Everything you need to know about the 2024 National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is full of traditions.
There are the obvious ones. We all get together with our families and loved ones and stuff ourselves with calories that we’ll be complaining about for the next few weeks.
Then, we all take our Thanksgiving naps. Another tired and true tradition. So is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And we can throw the NFL games in there at this point, too.
But one tradition that goes a bit under the radar every year is the National Dog Show.
Every year on Thanksgiving day the Kennel Club hosts the National Dog Show with thousands of breeds of dogs on display. No, it’s not the Westminster Dog Show, but it’s a thing. And it’s something you should be paying attention to.
Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What is the National Dog Show?
CREDIT: Bill McCay, NBC
The National Dog Show is a showcase hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and sanctioned by the American Kennel Club. It’s been around since 1879 and the competition has been held annually since 1933, according to NBC.
When is the National Dog Show, and where can I watch it?
The show has traditionally been held on Thanksgiving Day and broadcast on NBC every year since 2002.
It starts immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade at 12 p.m. ET and lasts until 2 p.m.
How many dogs will be included?
According to the Kennel Club’s site, there will be up to 2,000 dogs included in the show across 205 pure breeds. They’ll compete in several categories.
“See up to 2,000 of the top American Kennel Club sanctioned dogs from across the country. 205 breeds and varieties are eligible to compete for best of Breed, First in Group and the coveted title of Best in Show. Each day brings different competitions and attractions.”
Who won the show before?
Last year’s winner was Stache, the Sealyham Terrier.
He won his Terrier group in a field of 26 breeds and then beat out six other group winners to win Best in Show.
Other winners, via NBC:
- The German Shepherd Dog won the Herding Group
- The Chesapeake Bay Retriever won the Sporting Group.
- The Shih Tzu won the Toy Group.
- The Azawakh won the Hound Group.
- The Great Dane won the Working Group.