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The dog show thanksgiving 2025 broadcast is set for Thursday, November 27, airing nationwide at 12:00 p.m. local time on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The National Dog Show remains one of America’s most-watched Thanksgiving traditions, returning this year with confirmed broadcast times, updated breed counts, and complete event details for viewers across the country.
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A Look at This Year’s Event
The National Dog Show is once again taped at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. The competition brings together top handlers, champion dogs, and expert judges for a full weekend of conformation showing. The two-hour Thanksgiving broadcast packages the final rounds, group winners, and the crowning of Best in Show.
More than 1,900 dogs representing over 200 American Kennel Club–recognized breeds are part of this year’s competitive field. All seven traditional groups are featured, giving viewers a clear look at the best Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding contenders.
Where the Event Takes Place
The Expo Center in Oaks has hosted the National Dog Show for years. Its large, open floor plan supports multiple rings, grooming stations, and staging areas. The competition itself is a benched show, meaning participating dogs must remain available to the public in designated areas when not in the ring.
For attendees earlier in November, this setup allows families and dog enthusiasts to meet breeds up close, learn about temperament, and understand breed standards directly from handlers and breeders.
How to Watch the Broadcast
The broadcast will follow its traditional placement immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Viewers can expect:
- Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Time: 12:00 p.m. local time
- Network: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
The telecast keeps the same two-hour format that millions of households tune in for each year. It highlights final group judging, Best in Show competition, breed explanations, and commentary designed for family viewing.
What Viewers Can Expect in 2025
NBC’s coverage blends high-level competition with educational features. The broadcast includes segments that explain breed histories, ideal physical traits, grooming expectations, and the purpose behind judging standards.
Hosts provide smooth commentary that helps casual viewers understand what judges look for in each dog. These segments are paired with spotlight features on handlers, trainers, and memorable behind-the-scenes details from the ring.
The seven group winners advance to compete for Best in Show, the highlight moment of the broadcast. This final selection is based on adherence to breed standards, movement, temperament, and overall presentation.
Confirmed Highlights for This Year
1. Large Field of Competitors
The 2025 field includes nearly 2,000 dogs, maintaining the event’s reputation as one of the largest and most competitive dog shows in the country.
2. Full Range of AKC-Recognized Breeds
Over 200 breeds are represented, giving viewers rare on-screen access to both familiar and lesser-known dogs.
3. Benched Show Format
This format sets the National Dog Show apart. While not visible on TV, it reinforces the event’s educational mission and offers a unique experience for attendees.
4. Family-Friendly Broadcast
The Thanksgiving airing ensures millions of households see a balanced mix of competition and breed education.
5. Strong Continuity and Tradition
The National Dog Show has aired on Thanksgiving for more than two decades, creating a sense of continuity and comfort for families who watch every year.
Why the Event Continues to Grow in Popularity
The National Dog Show has become part of the holiday routine for viewers who enjoy its calm, informative, and upbeat tone. It offers an alternative to football, parades, and holiday movies, appealing to families looking for something light and engaging between Thanksgiving meals.
The wide variety of breeds draws interest from dedicated dog enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Viewers enjoy discovering new breeds, learning about standards, and cheering for favorites in the final rounds.
The show’s placement on a major network with consistent scheduling adds to its annual momentum, helping it attract large national audiences year after year.
For Viewers Planning to Tune In
To ensure a smooth viewing experience:
- Set reminders for 12 p.m. local time on NBC.
- Have Peacock ready if you prefer streaming.
- Expect the broadcast to run for two hours.
- Watch for the transition from the Thanksgiving parade right into the start of the show.
With the confirmed details for dog show thanksgiving 2025 now available, the event is fully set to entertain millions of households once again.
Share your thoughts below—tell us your favorite breed or who you hope wins Best in Show this year.
