The National Dog Show (Presented by Purina)

The National Dog Show, now in its 17th year, has become a part of Thanksgiving Day traditions in homes across America, captivating viewer’s attention for two hours (noon– 2 p.m. in all time zones) between the Macy’s Parade and football. With families home together on that one special day of the year, everyone is rooting for their favorite breed of dog to triumph over all in a nod to that canine sitting next to them on the couch. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia and its annual cluster of shows in mid-November have truly become a part of Americana. 

There are over 3,000 dog shows each year in America. The most prominent and prestigious is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City’s Madison Square Garden each February. The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, however, is by far the most widely viewed because of its national broadcast audience on Thanksgiving Day. A total of over 25 million viewers will tune in to view hundreds of different breeds and honor one single winner, while wondering how to make their friendly canine look as spectacular as the dogs on TV.

In recent years, The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show has expanded its involvement with the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House (PRMH), making great strides to fundraise for this great organization that provides support and care to families of seriously ill children. Some 10 other regional charities benefit from events encompassing National Dog Show Month in Philadelphia, including the 5th Annual National Dog Show Charity Walk, and 2nd Annual National Dog Art Exhibit.

This entertaining and extravagent event was inspired by “Best in Show”, the pop-culture phenomenon movie released 18 years ago as a satirical look at the dog show world.

The National Dog Show Presented By Purina airs Thanksgiving Day on NBC immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.