Dog Show On TV Thanksgiving Day

No, I am not thinking about the underdogs that will be playing in the two NFL games that day on national television. An audience even larger than the one that will be watching the NFL games will be watching the "National Dog Show" live from Philadelphia on NBC.

This Thanksgiving Day dog show is sponsored by Purina and comes on immediately following the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. This rapidly becoming holiday tradition has viewership numbers in the mid 20 million, and is now broadcast in HD. The picture is so clear and detailed that you have to hold yourself back from reaching through the screen to pet the dogs.

Kennel Club of Philadelphia

This two hour dog show is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, best known for it's hosting of dog shows for more than 125 years. Every year this organization puts on a all-breed show with profits donated to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. This club is sanctioned by the AKA, the principal registry for purebred dogs in the United States and also the largest registry in the world.

National Dog Show

This show attracts over 2,000 of the top show dogs in the country. The lucky ones will be making there first national television appearance in HD. Over 150 different breeds and varieties compete for best in Breed, First in Group, and the grand title of Best in Show. This Thanksgiving Day dog show is hosted by the one and only John O'Hurley. Known primarily in the media as a former Seinfeld star and winner of Dancing With the Stars, John is also a purebred owner. His announcing partner, David Frei, is known as the "dean of dog show announcers" for all his years in the business.

Seven Groups of Dogs

Each of more than 150 registered breeds and varieties are assigned to one of seven groups of dogs. The seven groups of dogs that make up this dog show on Thanksgiving Day include; Terrier Group, Toy Group, Working Group, Sporting Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, and Herding Group.

Purina

Purina, the largest manufacturer of dog food in the United States, has gained tremendous exposure by being the leading sponsor of this Thanksgiving Day Dog Show. This has made them the leader of supporting health and welfare for dogs around the world, as well as supporting the bond between the owner and the dog.

I know what my Basset Hound and I will be watching on television Thanksgiving Day: the dog show. How about you?