Updated: 27 November 2025
Written by Swikblog Entertainment Desk
If your Google Discover feed is full of furry faces today, you’re not alone. The National Dog Show 2025 is once again turning Thanksgiving into a celebration of wagging tails, shiny coats and serious competition — and search interest has jumped just as sharply as the dogs on the blue carpet.
Airing every year right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the show has quietly become one of the most-watched holiday TV traditions in the US, with fans checking the time, channel and full breed list as soon as Thanksgiving week begins.
Quick Guide: National Dog Show 2025 on Thanksgiving
- Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. local time
- TV Channel (US): NBC (immediately after the Macy’s Parade)
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app
- Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pennsylvania
- Hosts: John O’Hurley & David Frei, with on-site reports from Mary Carillo and Britney Eurton
What Exactly Is the National Dog Show?
The Thanksgiving broadcast is the TV version of the historic National Dog Show Presented by Purina, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The event dates back to the late 19th century and is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which currently recognises over 200 breeds and varieties.
For 2025, nearly 2,000 dogs representing around 200+ breeds are expected to compete across seven official AKC groups:
- Sporting
- Hound
- Working
- Terrier
- Toy
- Non-Sporting
- Herding
Dogs first battle it out for Best of Breed, then winners move into their group, and finally the seven group champions face off for the ultimate ribbon: Best in Show.
Why Is “Dog Show Thanksgiving 2025” Trending Right Now?
Each Thanksgiving week, interest in the show spikes as soon as NBC and major outlets publish fresh guides on how to watch, full breed lists and stories about local dogs making it to the national stage. This year is no different:
- Updated watch guides explain exactly how to tune in on NBC and stream via Peacock.
- Breed list breakdowns let fans check if their favourite dog is competing.
- Local human-interest stories shine a spotlight on hometown dogs travelling to Philadelphia.
Add in the fact that the show sits perfectly between the Macy’s Parade and Thanksgiving football, and it’s easy to see why search terms like “dog show thanksgiving 2025”, “National Dog Show time” and “how to stream the dog show today” are trending across the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
How to Watch and Stream the National Dog Show 2025
In the US, the National Dog Show will air on NBC from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. local time on Thanksgiving Day. If you prefer to stream, you have several options:
- Peacock: Live streaming of the NBC broadcast, plus on-demand replays after it airs.
- NBCSports.com & NBC Sports app: Stream with your TV provider login on mobile, tablet or connected TV devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV.
Viewers in Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand can usually access the show via local NBC channels carried on cable or through international streaming bundles that include Peacock or NBC content. Availability varies by provider, so it’s worth checking your TV package or streaming service a day before Thanksgiving.
For official broadcast updates and schedules, you can also visit the National Dog Show TV coverage page.
Who Won Last Year – and What’s at Stake in 2025?
In 2024, history was made when Vito the Pug became the first of his breed to win Best in Show, beating nearly 2,000 dogs from more than 200 breeds. That result has only increased curiosity about which breed could triumph in 2025 – will it be another Toy Group star, or will a Working or Herding breed reclaim the crown?
Beyond the glory and the blue ribbon, the Best in Show winner receives a cash prize, global TV exposure, and a huge boost in prestige for breeders and handlers. For many viewers at home, though, the real joy is simply cheering for the same breed that’s asleep on their sofa.
What Makes the Thanksgiving Dog Show So Addictive?
Unlike high-pressure sports events, the National Dog Show offers gentle, family-friendly viewing that works in the background while cooking, travelling or setting the table. Here’s why people keep tuning in:
- Relaxing, feel-good TV between parade balloons and football tackles.
- Educational commentary from long-time host and judge David Frei about breed history and temperament.
- Visual appeal — glossy coats, dramatic gaits and some very expressive doggy faces.
- “That’s my dog!” factor when your own pet’s breed steps into the ring.
It’s also a rare chance for younger viewers to learn the difference between a Whippet and a Greyhound, or a Belgian Malinois and a German Shepherd, without needing a textbook.
Planning Your Thanksgiving TV Line-Up
If you’re organising a holiday schedule, one simple formula keeps everyone happy:
- 08:30 a.m. – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC.
- 12:00 p.m. – National Dog Show 2025 (same channel).
- Afternoon & evening: NFL games, movies and leftovers.
You can read our guide to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025 time, route and how to watch to finish planning your full day of holiday viewing.
Final Word: Should You Watch the National Dog Show 2025?
If you’re looking for something the whole family can watch – including kids and grandparents – the National Dog Show 2025 is the easiest “yes” on the Thanksgiving menu. With more than 200 breeds, expert commentary and plenty of feel-good moments, it’s the perfect calm bridge between the parade and the chaos of the dinner table.
Bottom line: Switch to NBC at noon, open Peacock if you’re streaming, and get ready to pick your own Best in Show from the sofa.
