A popular Thanksgiving television tradition returns to NBC for its 25th Anniversary this November: The National Dog Show.
The TV special has aired on NBC since 2002, with its main sponsor, Purina, and offers audiences the chance to watch purebred dogs compete for the Best in Show title.
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia and its predecessor clubs began presenting national and local dog shows in 1879. The Great Depression interrupted competition from 1928 through 1932, but returned in 1933, inviting dogs, handlers, and visitors to returned to Philadelphia to watch and participate in the shows.
“In my experience, most people believe the show has been around much longer than 25 years, so we’re all looking forward to future anniversaries,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships for NBC Sports, who created the event with the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and Purina.
The Delaware Valley event returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks from Nov. 14 through Nov. 15. Admission to the dog show is $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 4 through 11, and free for children under 3. 2,000 dogs representing nearly 200 breeds are expected to compete for Best in Show for 2026.
The National Dog Show Presented by Purina will air on NBC10 on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST, following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Tickets to attend the National Dog Show are available here.