Watching the National Dog Show has become a Thanksgiving tradition in households across America, but visiting the National Dog Show is becoming a favorite tradition in the Philadelphia area. Once again, the National Dog Show will be coming to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA on November 18 and 19, 2023 and nearly 2,000 good boys and girls will be there to compete.
Visiting the dog show is a thrilling experience to get a peak behind the curtain. You can see all the factors that go into the Best in Group and Best in Show presentations we see on TV. Every breed of dog you see, 194 in total, must first compete for Best in Breed which you can see all throughout the day around the hall. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia makes this a bench show, which means you can actually meet the dogs as you stroll around (be sure to ask before you try to pet). As you walk around, you see dog owners prepare their dogs with hairspray, nail clippings, etc. You also realize that behind all the glitz and glamor, these dogs are regular pets who are deeply loved by their owners. This makes it especially fun to watch on TV after you’ve met some of the dogs in person, you feel as if you’ve met a celebrity.
In the back of the expo center, you can watch live as the winning breeds present their dogs on the blue carpet, a familiar sight for those who watch NBC each year. If you stay late on Saturday, you can see who wins Best in Show, just be sure to keep it a secret until it airs on TV.
Getting to experience the National Dog Show in person is a joyous experience. In addition to seeing behind-the-scenes of a major TV event, being surrounded by 1,944 adorable pups is a wonderful way to spend a weekend. Tickets for the National Dog Show are just $16 for ages 12+, $7 for kids ages 4-11, and free for kids 3 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at https://nds.nationaldogshow.com.