The dog show thanksgiving 2025 broadcast is locked in as one of the biggest holiday traditions for millions of U.S. households. Every year, families settle in after the morning parade to watch champion dogs from across the country compete for top honors. This year’s event brings new updates, confirmed broadcast timing, a massive field of competitors, and a carefully crafted show experience designed to appeal to dog lovers of all ages. With the holiday approaching, viewers now have the latest details they need to enjoy the broadcast from start to finish.
A Holiday Tradition That Continues to Grow
Year after year, the National Dog Show telecast has secured its place in America’s Thanksgiving lineup. The timing is familiar, the broadcast is family-friendly, and the competition showcases some of the country’s best purebred dogs. Viewers look forward to watching top handlers, striking breeds, and the final moments when the top dog of the year is selected.
For 2025, the broadcast schedule is firmly set. The show airs nationwide at 12:00 p.m. local time on NBC, immediately following the Thanksgiving morning parade. The same timing applies across major U.S. time zones, giving families in every region a predictable viewing experience. Those who prefer streaming can watch the full program live on Peacock, preserving the same telecast format.
The tradition continues in part because the show offers something unique compared to other holiday programming. While sports dominate the day for many households, others enjoy the calmer pace, the informative segments, and the spotlight on hundreds of beautiful, well-trained dogs. It’s an easy, enjoyable way to gather around the screen without the intensity of competitive sports.
Inside the 2025 Competition
The competition taped in early November at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center features one of the largest fields in the event’s history, with nearly 2,000 dogs representing more than 200 AKC-recognized breeds. From familiar favorites like Golden Retrievers and Bulldogs to rare breeds many viewers will be seeing for the first time, the lineup covers every group in the purebred world.
Handlers, breeders, trainers, and longtime competitors travel from across the United States for the chance to compete. Each dog is evaluated based on its adherence to established breed standards, including structure, gait, temperament, and overall presentation. The judges focus on how closely each dog represents the ideal form of its breed, a standard developed through decades of canine history.
The contest progresses through specific stages:
- Breed Judging – Dogs first compete against others of the same breed.
- Group Judging – Breed winners advance into one of the seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, or Herding.
- Best in Show – The seven group winners face off for the highest honor of the day.
The broadcast highlights this final portion of the competition, offering viewers a chance to see the most polished, confident, and carefully trained dogs perform in the spotlight.
The Venue Behind the Scenes
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center remains an ideal location. The space supports the event’s benched format, which requires dogs to stay in assigned areas whenever they’re not in the ring. This format allows spectators attending earlier in November to walk through rows of grooming stations, meet handlers, and observe dogs up close.
While viewers at home won’t see the benched setup, it plays an important role in the show’s structure. The format emphasizes education and accessibility, giving the event a community feel that sets it apart from many competitive dog events. Families who attend early in the month often describe the experience as one of the most interactive ways to learn about a wide range of breeds in one location.
The environment includes:
- Multiple show rings running simultaneously
- Grooming aisles lined with equipment, tables, and dryers
- Staging areas where handlers prepare dogs right before they enter the ring
- Vendor booths offering breed-specific merchandise and training tools
All of this happens before the broadcast is assembled into a polished, two-hour holiday special.
What Makes the Broadcast Stand Out
The Thanksgiving telecast is carefully structured to keep viewers engaged. It blends competition footage with short, digestible explanations about the breeds featured on-screen. This helps audiences understand why certain dogs are chosen as winners, even if they’re not familiar with the technical details of canine structure or movement.
The use of narration, slow-motion clips, graphics, and expert commentary adds clarity to each segment. Viewers hear explanations about what qualifies as correct gait, what judges notice in specific groups, and what temperament traits are ideal for certain breeds. The combination of educational content and entertainment makes the show widely accessible.
Families also enjoy:
- Spotlights on group winners
- Backstory segments on select breeds
- Replays of standout performances
- Calm pacing suitable for all ages
Because the competition is filmed earlier in the month, editors can refine the presentation, focusing on the most visually appealing and informative moments. This gives the Thanksgiving broadcast a distinctive style that differs from live dog shows aired throughout the year.
Breed Groups That Typically Draw Attention
While every group has devoted fans, a few consistently stand out during the holiday broadcast:
Sporting Group
Known for graceful movement and athleticism, breeds like Golden Retrievers, Pointers, and Setters often draw enthusiastic reactions from viewers. Their friendly expressions and smooth gaits make them crowd favorites.
Working Group
This group includes some of the largest and most powerful breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Great Dane. Their confident ring presence captures attention quickly.
Terrier Group
Terriers bring energy, speed, and attitude to the ring. Many viewers enjoy the lively personalities of breeds like the Wire Fox Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer.
Toy Group
Small dogs with big character shine here. Breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Papillon often win fans for their elegance and charm.
Herding Group
Breeds such as the German Shepherd and Border Collie are admired for their intelligence, precision, and focus in the ring.
Non-Sporting Group and Hound Group
From the muscular Bulldog to the elegant Poodle, and from the sleek Whippet to the dignified Afghan Hound, these groups feature unique, eye-catching varieties that captivate audiences.
The broadcast highlights each winner before they advance to the final seven competing for the highest title of the day.
What Families Should Expect While Watching
The two-hour telecast maintains a consistent flow. After the morning parade ends, the network transitions directly into the dog show. This timing allows households to settle in during the early afternoon, often while preparing their Thanksgiving meals.
The broadcast is structured to be approachable and relaxing, offering a gentle atmosphere between the morning parade excitement and the evening slate of football games. The pacing makes it easy for viewers to watch casually, pause for family activities, or follow the competition closely from start to finish.
For many families, the show has become part of a Thanksgiving ritual. Some watch for specific breeds. Others enjoy observing the grooming, training, and presentation of each dog. Many appreciate the show’s ability to showcase the deep bond between humans and animals.
Ensuring a Smooth Viewing Experience
For anyone planning to watch the full broadcast at home, the steps are simple:
- Tune in to NBC at 12:00 p.m. local time
- Have Peacock accessible if streaming is preferred
- Expect a two-hour special running through the early afternoon
- Watch for the final Best in Show round near the end of the telecast
The broadcast consistency each year is one of the reasons the show maintains a large viewership. Families know exactly when and where to tune in, and the format remains familiar and comforting.
Why the Event Continues to Resonate
In an era of fast-paced entertainment and streaming overload, the Thanksgiving canine competition offers something refreshingly timeless. It showcases expertise, tradition, and the joy of seeing well-trained dogs perform at the highest level. Viewers enjoy learning about breeds they may never have encountered and watching handlers demonstrate years of dedication.
The appeal extends to all age groups:
- Children recognize familiar dogs and enjoy cheering for their favorites.
- Adults appreciate the craftsmanship and discipline behind the performances.
- Seniors often enjoy the calm, nostalgic feel of the event.
This broad appeal helps the show maintain consistent popularity across generations.
The Key Details to Remember
To enjoy dog show thanksgiving 2025, keep these points in mind:
- Broadcast Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025
- Broadcast Time: 12:00 p.m. local time
- Network: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
- Duration: Two hours
- Focus: Group judging and the Best in Show presentation
Share your thoughts below and tell us which breed you’ll be rooting for this Thanksgiving or what part of the broadcast you enjoy most.