MAIN Home Life Pets Dogs 2025 National Dog Show

The National Dog Show, one of the most prestigious dogs shows in America, takes place every year in Philadelphia.

Following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 20 million viewers across America tune into the National Dog Show when it airs at noon on NBC on Thanksgiving Day in what is now a beloved holiday tradition.

The National Dog Show on TV

Featuring over 3,000 dogs in 150 different breeds, the National Dog Show has become a big part of an American Thanksgiving Day.

This year, over 50 of the top contenders will be in the spotlight on NBC-TV on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at noon in all time zones following the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade broadcast.

Traditionally, dogs who are entered in the National Dog Show are judged in groups beginning with the type of breed (such as Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Poodle.)

Dogs who advance earn a place in the next round to compete in their specific group -- such as Toy, Herding, Non-Sporting, Terrier, Sporting, Hound and Working). The winner in each group then gets to compete for the top prize: "Best in Show."

This 2024 winner? It was Vito, the Pug, who took top honors as Best in Show after winning over the judges and the hearts of American dog lovers nationwide. Vito also has the honor of the first Pug to be named Best in Show at the National Dog Show.

Competing against Vito for the top prize was Sporting Group winner Houston, a Clumber spaniel, Non-Sporting winner JJ, a Lhasa Apso, Working Group winner Monty, a Giant Schnauzer; Hound Group winner The Zit, an Ibizan hound, and Herding Group winner Rupert, a Berger Picard.

DID YOU KNOW? National Dog Show fun facts

• Dating back to 1879. the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show was renamed the National Dog Show in 2002 when NBC began its first coast-to-coast broadcast.

• Among the outstanding winning breeds the wire fox terrier has won in back-to-back years, in 2011 and 2012. Most recently, the Scottish wolfhound won in 2020 and 2021.

• At the National Dog Show, the top prize comes with a check for around $1,500.

• The National Dog Show is one of the few remaining benched shows in the United States. That means show dogs are required to remain on assigned benches to 'meet-and-greet' the public when not in competition. In true show biz fashion, benched shows require extra stamina and good-natured discipline from all its canine competitors.

• While the show certainly seems like it's live from Philadelphia, the National Dog Show traditionally takes place in mid-November for later broadcast on Thanksgiving Day.

also see -> Westminster Dog Show

also see in   Pets -> Dogs ->  Beagles  |   Boxers

Bulldogs  |  Chihuahuas  |  Dachshunds  |   German Shepherds

Golden Retrievers  |  Labrador Retrievers  |  Poodles |  Shih Tzus

More about the National Dog Show around the Web:

On the Web, find out more about the National Dog Show with facts and info on the this year's competition, show background history, and a bit of trivia behind choosing America's best dog...

NBC Sports - The 2025 National Dog Show - Check out comprehensive coverage from the official TV sponsor including news, updates, video reports and photo galleries.

Kennel Club of Philadelphia - The official home to hosts of the National Dog Show with a great presentation on other sponsored shows throughout the year, kid's page, show photos, related links.