If you’re trying to find out what channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on, this detailed guide gives you everything you need to watch the 2025 holiday broadcast without any confusion. As families across the country settle into the festive rhythm of Thanksgiving Day, the annual National Dog Show has become one of the most cherished midday traditions. It airs right after the parade, giving viewers a fun and heart-warming program filled with talented pups, expert handlers, and the excitement of competition.
For many households, this dog show now stands alongside the parade, football, and the big meal as an essential part of the Thanksgiving routine. The 2025 edition is expected to deliver a joyful mix of adorable moments, polished presentation, and impressive canine skill. Whether you’re watching with family, friends, or your own pets curled beside you, knowing where and when to tune in ensures you don’t miss any of the excitement.
Below is everything confirmed for this year’s broadcast—channel information, streaming options, timing, show format, competition details, and what viewers can expect throughout the event.
Table of Contents
📺 The Official Channel Broadcasting the Dog Show in 2025
For 2025, the National Dog Show will be broadcast on NBC. That means almost every household in the United States can access the show easily, whether through cable, satellite, or a digital antenna. NBC has aired the Thanksgiving Dog Show for more than two decades, and the partnership continues for another year.
NBC’s coverage is polished, smooth, and family-friendly, making it the perfect midday entertainment during Thanksgiving celebrations. The broadcast includes commentary, behind-the-scenes insights, breed explanations, competition analysis, and warm holiday framing that makes the show enjoyable even for viewers who don’t typically watch dog competitions.
If anyone in the home asks again, “What channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on?”—the simple answer remains: NBC.
🕛 What Time the Thanksgiving Dog Show Airs in 2025
The 2025 broadcast follows the same familiar structure as recent years:
Start Time
12:00 p.m. (local time)
The show begins at noon across all U.S. time zones.
This consistent national scheduling makes the show easy to plan around no matter where you live.
End Time
2:00 p.m. (local time)
The full program is a two-hour special broadcast.
Why This Timeslot Works So Well
- The Thanksgiving parade typically ends around noon.
- Families cooking the holiday meal can enjoy the dog show in the background.
- Kids love the upbeat energy and adorable dog breeds.
- The midday slot avoids competing with afternoon football games.
The timing helps the event serve as a comfortable, relaxing transition between the morning festivities and the afternoon hustle of Thanksgiving preparations.
🖥️ Streaming Options for Viewers Without Cable
More people now watch through streaming platforms than ever before. Luckily, the Thanksgiving Dog Show is easy to stream.
Peacock
Peacock will stream the 2025 Dog Show live. It is the simplest option for cord-cutters.
NBC App or Website
If viewers have access to NBC through a login from a cable or satellite provider, the show can be streamed on:
- The NBC mobile app
- NBC’s website
- Smart TVs that support NBC’s digital platform
Live-TV Streaming Services
Many households use cable-replacement streaming services. Any platform that carries NBC in your region will include the dog show. These services commonly include:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV (where NBC is available)
- FuboTV
Digital Antenna
If you own a digital antenna, you can watch NBC for free without any subscription at all.
The wide broadcast and streaming availability mean that no one should have trouble watching—whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, traveling, visiting relatives, or relaxing at home.
🐶 What Makes the Thanksgiving Dog Show Special in 2025
The National Dog Show has a comforting holiday charm that makes it different from other dog competitions aired throughout the year. It blends tradition, entertainment, education, and a festive tone that feels perfectly matched to Thanksgiving Day.
Here’s what has made it such a beloved holiday staple:
A Huge Variety of Breeds
More than 2,000 purebred dogs participate in the competition. The show offers a chance to see rare breeds, newly recognized breeds, and crowd favorites.
Breed Group Competitions
The competition is divided into seven major breed groups:
- Sporting
- Hound
- Working
- Terrier
- Toy
- Non-Sporting
- Herding
Each group winner then competes for Best in Show.
Expert Commentary
The show’s long-time hosts and expert analysts explain each breed’s origins, standards, and characteristics. Their warm, friendly approach makes the show accessible even for casual viewers.
