In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is often associated with a few beloved traditions: enjoying a holiday feast, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and tuning in to the National Dog Show. For dog lovers, the annual competition has become just as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pie.
The National Dog Show is hosted by the Philadelphia Kennel Club and broadcast nationwide, showcasing some of the most impressive canine competitors in the world. During the event, more than 193 recognized dog breeds are evaluated and placed into seven distinct groups. Each group selects a top winner, and from those finalists, one dog is awarded the coveted title of Best in Show.
Athletic Hounds
Athletic hounds were originally developed for hunting and tracking. These breeds vary greatly in size and appearance but share speed, endurance, and strong instincts.
Notable Athletic Hound breeds include:
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Saluki – A powerful and ancient hunter known for speed and grace
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Pharaoh Hound – Famous for its distinctive ability to blush, giving the illusion of glowing
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Whippet – Often described as the sprinter of the dog world, similar to a Greyhound
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Rhodesian Ridgeback – Recognized by the signature ridge of hair along its back
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Portuguese Podengo Pequeno – A small, primitive breed that hunts using sight, scent, and sound
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Treeing Walker Coonhound – Known for stamina, drive, and a love of working in wooded areas
Athletic Hound Group Winner: Whippet
Herding Group
Herding dogs were bred to manage and move livestock, requiring agility, intelligence, and focus. These dogs excel in both physical ability and obedience.
Breeds in the Herding Group include:
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German Shepherd
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Rough and Smooth Collies
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Border Collie
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Old English Sheepdog
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Icelandic Sheepdog
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Belgian Malinois
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Bearded Collie
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Pumi
Herding Group Winner: Old English Sheepdog
Working Group
Often referred to as “lunch-pail dogs,” working breeds are known for strength, reliability, and a strong work ethic. These dogs guard property, protect livestock, and frequently serve in law enforcement or rescue roles.
Breeds highlighted in the Working Group include:
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Doberman Pinscher
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Black Russian Terrier
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Rottweiler
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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
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Akita
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Boxer
Working Group Winner: Portuguese Water Dog
Terrier Group
Terriers are energetic, determined, and fearless. The word “terrier” comes from the Latin terra, meaning earth—an indication of their original purpose to pursue prey underground.
Terrier breeds include:
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Airedale Terrier
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Welsh Terrier
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Lakeland Terrier
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Wire Fox and Smooth Fox Terriers
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Parson Russell Terrier
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Kerry Blue Terrier
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Manchester Terrier
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Australian Terrier
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Cairn Terrier
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Scottish Terrier
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Miniature Bull Terrier
Terrier Group Winner: American Staffordshire Terrier
Toy Group
The Toy Group consists of the smallest dogs in the competition and is especially popular with urban dwellers. Despite their size, these dogs are confident, affectionate, and full of personality.
Toy breeds featured include:
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Chinese Crested
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Pomeranian
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Toy Fox Terrier
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Miniature Pinscher
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Havanese
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Maltese
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Shih Tzu
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Japanese Chin
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Yorkshire Terrier
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Pug
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Brussels Griffon
Toy Group Winner: Brussels Griffon
Sporting Group
Sporting dogs are friendly, intelligent, and excellent family companions. However, they thrive best with consistent physical activity and mental stimulation.
Sporting Group breeds include:
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Irish Setter
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German Shorthaired Pointer
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Weimaraner
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Vizsla
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Flat-Coated Retriever
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Labrador Retriever
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Irish Water Spaniel
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Black Cocker Spaniel
Sporting Group Winner: English Springer Spaniel
Non-Sporting Group
Non-Sporting breeds vary widely in size, coat type, and temperament, but they are often admired for their appearance and charm.
Breeds in the Non-Sporting Group include:
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Poodle
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Bichon Frise
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Dalmatian
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Shiba Inu
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Lhasa Apso
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Boston Terrier
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French Bulldog
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Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group Winner: French Bulldog
Best in Show – National Dog Show
After all group winners competed, the title of Best in Show was awarded to:
Newton — Brussels Griffon
For dog enthusiasts, it was another memorable year celebrating the diversity, beauty, and talent of man’s best friend
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Happy Tails!
