2025 National Dog Show Set to Air on Thanksgiving Day
The 2025 National Dog Show will air on Thanksgiving,Thursday,November 27,from noon to 2 p.m.ET/PT on NBC and will be simulcast on Peacock.The annual event showcases dogs representing various breeds as they compete for the coveted “Best in Show” title.
This year’s broadcast will feature returning hosts John O’Hurley, David Frei, and mary Carillo, all of whom are dog owners. David Frei has co-hosted the show on NBC since 2002, bringing his extensive experience as a breeder, handler, and owner of purebred dogs to the commentary. His Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, True Dat, regularly visits veterans at a hospital in Seattle.
“I’ve had three breeds as I’ve gone through this, starting with Afghan hounds and Brittany Spaniels and now my Cavaliers,” Frei told NBC Insider. “I was excited to see a gorgeous Brittany in the ring. I mean, I’ve seen them in there before but I was really taken with the brittany that was in the ring, so it was fun to see that.”
John O’Hurley is a supporter of no-kill shelters and serves as spokesperson and ambassador for the Puppy Food Bank, which aids pet rescue shelters across America.He and his family share their home with a Havanese named Lucy, and two rescue dogs, Charlotte and Mia.
Mary Carillo, a longtime NBC Sports analyst and Olympic Games correspondent for NBC, has been involved in dog show broadcasting since 2009. She currently owns three dogs: Zuzu The wonder Dog, a goldendoodle; Petey Boy, a rescue; and Ranger, a mini sheepadoodle.
Hosts O’Hurley and Frei note that dog breed popularity fluctuates. O’Hurley recently observed the rising popularity of miniature schnauzers, stating to NBC Insider, “And I’m not, by nature, a Schnauzer fan…I like them. I appreciate them.” He further commented on a competing pup,”But I could see,when I saw this dog,I said,’That’s why that’s the number one dog.’ When you look at it, this dog is all together. The way it moves and the way it looks has all of the aspects of a champion.”
The show typically draws a large live audience, with upwards of 30,000 attendees throughout the day. O’Hurley has noted the eager fan bases for breeds like French bulldogs, while Frei points to consistent crowd favorites such as bassets, German shepherds, golden retrievers, and Labrador retrievers. “It’s fun to see that,” Frei said. “But it’s also fun to get surprised once in a while as a breed comes through, like the Frenchies. No wonder they’re the most popular breed in the country.”