When autumn leaves begin to fall, holiday traditions come to mind. For many, Thanksgiving means family, good food, naps, Macy’s parade and the National Dog Show. Some 20 million television viewers, drowsy from a holiday meal of turkey and pumpkin pie, relax on the sofa to watch more than 2000 beautiful purebreds show off their best qualities.
National Dog Show Details
The National Dog Show will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania on November 14 and 15, 2009 and televised in a two hour special on Thanksgiving Day on NBC immediately following the Macy’s parade.
First broadcast on Thanksgiving Day of 2002, the National Dog Show presented by Purina enjoys huge ratings. According to philadogshow.com, the prestigious competition is America’s most watched dog show broadcast.
Organized by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and hosted by John O’Hurley, famous television personality and Afghan dog owner, the event helps raise money for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
The AKC sanctioned show features purebred dogs who are judged against a breed standard. Approximately 160 different breeds and varieties, including some unique looking breeds, compete for Best of Breed, First in Group and the ultimate honor, Best in Show.
Benched Shows Versus Show and Go
Most competitions today are ‘show and go’ but the National Dog Show is one of only a few benched shows remaining in the United States where exhibitors keep the dogs on display, allowing the public to interact with them and discuss various breeds with the experts.
Show dog owners and handlers are always happy to promote and share information about their breed. Dog shows are great places for potential dog owners to learn about specific breeds and get expert opinion in deciding which breed is right for their family and lifestyle.
Past Winners of the National Dog Show
Winners in recent years have included an Australian Shepherd, Toy Poodle, Bull Terrier, American Fox Terrier, Doberman, and Standard Poodle. The 2008 Best in Show winner was a gorgeous English Pointer named Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, more simply known as Holly.
Uno, the Beagle
Uno, the Beagle winner of the 2008 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, also made an appearance at the 2008 National Dog Show to delight his fans with pawtographs and his famous ‘ah-roo’ greeting.
America is a nation of dog lovers and the National Dog Show is a major event in the world of dog fancy. What better Thanksgiving Day entertainment tradition that the National Dog Show?
Dog lovers who missed last year’s show can view video online at Hulu.com
Understanding dog shows makes them more fun. Find out what those dog show acronyms mean and what's with those strange poodle haircuts..
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