In an uncertain and difficult year, some Thanksgiving traditions remain the same as the 2020 National Dog Show returns to NBC following Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on Thursday, November 25 at 12 p.m. local time. Click here to see who won the 2020 National Dog Show.

What is the national dog show?

The National dog show is one of the most famous dog shows in the world. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the show was founded in 1879 and has been held annually since 1933. The NDS is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, and only purebred dogs registered with the AKC can compete. The AKC recognizes 197 breeds and varieties of dogs, divided into seven different groups.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 National Dog Show will only allow spectators who are fully vaccinated. Last year the competition took place without spectators, vendors, sponsors or the media. The judgment followed strict safety guidelines, including social distancing, wearing masks and monitoring the temperatures of all participants. Competition was also limited to 600 dogs, a 70% decrease from the nearly 2,000 who compete in a regular year. Find out more about the vaccination policy of the national dog show for the 2021 edition.

NBC has televised the event after Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade since 2002. John O’Hurley and David Frei will reprise their roles as hosts, having co-hosted together since the National Dog Show first aired. Mary Carillo will also be back for more commentary, analysis and behind the scenes at one of the oldest dog shows in the world.

Related: How to watch the 2021 National Dog Show

Where is the 2021 National Dog Show?

The National Dog Show is held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

How do I watch the 2021 dog show at Thanksgiving?

Watch the 2021 National Dog Show on NBC directly after Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Coverage of the national dog show begins Thursday, November 25 at 12 p.m. local time and continues until 2 p.m., covering the group and the Best in Show judging.

The story continues

The national dog show can also be streamed here on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app at 12 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day. The NBC Sports app is available on mobile and connected devices including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire.

To watch the National Dog Show Jr., stream on Peacock from 2 p.m. ET after the National Dog Show ends on the East Coast.

How does the national dog show work?

The American Kennel Club recognizes 197 breeds and varieties of dogs (although each may not be represented at the National Dog Show from year to year). In the first round of the National Dog Show, dogs of the same breed will compete against each other based on how the dog matches breed standards. The winner, named “Best of Breed”, will represent his breed at the next level: the group. The American Kennel Club classifies each breed into seven groups (athletic, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-athletic, and herding). At the group level, dogs are not judged against each other, but rather based on their suitability to the standards of their breed. Each group winner, named “First of Breed”, will enter the final round for the coveted Best in Show.

This year, one breed makes its National Dog Show debut:

• The Biewer Terrier (pronounced like beaver), which is part of the Toy Group, originated in Germany as a Tricolor Yorkie. The heritage of the breed has been debated and discussed. Werner and Gertrud Biewer started breeding Yorkies in Germany. In 1984, they bred a Yorkie with the genetic recessive magpie gene, and they started producing more puppies with the gene.

Related: Download the program of the 2021 national dog show

Who won the 2020 national dog show?

Last year, Claire, the 3-year-old Scottish Deerhound, beat more than 600 dogs representing 196 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club to win the Best in Show award.

Among the larger breeds of dogs, the Deerhound was bred to hunt down the giant wild red deer. In silhouette we see a hound hound hit from the classic Greyhound pattern. Deerhounds are, however, much larger and more substantial than Greyhounds. A good sized male can be 32 inches at the withers and weigh 110 pounds. The coat is seen in many colors and many prefer the dark blue-gray coat. The slender head and long neck add to an already majestic dog.

“Claire has so many wonderful traits”, manager Angela Lloyd said after the victory.

Who else won the Best in Show award at the National Dog Show?

2019: Thor (bulldog)
2018: Whiskey (Whippet)
2017: Newton (Brussels Griffon)
2016: Gia (Greyhound)
2015: Charlie (Skye Terrier)
2014: Nathan (Greyhound)
2013: Bijou (American Foxhound)
2012: Sky (Fox Terrier Wire)
2011: Eira (Fox Terrier Son)
2010: Clooney (Irish Setter)
2009: Sadie (Scottish Terrier)
2008: Holly (Pointer)
2007: Swizzle (Australian Shepherd)
2006: Vikki (Miniature poodle)
2005: Rufus (Colored Bull Terrier)
2004: chap. Aimhi Avalon Renissance (Smooth Fox Terrier)
2003: chap. Blue Chip Purple Reign (Doberman)
2002: chap. Ale Kai Mikimoto on Fifth (Standard Poodle)

Watch NBC’s coverage of the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, right after Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. local time on NBC, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

What to Know About the 2021 National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day originally appeared on NBCSports.com