How to Watch the 2024 National Dog Show

Thanksgiving is almost here, which means the most watched dog show in the country is also almost upon us. Thousands of the country’s best dogs will compete at the 2024 National Dog Show in hopes of being crowned best in show.

Here’s how to watch and what to look for at the 2024 National Dog Show, presented by Purina.

About the National Dog Show 2024

Although it won’t be gracing our televisions until Thanksgiving, the 2024 National Dog Show was actually held on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

The National Dog Show is open to all dogs registered with American Kennel Club (AKC) and the host is Kennel Club of Philadelphiawhich hosted a dog show since 1879. Rumor has it that over 2,000 dogs participated in this year’s event 194 races.

How the national dog show works

As with any competition, national dog show competitors are subject to certain criteria to determine who is the best of the best. Here’s how it all unfolds during the two-day event.

Eligibility

The national dog show is an open showwhich means that any dog registered with the AKC can compete – regardless of previous dog show experience. There are 201 registered AKC breeds and 12 additional varieties. The newest dog breed recognized by the AKC is Lancashire Healerwho was admitted to the club in January 2024. Heeler is part of the Herding Group and is eligible to compete this year.

Best of breed

Puppies are first grouped together with all dogs at the show of the same breed or breed variety. The dog that is evaluated as the closest representative of the breed standard moves to the group stage. For example, best of breed golden retriever competes with other breeds from the Sporting group, such as Labrador retriever or Irish setter.

First in the group

Winners of best in breed move into one of seven groups: sport, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sport and shepherd. Judges again rate the dogs on how best they match the standards of their breed. Dogs that win groups move to the Best in Show ring.

Best in Show

The final showdown features the seven group winners and the best of the best are once again judged against their breed standards to determine who is the best dog of them all.

Who won the National Dog Show 2023?

Stache Sealyham Terrier.

Maggie Fans / National Dog Show

Stache, a Sealyham terrier from Pennsylvania, took home the show’s top prize in 2023. Stache was praised by the judges as “the epitome of a great dog” due to his level of skill, pristine condition and breed type.

Sealyham terriers are incredibly rare dogs, but Stache had championship genetics on his side – his grandfather won Best in Show at the show. AKC National Championship in 2007

Which dog will be champion this year? Only time will tell.