National Dog Show returns to expo center in Oaks

More than 125 years after pioneering the institution of competitive dog shows back in the 1800s, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia will mark the 20th anniversary of its most highprofile event, The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, on Saturday and Sunday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks.

Saturday’s show will be taped for broadcast on NBC Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 p.m., following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The family-oriented celebration of dogdom attracts a total audience of over 20 million each year.

The show is hosted by John O’Hurley, the “Seinfeld” ensemble actor (catalog 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 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,” said 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,” said Wayne Ferguson, president of the KCP.

Tickets for this weekend’s show are $16 for vaccinated individuals 12 and older, and 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 throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday, starting at 8 a.m.

John O’Hurley