If you’re searching for what channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on, you’re clearly preparing for one of the most beloved holiday TV traditions of the year. The annual Thanksgiving Dog Show has grown into a must-watch program for families across the United States, offering a perfect mix of entertainment, warmth, and friendly competition. As soon as the Thanksgiving parade ends, millions of viewers switch their screens to this midday canine celebration. For many households, it has become as central to Thanksgiving as turkey, stuffing, and family gatherings.
The 2025 event promises more breeds, more excitement, and a polished broadcast that makes the show enjoyable whether you’re watching actively or keeping it on in the background while preparing your holiday meal. This extended guide breaks down everything viewers need to know: the official channel, start times, streaming options, the format of the competition, highlights expected in 2025, and tips for making the most of your viewing experience.
Let’s dive into the full breakdown so you never have to ask again what channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on—and so your Thanksgiving Day moves along smoothly.
📺 What Channel Is the Thanksgiving Dog Show On in 2025?
The Thanksgiving Dog Show will air nationwide on NBC in 2025.
NBC continues its long-standing tradition of broadcasting the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, and its midday time slot has become a cornerstone of holiday entertainment. The network’s clean presentation, high-quality cameras, holiday-themed transitions, and familiar hosts make it a comfortable program to watch with the entire family.
If you have access to NBC—whether through cable, satellite, a digital antenna, or a streaming service—you’re fully set to enjoy the show. The broadcasting remains consistent across the United States, so no matter which city or state you’re in, you’ll find the show on your local NBC channel at the same time.
🕛 What Time Does the Thanksgiving Dog Show Air This Year?
The 2025 broadcast schedule remains consistent with recent years, providing viewers with an expected, easy-to-plan timeline.
Start Time: 12:00 p.m. (local time)
The show begins at noon across all U.S. time zones, creating a streamlined experience nationwide.
End Time: 2:00 p.m. (local time)
The program runs as a two-hour special, edited for smooth pacing and entertaining transitions.
Why Noon Works Perfectly
- It airs immediately after the Thanksgiving parade, creating a seamless television flow.
- Many families cook during this period, and the calm, cheerful tone of the dog show provides ideal kitchen ambiance.
- Children enjoy watching the dogs while adults prepare food.
- It avoids overlap with afternoon football games or late-day gatherings.
This schedule has become such a reliable part of the holiday that many viewers automatically associate noon on Thanksgiving with the start of the Dog Show.
🖥️ How to Watch the 2025 Thanksgiving Dog Show Without Cable
More households stream their holiday programs than ever. The good news is that the Thanksgiving Dog Show remains easily accessible for everyone, even those without traditional television service.
Here are all available ways to watch:
1. Peacock
The entire show streams live on Peacock.
This makes it ideal for:
- Cord-cutters
- People traveling
- Viewers without access to local NBC channels
2. NBC App & NBC Website
If you have credentials from a cable or TV provider, you can log in and watch through:
- NBC app on smart TVs
- NBC app on tablets and phones
- NBC.com on desktop or laptop
3. Live-TV Streaming Services
Any streaming subscription that includes NBC will carry the Thanksgiving Dog Show.
These typically include:
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Sling TV (in participating cities)
- FuboTV
4. Digital Antenna
A digital antenna will pick up your local NBC station at no cost.
Whether you’re watching at home, at a relative’s house, or on the road, the accessibility of the show makes it simple to tune in wherever you are.
🐶 What Makes the Thanksgiving Dog Show a Holiday Favorite
With so much holiday programming available, the Thanksgiving Dog Show stands out for a few key reasons:
A Calm, Feel-Good Break
The Dog Show brings a sense of calm to an otherwise busy day. Its gentle pacing offers relief from the hectic energy in the kitchen and dining room.
Perfect for All Ages
Kids love the adorable dogs. Adults enjoy the commentary and the elegance of the breeds. Seniors appreciate the tradition.
Dogs Bring Joy
There’s something universally heartwarming about watching dogs compete, prance, pose, and perform.
Predictable Yet Fresh
While the Show follows a traditional structure, each year includes new dogs, new breeds, new stories, and new winners.
Peaceful Holiday Entertainment
Families often leave the show on while cooking. It fits perfectly between the parade end and the early dinner or late lunch.
