National Dog Show 2026: When to Watch, Hosts & How It Differs From Westminster
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without turkey, football, and, of course, some very, very good boys.
The National Dog Show returns for its 25th annual NBC broadcast, bringing together some of the country’s top purebred dogs as they compete for the coveted Best in Show title.
Hosted by John O’Hurley and David Frei, the holiday tradition gives viewers a chance to see more than 200 breeds and varieties compete, but how does it differ from the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
From when and where to watch to what sets the two competitions apart, here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 National Dog Show.
When is the National Dog Show?
The live competition for the 25th Annual National Dog Show takes place Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania
The show will air on NBC and Peacock on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in all time zones.
Who hosts the National Dog Show?
The NBC broadcast of the National Dog Show is hosted and analyzed by John O’Hurley and David Frei, with feature reporting handled by Mary Carillo.
Bill McCay/NBC
What is the difference between the National Dog Show and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
The National Dog Show and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show are both premier, American Kennel Club (AKC)-sanctioned conformation shows, but they differ significantly in history and prestige.
The Westminster Dog Show takes place every February in New York City, traditionally at Madison Square Garden. It began in 1877, making it the second-oldest sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby. Only dogs that have already earned champion status can compete in the Best of Breed competition.
The National Dog Show takes place in mid-November at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, but airs on TV on Thanksgiving Day. It began in 1879 and is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. Unlike Westminster, the competition is open to AKC-registered purebred dogs, even if they haven’t earned champion status.
Who won the National Dog Show 2025?
A 6-year-old Belgian Sheepdog named Soleil took home Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show. Handled by Daniel Martin, Soleil represented the Herding Group and beat out runner-up George, an American Foxhound, who earned Reserve Best in Show.
National Dog Show 2026, Thursday, November 26, 12/11c, NBC and Peacock
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