National Dog Show 2025: Where to Watch and What to Know

Where to Watch the National Dog Show 2025

The National Dog Show is an annual all-breed conformation event produced by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that typically airs on NBC and streams on Peacock. For the 2025 show, the telecast is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 15, with pre-telecast coverage beginning in the mid-afternoon ET. You can watch on television via NBC, on connected TV devices using the Peacock app, or on Peacock.com with a subscription. Local listings vary, so check your NBC affiliate channel and confirm Peacock carriage on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or smart TVs in advance.

Evergreen Viewing Details and Schedule

Because the National Dog Show follows a consistent annual pattern, you can plan around a reliable schedule each year. The event is held on a single day with a timed morning breed judging segment, followed by afternoon and early evening group judging and Best in Show. Exact start times are announced closer to the event, but historically the telecast begins around 1:00 PM ET, with streaming access opening one to two hours earlier on Peacock. Confirm the official AKC website for 2025 times and any adjustments due to live sports preemptions on NBC.

Broadcast, Cable, and Streaming Options

Viewers have multiple ways to access the National Dog Show on air and online:

• NBC over the air: Check your local NBC affiliate for channel and timing.
• NBC cable: Available on most cable packages that include NBC in your market.
• Peacock Premium: Stream live on Peacock.com or via the Peacock app.
• Connected TV apps: Watch on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and smart TVs using the Peacock app.

Breeds and Best in Show Highlights

The National Dog Show features all AKC-recognized breeds in conformation, with dedicated group judging (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, and Miscellaneous) and the coveted Best in Show winner. Notable Best in Show champions often include top-winning dogs from the Group winners, and the event routinely showcases historic breeds and rising favorites. While the specific 2025 Best in Show winner will be decided on the day of the event, past champions provide a reliable reference for the level of excellence and breed diversity you can expect.

2025 Highlights at a Glance

Purebred vs. Mixed-Breed Dogs and Eligibility

The National Dog Show is an all-breed conformation event, meaning only purebred dogs that are eligible for AKC registration (or equivalent registry for imported breeds) may compete. Mixed-breed dogs and pet-quality dogs are not eligible for conformation competition; however, mixed breeds can participate in AKC’s other programs such as Canine Good Citizen and agility events. For the public show, mixed-breed dogs may appear in companion events or pet-style activities if the show schedule includes them, but they do not compete in formal conformation judging at the National Dog Show.

Judging Criteria and What to Expect

Conformation judging evaluates how closely a dog matches its breed’s ideal standard and soundness for function. Judges assess structure, coat, movement, temperament, and overall type, comparing each dog to its breed standard and considering the dog’s relationship to the top of its breed. Winners advance through breed, group, and ultimately to Best in Show, where the judge selects the dog that best represents excellence across all presented breeds. As a viewer, you can notice breed-specific traits, movement, and ring presence while understanding that subjective interpretation within the standard guides judging decisions.

Entry, Attendance, and On-Site Tips

The National Dog Show is primarily an all-breed conformation event for registered purebred dogs; public attendance is generally allowed in specified spectator areas. Exact visitor policies, ticketing, and any changes related to venue, security, or capacity vary year to year, so check the official AKC website and the show’s page closer to the event date. If you attend in person, plan for structured judging schedules, limited access to certain rings, and opportunities to learn from breeder-educators and AKC staff. For viewers at home, following along with breed standards and group summaries can enhance your understanding of how placements are decided.

Prepare and Follow the 2025 Event

To prepare for the National Dog Show 2025, confirm the date and local television listing for NBC, verify Peacock Premium access on your streaming devices, and bookmark the AKC’s official show page for updates. Watch for announcements about breed highlights, special awards, and any schedule changes due to live sports or other programming. Whether you watch live or on demand, the National Dog Show remains a premier event for breed diversity, conformation excellence, and showcasing the many talents and characteristics of dogs recognized by the AKC.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is the National Dog Show live on TV in 2025?
• A: Yes, it is typically broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock on the scheduled show date; confirm local listings each year.
• Q: Can mixed-breed dogs compete at the National Dog Show?
• A: No, the show is for AKC-recognized purebreds in conformation; mixed breeds are not eligible for conformation competition.
• Q: What channel is the National Dog Show on in 2025?
• A: In 2025 the show is scheduled to air on NBC; check your local affiliate for channel number and exact time.
• Q: How can I watch the National Dog Show if I do not have cable?
• A: You can stream via Peacock Premium on Peacock.com or the Peacock app on connected TV devices, or use an antenna to receive NBC over the air.
• Q: Does the National Dog Show offer online streaming?
• A: Yes, the show streams on Peacock Premium; verify regional availability and subscription access on the Peacock platform.