🐾 A Complete Look at How the Dog Show Competition Works
Viewers who ask what channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on usually follow up with another question: How does the competition actually work?
Here is the simple breakdown:
1. Breed Judging
Each dog competes against others of its own breed.
Judges look for:
- Structure
- Movement
- Temperament
- Coat quality
- Alignment with breed standards
2. Group Judging
Breed winners advance to compete in one of seven groups:
- Sporting
- Hound
- Working
- Terrier
- Toy
- Non-Sporting
- Herding
3. Best in Show
The seven group winners face off for the grand title.
Only one will be named Best in Show, the highest honor possible.
4. Show Highlights
- Hosts interview handlers
- Experts explain breed characteristics
- Commentary breaks down each group’s standout dogs
- Camera angles give viewers a clear look at gait, structure, and performance
This structured progression makes the Show easy to follow, even for viewers who are not familiar with competitive dog judging.
🎉 What’s New and Exciting in the 2025 Thanksgiving Dog Show
The 2025 edition brings several fresh features and updates:
Newly Recognized Breeds in Competition
Every few years, new breeds gain official recognition and join the spotlight. Viewers love seeing fresh faces on the national stage.
New Competitors & New Favorites
Young competitors emerging this year may capture viewers’ hearts, while returning champions bring excitement and anticipation.
Upgraded Visual Presentation
Expect cinematic camera work, cleaner lighting, and improved audio that enhances the viewer experience.
More Holiday-Themed Elements
The Dog Show broadcast contains warm, seasonal elements like:
- Holiday music
- Festive decorations
- Thanksgiving-themed graphics
- Host introductions that embrace the holiday spirit
All these additions ensure that the show feels like a genuine part of Thanksgiving celebrations.
📅 A Thanksgiving Morning Sample Timeline for Families
Below is a sample schedule many families follow to smoothly integrate the dog show into their holiday.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Watch the Thanksgiving parade |
| 10:30 a.m. | Start or continue cooking, prepare ingredients |
| 11:30 a.m. | Clean up the kitchen and prep for the next steps |
| 12:00 p.m. | Switch to NBC for the Thanksgiving Dog Show |
| 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Enjoy the show while cooking, relaxing, or setting the table |
| 2:00 p.m.+ | Final meal prep, guests arrive, holiday dinner |
This rhythm helps balance entertainment, tradition, and practicality.
🐕 Why Dogs Love Watching the Show Too
Plenty of viewers notice their pets reacting to the broadcast. Dogs often:
- Bark at the screen
- Tilt their heads when hearing other dogs
- Sit and watch intently
- Become curious when handlers give commands
This pet-friendly energy adds extra joy to Thanksgiving afternoon.
🧡 Reasons Families Keep the Dog Show as a Holiday Tradition
- It’s wholesome and uplifting
- It brings generations together
- It’s easy to follow
- It fills the midday gap perfectly
- It pairs well with cooking holiday dishes
- It offers educational insight into dog breeds
- It delivers joyful moments that stick in family memory
When people ask what channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on, they often do so because the Show is a valued and meaningful part of their yearly rhythm.
📣 Tips for the Best Viewing Experience in 2025
- Test your NBC or streaming setup before noon
- Turn the volume up so you can hear commentary while cooking
- Let kids guess which dog will win each group
- Keep your own dogs nearby for extra fun
- Watch the broadcast replay if you miss segments
- Use the show as a break from holiday busyness
These small tips make the experience more enjoyable, especially during a busy Thanksgiving celebration.
FAQ
Q1: What channel is the Thanksgiving dog show on in 2025?
The show airs on NBC nationwide.
Q2: What time does the dog show start on Thanksgiving?
It begins at 12:00 p.m. (local time) and ends at 2:00 p.m.
Q3: Can I watch the Thanksgiving Dog Show without cable?
Yes, you can stream it on Peacock, access it through the NBC app, or watch it with a digital antenna.
Disclaimer
The information in this article reflects the latest confirmed broadcast details for the 2025 Thanksgiving Dog Show. Network schedules and streaming availability may change at any time. Viewers should check local listings if they notice any unexpected adjustments.