Dog Show on Thursday, November 23, at 12 PM noon ET on NBC. It will run until 2 p.m. ET and will also be available to stream on Peacock. There will be an encore airing on Saturday, November 25, at 8 p.m. ET.
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Who are the hosts of the National Dog Show?
O’Hurley and Frei are the hosts. NBC Sports analyst Mary Carillo will provide commentary. O’Hurley is best known for playing J. Peterman on Seinfeld and as a winner of Dancing with the Stars. Frei is a dog breeder and handler. He appeared as a dog show judge in an episode of Sex and the City in 2004.
Can you watch the National Dog Show in person?
Yes, you can get tickets if you are in the Philadelphia area. It is held at the Greater Philadephia Expo Center on Saturday, November 18, and Sunday, November 19, 2023. Tickets are available for purchase online now and at the door.
What inspired the National Dog Show to air on Thanksgiving?
The movie Best In Show, a comedy about a dog show in Philadelphia, inspired the idea for a real National Dog Show. The 2000 film stars Schitt’s Creek actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, along with Christopher Guest, Fred Willard, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jane Lynch, among others. The network decided to air it in between the Thanksgiving parade and football.
Watch Best In Show on Prime Video, Apple TV+, Google Play, Vudu, or YouTube.
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How many dogs compete in the National Dog Show?
Up to 2,000 dogs compete in the National Dog Show each year. It features 205 breeds and varieties. They are split into seven categories, including sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding, and compete for the top prize of Best in Show. One dog in each category is deemed Best in Breed, and they go on to compete for the overall title.
Who was the winner of the 2022 National Dog Show?
Last year, Winston the French Bulldog won Best in Show after becoming Best in the Non-Sporting Group. You can also view a complete list of past winners.