Just like tuning in to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, watching the National Dog Show is an NBC Thanksgiving Tradition unlike any other.
This year’s event, hosted by John O’Hurley (fans will recognize him from playing Elaine’s eccentric boss on Seinfeld and winning the inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars), will be simulcast on NBC and Peacock on Thursday, November 27, at 12 p.m. ET immediately after the parade.
But enough about the details — let’s talk about those pups!
These are all the previous National Dog Show winners
For more than two decades, some of the goodest boys and girls ever have been crowned Best in Show at the National Dog Show. In preparation for this year’s event, let’s go back in time and spotlight the winners from each of the last 23 years.
2024: Vito the Pug
Vito the Pug stands at The 2024 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
The reigning Best in Show winner has shown no signs of slowing down in 2025. Little Vito took home the top prize at a Kentucky-based regional pug show on October 8, setting the stage for another big triumph this year. Can Vito go back-to-back? There’s only one way to find out, by tuning in to NBC or Peacock on Thanksgiving Day.
2023: Stache the Sealyham Terrier
Stache the Sealyham Terrier poses with his prizes for winning Best in Show at The 2023 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
Sealyham Terriers usually have distinct beards and/or mustaches on their muzzles, and Stache lived up to his name when he won Best in Show out of the terrier group in 2023.
2022: Winston the French Bulldog
French Bulldog named “Winston” smiles next to a judge and his handler at the 2022 Purina National Dog Show.
French Bulldogs are popular pets among your favorite Hollywood stars like Hugh Jackman and Reese Witherspoon — and Winston made them all proud by being crowned Best in Show in 2022.
RELATED: What Dog Breed Has Won the Most at the National Dog Show?
2020 & 2021: Claire the Scottish Deerhound
Claire the Scottish Deerhound stands at The 2021 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
Claire became the first Scottish Deerhound to win the National Dog Show in 2020, proving that this athletic and agile breed — also known as an Irish Wolf Dog — has what it takes to win it all. And in a National Dog Show first, Claire dominated the competition in 2021 once again to win the competition in back-to-back years. It was an impressive feat then, and it puts all the pressure on 2024’s winner, Vito, to repeat in 2025.
2019: Thor the Bulldog
Thor the Bulldog walks at The 2019 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
Give it up for Thor — the imposing little pup won the 2019 competition, looking like he would fit in right at home alongside Ice T’s pet bulldogs.
2018: Whiskey the Whippet
Whisky the Whippet is assessed at The 2018 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
Whippets are known for their racing and rabbit hunting abilities, and it’s impressive that Whiskey won Best in Show in 2018 without having to a nab a single bunny.
2017: Newton the Brussels Griffon
Newton the Brussels Griffon smiles with his handler at The 2017 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
In 2017, Newton proved that size doesn’t matter. At barely eight inches tall, the pup won over judges and fans alike with his adorable, almost human-like facial expressions.
2016: Gia the Greyhound
Gia the Greyhound stands with judges at The 2016 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
Greyhounds are the fastest breed of dogs, but in 2016, Gia proved that she didn’t need to win any races to take home the top prize in the industry.
2015: Charlie the Skye Terrier
Charlie the Skye Terrier gets assessed at The 2015 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
There’s something about Charlie that just puts a smile on your face, isn’t there? Judges agreed. The gorgeous, loveable Skye Terrier took home Best in Show in 2015.
2014: Nathan the Bloodhound
Nathan the Bloodhound wins Best in Show at The 2014 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
Nathan kept the tradition of excellence among Bloodhounds alive in 2014 thanks to his gorgeous coat and obedient demeanor. He was the literal definition of a good boy!
RELATED: How to Get Your Dog Into the National Dog Show
2013: Jewel the American Foxhound
Jewel the American Foxhound stands with her handler at The 2013 National Dog Show presented by Purina.
While the majority of National Dog Show winners are breeds that specialize in competing in shows like Purina’s annual event, Jewel proved that even a pup that is indistinguishable from an everyday household pet can rise to the occasion.
2012: Sky the Wire Fox Terrier
Sky, the wire fox terrier, standing on stage at The 2012 National Dog Show.
In 2012, Sky became the second-straight Wire Fox Terrier to be awarded Best in Show. Wire Fox Terriers are known for their elongated snouts, which give them their distinct look.
2011: Eira the Wire Fox Terrier
Eira, the wire fox terrier, standing on stage at The 2011 National Dog Show.
Eira became the first dog to win Best in Show from the terrier group with her 2011 victory.
2010: Clooney the Irish Setter
Clooney, the Irish setter, stands next to a gold trophy at The 2010 National Dog Show.
As the only Irish Setter to ever win the National Dog Show, Clooney’s rich chestnut-colored coat and easygoing personality made him a fan favorite from the beginning of the competition until the end.
2009: Sadie the Scottish Terrier
Sadie, the Scottish terrier, walks across the stage at The 2009 National Dog Show.
Scottish Terriers are small, compact, and resemble toy dogs in every sense of the word. We wouldn’t argue if you said Sadie was the cutest Best in Show winner of all time.
2008: Holly the Pointer
Holly, the Pointer, stands next to a gold trophy at The 2008 National Dog Show.
Holly became the first Pointer to win Best in Show in 2008, setting the stage for other pups in the athletic breed to fare well in the competition. According to her breed description, Holly was “proud and elegant” — two words that would describe any dog show winner
2007: Swizzle the Australian Shepherd
Swizzle, the toy poodle, looking up at her owner at the The 2007 National Dog Show.
Swizzle’s name tells you everything you need to know about how into pop culture her owner was. The Australian Shepherd dazzled judges and fans to emerge victorious out of the herding group.
2006: Vikki the Toy Poodle
Vikki, the toy poodle, looking up at her owner at the The 2006 National Dog Show.
A diva in every sense of the word (just look at that high-end grooming), Vikki steamrolled through the toy group en route to winning Best in Show in 2006.
2005: Rufus the Colored Bull Terrier
Rufus, the Bull terrier, looking up at his owner at the The 2005 National Dog Show.
In 2005, sweet Rufus set the standard for all pups with delightfully old-fashioned names when he won Best in Show, looking so handsome every step of the way.
2004: Gracie the Smooth Fox Terrier
Gracie, the Fox terrier, stands on stage adorned with flowers at The 2004 National Dog Show.
According to the breed’s description, “Toy Fox Terrier originated in the 1930s to create a milder, calmer version of the Fox Terrier.” Gracie’s sociable and friendly personality made her a fan favorite.
2003: Raisin the Doberman
Raisin, the Doberman, lifting a paw to the judges at the The 2003 National Dog Show.
In 2003, Raisin put Dobermans on the map by winning the second-ever National Dog Show Best in Show award, raising awareness that the famous breed is nowhere near as aggressive as many believe.
2002: Miki the Standard Poodle
Miki, the standard poodle, stands on stage at The 2002 National Dog Show.
It all started in 2022 when Miki the Poddle strutted her way into all of our hearts to win Best in Show — and looked gorgeous every step of the way.