Family-Friendly Format
The show is upbeat, wholesome, and suitable for all ages. It’s the kind of program grandparents, parents, kids, and pets can enjoy together.
A Perfect Background Show
Many families turn it on while preparing Thanksgiving dishes. The mix of light competition and calming visuals creates ideal mid-day ambiance.
🎉 What’s New for the 2025 Dog Show
Each year brings something fresh to the event, and 2025 continues that trend. While the show remains true to tradition, viewers can expect:
Newly Recognized Breeds
Every few years, the competition adds new breeds that have earned formal recognition. Seeing these debut breeds on the national stage is always a treat.
Fresh Production Enhancements
The broadcast continues to evolve with improved camera angles, clearer visuals, refined lighting, and smoother transitions.
New Competitors & Returning Champions
Some well-known dogs return to defend their titles, while younger dogs compete for the first time. It makes the field unpredictable and exciting.
Season-Themed Visuals
Thanksgiving-themed graphics, warm lighting, and cheerful segments help keep the show festive.
🐾 Why People Love Watching the Thanksgiving Dog Show
The popularity of the event keeps growing because it fits perfectly into the holiday’s spirit.
It Highlights the Joy of Dogs
Whether you own a dog or simply enjoy watching them, the show celebrates everything lovable about dogs—energy, personality, loyalty, and breed diversity.
It’s Relaxing
Compared to the excitement of the parade or football games, the dog show offers calm entertainment.
It’s Educational
Viewers learn about breed history, grooming, training, temperament, and physical standards.
It’s a Moment of Togetherness
Families often gather around the TV during the show before guests arrive or before dinner begins.
Pets Love It, Too
Dogs often react with curiosity and excitement when they hear barking or see movement on the screen. Many owners find that their pets enjoy watching along.
📅 Sample Ideal Thanksgiving Viewing Schedule
Here’s a simple Thanksgiving timeline many households follow:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Watch the Thanksgiving parade |
| 11:30 a.m. | Prep lunch or dinner; get kitchen organized |
| 12:00 p.m. | Thanksgiving Dog Show begins |
| 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Watch the show while cooking, baking, or relaxing |
| After 2 p.m. | Finalize the meal, greet guests, or eat |
This schedule works for families balancing cooking, guests, and traditions.
🎙️ Show Format Explained
Many viewers enjoy the dog show without knowing how the competition actually works. Here’s a quick breakdown:
1. Breed Judging
Dogs compete first within their own breed. Judges look at structure, movement, coat, temperament, and adherence to breed standards.
2. Group Judging
Winners of each breed advance to their respective groups. Example: Best Labrador Retriever competes in the Sporting Group.
3. Best in Show
The seven group winners compete for the top title. Only one dog earns Best in Show, the highest honor.
4. Presenter Commentary
Hosts guide viewers through every phase with clear explanations and light holiday humor.
This structured format ensures the program moves quickly and remains engaging for viewers of all ages.
🐕 Tips for the Best Dog Show Viewing Experience
- Turn the TV on a few minutes early to catch the opening introductions.
- If you’re streaming, test the app in advance to avoid buffering issues.
- Let pets watch too—many enjoy barking along!
- Use the show as a break between cooking steps.
- Keep snacks handy for a cozy midday viewing session.
- Kids may enjoy guessing which dog will win Best in Show.
These small touches make the broadcast even more enjoyable.
FAQ
Q1: What channel is the Thanksgiving Dog Show on in 2025?
It airs on NBC across all U.S. time zones.
Q2: What time does the Dog Show start?
The show begins at 12:00 p.m. (local time) on Thanksgiving Day.
Q3: Can I watch the Dog Show without cable?
Yes, you can stream it live on Peacock, use an NBC-supported streaming service, or watch via digital antenna.
Disclaimer
This article provides the most current broadcast and streaming details available for the 2025 Thanksgiving Dog Show. Television networks and streaming platforms may adjust coverage or scheduling at any time. Viewers should check local listings or platform availability if they notice any changes.