Record Viewership For National Dog Show

Record-setting viewership and attendance highlighted another banner year for the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP) and the National Dog Show Presented by Purina, as the striking Belgian Sheepdog “Soleil” captured Best in Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.

The beloved Thanksgiving Day television tradition reached an audience of 24.6 million across NBC and Peacock, showcasing man’s and woman’s best friend for a multi-generational viewership on America’s most family-centric day of the year.

NBC Research reported that the two-hour special was among the most popular broadcasts of the holiday weekend, with American households embracing the tradition of watching the National Dog Show following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade before TV football takes over the day. “Soleil” became an instant celebrity thanks to the massive national viewership on NBC, Peacock and CNBC, while more than 12,000 people streamed into the Oaks, Pennsylvania venue on Nov. 16 and 17 to see top show dogs and a variety of canine attractions.

Attendance at the Expo Center was up 11 percent over last year and the ratings data via NBC Research also registered an 11 percent increase. Launched in 2002, the event now looks forward to its 25th anniversary celebration on the weekend of Nov. 14 and 15, 2026.

The thousands of families, dog lovers and breed enthusiasts filled the venue to enjoy 13 rings of breed judging plus agility dog performances and therapy dog attractions amidst the whirlwind of 75 vendors and Purina giveaways. Temple University research indicates that the average family spends over three hours at the dog show, which is an eye-opening statistic, considering the ticket prices of $20 for adults and $10 for children with kids three-and-under admitted free.

Soleil, already the nation’s top-ranked Belgian Sheepdog, impressed throughout the day before advancing to the Best in Show ring. The Herding Group winner emerged victorious over a talented lineup of finalists, including a Miniature Schnauzer, a Shih Tzu and a Bichon Frise that had stronger on-paper credentials.

Judge Charlie Olvis described Soleil as “on” from the moment she entered the ring, praising her flawless movement, elegance, and undeniable presence.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia is planning a major historical tribute as part of America’s 250th Anniversary celebration. The KCP will memorialize the 1876 “Exhibition of Dogs” that was featured as part of the 1876 Centennial celebration that took place in Philadelphia as what can be considered as the first-ever dog show.

The re-enactment will feature dozens of dogs most prominent 150 years ago and handlers dressed in period garb in conjunction with the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp. and other Philadelphia tourism organizations as part of year-long celebrations.

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Posted by Liz on Dec 15 2025. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.