Meet the New Breed Competing in the 2019 National Dog Show (PHOTOS)

Meredith Jacobs October 30, 2019, 11:00 am

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Simon Bruty
Host John O’Hurley with Hudson the Irish Setter

Simon Bruty
John O’Hurley, Mary Carillo, and David Frei with (clockwise from top left) Banjo the Australian Terrier, Whiskey the Whippet, Sally the Longhaired Dachshund, Hudson the Irish Setter, Nouri the Azawakh, and Keeper the Bernese Mountain Dog

Simon Bruty
John O’Hurley and David Frei with 2018’s Best in Show winner, Whiskey the Whippet

Simon Bruty
Host David Frei with Murphy the Australian Shepherd

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The National Dog Show Presented by Purina returns to NBC for its 18th year on Thanksgiving Day after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and this year, there will be a new American Kennel Club-sanctioned breed competing.

TV Insider has an exclusive first look at the Azawakh, part of the hound group. It is a loyal, independent, and deeply affectionate sighthound known for its short coat, long and lean appearance, and excellent companionship and guardianship.

There are a total of 193 recognized breeds — since 2003, 46 new breeds have been introduced — in the 2019 competition.

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John O'Hurley and expert analyst and AKC-licensed judge David Frei return to host. Sports broadcasting Hall-of-Famer Mary Carillo will report from inside the ring, while former U.S. Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir will serve as backstage contributors.

"Can you imagine any show lasting 18 years in this world of televised programming?" O'Hurley said in a statement. "David and I are grateful to hide behind the shadows of these wonderful creatures that we get to share one day a year. America is greater because of its dogs."

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In 2018, a three-year-old male Whippet, Whiskey, took home the Best in Show title. Whiskey has more than 20 Best in Show titles and won the AKC's National Championship in January.

Click through the gallery above for a look at the new breed, the hosts, and more dogs.

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, Thursday, November 28, 12-2pm in all time zones, NBC