Here’s How To Watch The National Dog Show On Thanksgiving Day This Year

If there’s one thing we can all agree on it’s this — there’s just nothing like a dog show. Especially during the holidays when you might be looking for a reason to sneak away from humans and just de-stress with some sweet dogs, many of whom are also geniuses. And let’s not forget impeccably groomed. You’re going to want to watch the 2022 National Thanksgiving Dog Show, the one true thing we can all be grateful for any time of year. Here’s everything you need to know.

The National Dog Show has been an annual tradition for nearly a century.

The American Kennel Club has been holding an annual National Dog Show to showcase the best and cutest dogs in the country since 1879, and it became an annual beloved pasttime in 1933. The AKC recognizes 212 breeds of dogs that can compete in the show split into seven different categories, some of which you might not even recognize yourself. For the past 20 years, NBC has been televising the amazing event so that everyone has equal opportunity to check out the Best In Show, although we can all agree that they’re all best in show.

When is the National Dog Show airing in 2022?

For the past 10 years, NBC has aired the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on Thursday. In 2022, The National Dog Show will air on Thursday, Nov. 24 at 12 p.m. ET and finishes up at 2 p.m. ET, covering the group events and the big finish, the Best in Show.

How can you watch the National Dog Show in 2022?

In addition to watching directly on NBC, you can also stream it on Peacock as well as the NBC Sports app and NBC Sports.com.

John O’Hurley and David Frei will co-host the event from Philadelphia as they’ve done since it was first televised in 2002, offering commentary and behind-the-scenes looks at the lives of these gorgeous creatures.

In 2022, you can enter a sweepstakes to win doggie prizes.

If you want to take part in the dog show in a more hands-on way, dog lovers can go to DogShowSweepstakes.com to register to take part in a sweepstakes and download their own unique game card. The whole idea is that you watch the show for phrases on your card and cross them off once you’ve heard them. Once you have five spots in a row crossed out, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, and you’re registered, you will be automatically entered to win prizes including Chewy.com gift cards, Purina coupons, and more.

A fun new holiday tradition with your pets.

While we are all well-versed in creating holiday memories with the humans in our lives, this year’s show and sweepstakes is a great way to start a tradition with our pets.

“The National Dog Show presented by Purina has become a Thanksgiving tradition for millions of families nationwide, and it’s something my family, including my pets, and I enjoy together every year,” Dr. Annie Valuska, Purina’s principal pet behavior scientist, tells Romper. “Traditions like this with our pets and loved ones go a long way towards building long-lasting relationships and strong bonds.”

“I’m excited that this year, Purina is hosting the first Purina Dog Show Sweepstakes - an online (and on sofa) free, Bingo-like game with prizes, fun moments and family challenges,” Valuska adds. “It makes tuning in even more fun this year with the opportunity to play along at home.”

How many dogs will compete in 2022?

Approximately 2,000 dogs will be competing at the in-person event this year from around 100 different breeds. What a dream.

Who won Best in Show last year?

In 2021, a Scottish Deerhound named Claire won Best in Show. It was her second win, and I don’t mind telling you she looked like she really thought well of herself after two wins.

Who will take home the prize this year? If it’s Claire again you know she’ll be just insufferable about it.