A Thanksgiving Tradition Returns with New Breeds and Canine Stars: The 2024 National Dog Show

Lorna Paxton Ladd |

Nov 25, 2024

The 2024 National Dog Show is back this Thanksgiving, promising a mix of tradition, excitement, and adorable canine competitors. This year’s highlight? The debut of the Lancashire Heeler, a cheerful herding breed known for its signature smile and versatility. The Lancashire Heeler joins the competition for the first time, following its official recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) on January 1, 2024.

The ultimate prize at the National Dog Show is the prestigious Best in Show title and a $20,000 cash award. With nearly 2,000 dogs representing 205 breeds competing for the honor, the stakes are high at one of the nation’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions.

What Is the National Dog Show?

The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized dog shows in the world. Founded in 1879 and held annually since 1933, the event is sanctioned by the AKC and only features purebred dogs registered with the organization. This year’s show will feature 1,940 dogs across 205 breeds, vying for the top prize.

Televised on NBC since 2002, the two-hour special airs on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, at 12:00 p.m. local time, immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Co-hosts John O’Hurley and David Frei will return to guide viewers through the event, joined by analysts Mary Carillo and Britney Eurton, who will provide behind-the-scenes coverage from the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

How the Competition Works

The National Dog Show follows a multi-level judging process to crown its Best in Show champion:

Breed Competitions: Dogs compete against others of the same breed. Judges evaluate how closely each dog adheres to its breed standard.
Group Competitions: Each breed winner advances to compete in one of seven groups: Herding, Hound, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Working. Dogs are judged against the ideal traits for their breed.
Best in Show: The seven group winners face off for the ultimate title. Judges assess each dog’s overall adherence to its breed standard, considering attributes like structure, movement, temperament, and coat condition.

Introducing the Lancashire Heeler

Credit: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Making its National Dog Show debut in 2024, the Lancashire Heeler is a hardworking, affectionate herding breed. Recognized in the United Kingdom since 1981, it officially joined the AKC’s registry earlier this year. Known for its agility and versatility, the Lancashire Heeler is equally skilled at farm work and as a devoted companion. This cheerful breed, part of the Herding Group, is sure to charm audiences with its playful personality and endearing smile.

Past Best in Show Winners

The National Dog Show has crowned some unforgettable champions over the years. In 2023, Stache, a Sealyham Terrier from Pennsylvania, made history as the first of his breed to win Best in Show. Stache’s victory also marked the first terrier to win since 2015.

Notable past winners include:

2022: Winston, a French Bulldog
2021 & 2020: Claire, a Scottish Deerhound
2013: Jewel, an American Foxhound
2003: Raisin, a Doberman Pinscher

Watching the 2024 National Dog Show

Set your Thanksgiving schedule to catch all the canine action:

Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. local time
Network: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app (available on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire devices).

In addition to the live broadcast, viewers can enjoy highlights, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes content capturing the excitement and charm of the event.

Why the National Dog Show Is a Thanksgiving Favorite

Drawing an audience of over 20 million viewers annually, the National Dog Show has become as much a Thanksgiving tradition as turkey and football. Beyond the competition, the event educates the public about dog breeds and promotes responsible pet ownership. It’s a celebration of the unique bond between humans and their canine companions.

Don’t Miss the Action

Whether you’re cheering for a new contender like the Lancashire Heeler, rooting for a returning champion, or simply enjoying the charm and elegance of the competition, the 2024 National Dog Show promises to deliver excitement, inspiration, and plenty of wagging tails. Mark your calendar for Thanksgiving Day, November 28, and join millions in celebrating the incredible world of purebred dogs.