Every Thanksgiving Day, millions of people tune in to the National Dog Show following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. What many people don’t know is that the broadcast is taped at a show held nearly 2 weeks earlier in Oaks, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia.
We visited to see what this celebration of the county’s top dogs is all about and we learned a lot along the way. It’s equal parts wholesome and fun with a little bit of quirkiness thrown in. Here’s what to expect if you’re planning to attend the show in person.
Location and dates
This year, the National Dog Show was held November 16-17, 2024, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Awards are given on both days, but the Saturday competition is what is televised.
The show will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, from 12pm-2pm in all time zones. It’s the 23rd broadcast, although the dog show has existed since 1879.
Schedule and ticket prices
Saturday and Sunday are separate dog shows with distinct awards, including Best in Show.
Judging on both days begins at 8am. The final award is given around 6pm on Saturday and around 5pm on Sunday, although the schedule sometimes runs late. Most families spend about 3.5 hours visiting the Expo Center in Montgomery County about 45 minutes from Philadelphia.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 4 to11. Children ages 3 and under are free.
Expect hours of competitions and thousands of dogs to meet
We were stunned to learn that every year there are about 1800-2000 dogs of 205 breeds who participate in the 2-day event.
Judging lasts about 9-10 hours each day with the different breeds competing in the center rings early in the day. You can walk right up and see the cocker spaniels, standard poodles, or your other favorite breeds showing the judges their best.
The Best in Breed winners compete for Best in Group (there are 7 groups) in the afternoon. Those winners ultimately vie for the top prize—Best in Show. The latter competitions happen on the recognizable TV set enclosed by black curtains.
When the dogs aren’t competing, they’re at their benches, which is their assigned waiting area. There, you can talk to the owners, watch the dogs being groomed, and pet them (after asking the owner’s permission, of course). The National Dog Show is special because it’s the only show where the competing dogs are available like this. If you want to see a specific breed, just check out the map in the free program.
As we wandered the rows of benches, we were surprised how well-behaved the dogs were and how quiet it was. All those hours of training for competitions mean minimal barking and dogs who are calm around crowds. It’s fun to watch them being groomed or just relaxing and being dogs between the rounds.
Entertainment adds excitement to the event
Throughout the weekend, canine athletes and their handlers from the Purina Pro Performance team provide lots of entertainment.
For several hours on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, you can find dogs playing basketball, catching frisbees, and performing lots of crazy tricks alongside their humans. There are agility displays and plenty of stunts that will leave you scratching your head, wondering how on earth they trained a dog to do that.
In addition to the scheduled performances, the incredible dogs fill the breaks between the rounds of “Best in Group” judging, so you’re almost sure to see some aerial tricks if you hang out long enough.
Yes, you get a sneak peek at the TV broadcast
The Best in Group and Best in Show rounds from the Saturday dog show are what you see on the national TV broadcast. That means that if you attend on Saturday, you know the winners before anyone else does (though it’s nice to keep it to yourself if your friends and family like to be surprised).
General seating is first-come, first-serve and can be a bit crowded. People often leave between judging rounds, though, so you’re very likely to get a seat if you’re patient. The rounds take longer in-person than what makes it into the TV show, and you’ll see all the cameras getting the dogs’ and handlers’ best angles as well as some stage directions from time to time.
What you won’t hear in-person is the amusing and informative commentary from the TV hosts actor John O’Hurley and dog expert David Frei. Although they’re seated at the main table and visible to the audience, they’re only heard on the broadcast. In the ring, you’ll hear some commands from the judges and the emcee giving background on different breeds and specific dogs.
Bring your credit card
If you love to spoil your pets, this is the place to be. Around the perimeter of the exhibit halls, there is a huge range of merchandise to pick from sold by over 70 vendors. Mugs proclaiming your love for your yorkie? Yep. A cozy dog bed? They’ve got that, too. Bejeweled collars? Obviously. From clothes to pet portrait services, there is a little bit of everything for animal lovers.
There is food all day
Start off with a breakfast sandwich while you watch the morning judging, grab a turkey wrap before you visit the dogs, and finish up with a can of spiked seltzer before the Best in Show award. No matter how long you spend at the Expo Center and how hungry you are, there are lots of concessions. If the options here don’t float your boat, all the food at the King of Prussia Mall is just 10 minutes away.
More info. worth knowing
Deciding what kind of dog will fit your family best? This show is the perfect place to come. The National Dog Show and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia are dedicated to helping potential pet parents figure out the breed that will be the perfect pairing for them. Some owners have displays and information about their breeds at their benches, and all are happy to answer questions. During the group judging, the show’s emcee also provides useful information about the temperament, interests, and needs of different breeds.
You don’t have to crowd into the show ring seating to see the judging. There are TV screens and overflow seating throughout the Expo Center, so you can take a seat anywhere.
Parking is free, but you will probably need to walk. Many of the closer parking spots are claimed by competitors who travel with RVs, trailers, or other large vehicles, so spectators park farther away, often on rough ground.