Unlike many awards shows these days, which are suffering from dwindling viewership, the National Dog Show has thrived as must-see TV on Thanksgiving mornings; in 2020, the show attracted 12.27 million viewers. “I don’t think people love their actors in the same way they love their dogs,” says National Dog Show co-host John O’Hurley (who you probably know from Season 1 of Dancing With the Stars, or from hosting Family Feud or from playing J. Peterman on Seinfeld actor). “The dogs will never change. They lead with their hearts and wag with their tails.” How did the annual broadcast start? The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, which runs the event, has actually hosted the dog breed competitions since 1897—but believe it or not, for the national television program, Christopher Guest’s filmBest in Show was the inspiration! “[In 2002] my wife brought home movies to watch with friends. One of them was the classic, Best in Show,” Jon Miller, former president of programming at NBC sports, once recalled in an interview. “We had six or eight people all watching it. After some of the folks left, we watched it again because it was so funny.” Before the National Dog Show, NBC had been broadcasting It’s a Wonderful Life after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thanksgiving morning and the ratings were just so-so, so Miller pitched the dog show to his superiors at NBC. “The boss threw us out of the office,” he said. Luckily, Miller then pitched the idea to Jeff Zucker (who was at the time NBC entertainment head), who gave the show a try. The ratings in the first year were far better than the Jimmy Stewart film (sorry George!), and a tradition was born. There are two new things happening at the National Dog Show this year. First, there’s a new breed competing: the Biewer (sounds like “Beaver”) terrier, “a long-haired, tri-colored dog with a soft-silky coat… and a proud sassy walk,” according to U.S. breed co-founder Myrna Torres. And two, for the first time this year, kids will get a Dog Show special of their own. The National Dog Show Junior will stream on NBC’s Peacock service after the big show, with highlights from the main event and “kid-focused content that’s fun and educational.” The show will include features on “the science of dogs, junior handlers, dog agility training, and what makes them great pets.” In 2020, COVID-19 made the show a smaller affair, as the public wasn’t allowed to attend. This year, the show was once again open to the public, but attendees must be vaccinated. “The health and safety of everyone involved is our highest priority, and this is the best course of action as we join other events and venues in supporting the national effort,” said Kennel Club of Philadelphia President Wayne Ferguson in a statement. So if you’re ready to ooh and ahh over some gorgeous doggos while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to finish cooking, here’s what you need to know about the 2021 National Dog Show.
Who is hosting the National Dog Show in 2021?
O’Hurley and American Kennel Club judge David Frei, who have co-hosted the show since 2002, will once again be joined by NBC Sports analyst Mary Carillo (who is in her ninth year of hosting the show). “I think the fact that this has become a yearly tradition for American families—overseas as well—is rather extraordinary,” says O’Hurley. “It is just good, wholesome, family entertainment whether you’re 4 or 94. It’s something that you can watch all together as a family and I think that’s the thing that I’m the proudest of in the way that this has evolved.” Carillo agrees. “Look how popular dogs became during the pandemic,” she says. “People needed to be loved and hugged and licked and I think dogs more than ever have become part of people’s families and people have really come to understand how much comfort there is in owning a dog. Dogs make you get up in the morning, you have to feed them, walk them, take care of them. So, the National Dog Show reminds people of how great dogs are and how easy it is for dogs to make you smile.” Meanwhile, this year’s National Dog Show Junior will be hosted by American Ninja Warrior host, comedian—and former doctor!—Matt Iseman, alongside Olympic gold medalist and gymnast Laurie Hernandez and “kid reporter” Anna Laible.
When is the National Dog Show in 2021?
The 2021 National Dog Show will be televised Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 25) in a two-hour broadcast that starts at noon ET. The National Dog Show Junior will then stream on Peacock at 2 p.m. ET.
Where is the 2021 National Dog Show held?
This year, the competition was held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
How does the National Dog Show work?
First, each dog must compete against members of its own breed. One winner in each breed makes its way up to the group competition, which groups different dogs “according to characteristics and functions their breed was originally bred for,” according to the AKC. This year’s new entrant, the Biewer terrier, will compete in the Toy group; the other groups are Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Terrier and Hound. Finally, the winning dogs in each group are pitted against each other in the ultimate category, “Best in Show.”
Who won the National Dog Show last year in 2020?
Claire, a 3-year-old Scottish Deerhound, took the “Best in Show” title last year.
How do you get your dog into the National Dog Show?
Is your dog a pure breed? If so, you can call the show superintendent at 336-379-9352 or register online for a shot at victory! Keep in mind, though, that entries should generally be received about two and a half weeks before the show. Of course, your dog will need to be in show-worthy condition.
Which dogs are eligible to be in the National Dog Show?
The National Dog Show “is an open, benched all-breed show, which means that any American Kennel Club (AKC) registered dog can enter to compete.” But that’s not all. Your dog must also:
Be at least six months old on the first day of the showBelong to a dog breed that the AKC recognizesNot be neutered nor spayedHave no faults that are disqualifyingBe vaccinated in good health
How can you watch the National Dog Show in 2021?
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, you can still get tickets (they’re only $16 for adults!) to attend the show live on Nov. 20-21. Be aware, though, that anyone attending in 2021 must be vaccinated against COVID-19, including children; anyone who cannot show proof of vaccination cannot enter. Also, no, you cannot bring your own dog as a guest! If, like the rest of us, you want to enjoy the National Dog Show from your home before digging into Thanksgiving dinner, the show will air on NBC in every U.S. time zone at noon, just after the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can also catch it streaming on NBC.com, Hulu Live and YouTube TV. If you can’t watch the show, NBC’s Peacock streaming service will have it for you after the broadcast is over. You can also catch shows from past years there. To watch the National Dog Show Junior, you’ll need the Peacock streaming service; the show will start at 2 p.m. ET when the main event concludes in the east. After that, it will be available on demand. Next, 50 Thankful Quotes for Practicing Gratitude All Year Long
