The 2025 National Dog Show will feature 1,994 purebred dogs from 201 breeds competing at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, the event airs on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, from 12-2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. Dogs compete in seven groups—herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, and working—with winners advancing from Best in Breed to First in Group, culminating in the Best in Show title. The newest breed participating is the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, officially recognized by the AKC as of January 1, 2025.
Judges evaluate dogs based on how closely they match their breed’s official standards, considering appearance, temperament, and build. The National Dog Show, established in 1879 and televised annually since 2001, follows the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and attracts over 20 million viewers. Past Best in Show winners include a pug named Vito in 2024 and a French Bulldog named Winston in 2022. NBCSports.com offers additional highlights and behind-the-scenes content for dog enthusiasts.
