Exploring The Unusual Connection Between Thanksgiving And Dog Shows
It's become a post-parade tradition over the past couple of decades.
Giphy
News that is entertaining to read
Subscribe for free to get more stories like this directly to your inboxThere are several national traditions associated with today’s holiday, including things like parades, football, and pumpkin pie. But when did the annual National Dog Show become a Thanksgiving mainstay?
Filling the gap
It’s been more than two decades since NBC began airing the canine competition after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade each year — and as you might have guessed, there was a business motive behind the decision.
In order to capitalize on the spike in viewers during the parade (as well as keep the audience engaged until football commences later in the day), NBC decided to fill the space with the National Dog Show. And the decision continues to pay off, with families tuning in year after year to find out which breed will take home the coveted title of Best in Show.
Channeling the past
The first official record of a dog show dates back to 19th century England, and they soon began showing up in post-Civil War America. About five years after the first U.S. dog show in Chicago in 1874, the inaugural National Dog Show was held … and it’s been an annual event for more than nine decades.
In the modern competition, more than 200 breeds are represented and roughly 2,000 dogs vie for the top prize: a title, bragging rights, and $20,000.
Embracing the future
It’s safe to say that the National Dog Show has changed a lot since its earliest days, and this year’s competition has a few updates of its own. Most notably, a new breed — the Lancashire Heeler — will be joining the ranks.
Whichever purebred canine wows judges the most in the categories of appearance, temperament, and structure will come out on top, and you can watch it all on NBC or Peacock beginning at noon.
Why Is The Aging Voyager 1 Probe Sending Back Incoherent Communications?
It's been speaking gibberish for a few months and officials are concerned.
One Woman’s Massive Donation Is Wiping Out Tuition At This Medical School
Her inheritance came with the instruction to do "whatever you think is right."
Woman’s Pets Will Inherit Her Multimillion-Dollar Fortune, Not Her Kids
It's not the first time four-legged heirs were named in a will.