Sure, Thanksgiving may be all about turkey, but it’s also the perfect time to crowd around the TV and salute man’s best friend.
The National Dog Show, run by the Philadelphia Kennel Club, will air on NBC this Thanksgiving for the 24th year, after taking place earlier this month at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
“See up to 2,000 of the top American Kennel Club sanctioned dogs from across the country,” the show’s website says. “Two hundred and five breeds and varieties are eligible to compete for best of Breed, First in Group and the coveted title of Best in Show.”
Former “Seinfeld” star John O’Hurley will host the show, along with American Kennel Club-licensed judge David Frei and NBC Sports analyst Mary Carillo.
“It’s just amazing to walk up and down the aisles and see all the coiffing that goes on,” O’Hurley said about the show, when he and Frei appeared on TODAY on Nov. 26.
O’Hurley also says being around so many pooches at the show is an amazing experience.
“It’s just a wonderful day and dogs always just round off the edges in our brittle lives,” he said.
How is the show run?
Competitors are divided into seven groups:
The top dog from each group square off to determine the ultimate winner, the best in show. All told, there are more than 180 breeds.
When is the National Dog Show?
The National Dog Show is broadcast on Thanksgiving every year. This year’s show will follow suit, airing Nov. 27 on NBC at noon local time, after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What time does the National Dog Show start?
The National Dog Show airs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. local time.
Chinese Shar-Pei in 2024. (NBC / Bill McCay/NBC via Getty Images)
How can I watch the National Dog Show?
The show is available to watch on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
This is the 24th year NBC will carry the event.
Who won Best in Show last year?
The cavalcade of dogs are competing to be the best in show, which comes with a $2,000 prize. Last year, a pug named Vito was the big winner.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com