More than 125 years after pioneering the institution of competitive dog shows back in the 1800s, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP) will mark the 20th anniversary of its most high-profile event, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®, on Saturday, Nov. 20, and Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Greater Philadelphia Exposition Center in Oaks, PA.
Saturday’s show will be taped for broadcast on NBC Thanksgiving Day from noon-2 p.m. in all time zones, following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The family-oriented celebration of dogdom provides America and its 65 million pet-owning households a show with mass appeal before football takes over the day. The broadcast attracts a total audience of over 20 million each year.
The beloved holiday tradition for families across the nation launched in 2002 and has delivered blockbuster TV ratings as a celebration of America’s fascination with man’s best friend. It is hosted by John O’Hurley, the Seinfeld ensemble actor (catalogue king J. Peterman) and ultimate champion on ABC’s inaugural “Dancing With The Stars.” O’Hurley is joined by expert analyst David Frei, one of America’s foremost authorities on the sport and the former longtime (27 years) face and voice of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA Network.
“It was conceived as an event that could grow into a holiday tradition,” stated Jon Miller, President of Programming for NBC Sports, who created the event. “And it was an immediate success. It is unique on the television landscape because the total audience of over 20 million is just as strong today as it was in 2002.”
“We have actually generated a new legion of dog show fans and greater interest in our sport as a result of the family holiday tradition that The National Dog Show and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia have established,” stated Wayne Ferguson, President of the KCP.
The KCP’s National Dog Show weekend is set for Saturday and Sunday, November 20 and 21, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Tickets, priced at $16 for vaccinated individuals 12 and older, are available at www.NationalDogShow.com.
In conjunction with recommendations from national, state and local officials, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and The National Dog Show will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry to the Expo Center.
Breed judging and group judging will be conducted through the day both Saturday and Sunday, but for health and safety considerations, the weekend shows will be unbenched and the dogs and handlers will not be required to remain in designated locations throughout the day.
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