Over 2,100 dogs compete as National Dog Show returns to Oaks for 25th year

The National Dog Show is, of course, a Thanksgiving tradition for dog lovers across the country and many families, and it has some pretty special roots right here in Philadelphia. Our Jennifer Lee introduces us to some of the pups stealing the spotlight. Thousands of people come see the National Dog Show every year, and it's all to meet beautiful dogs like Spice over here. You are just gorgeous! And we have learned that there are over 2,000 dogs competing this year, the most the show has seen in years. Is their ear set proper? Do they have a good front? And what their breed calls for? The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, is back at the Expo Center in Oaks for its 25th year. He loves the one-on-one with mom when we're at the show, so he definitely loves to be here. He loves showing. Many dog handlers, breeders, groomers, and spectators say it's an event they look forward to annually. I've been showing dogs since I was five, but I grew up in a dog show family, so I've been here my whole life. It's like a tradition, kind of like starting our holiday season. I think we've been coming for like three, four years. The show chairman, Frank DiPaolo, says there are three new dog breeds in the show this year, including the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, described as small and energetic. DiPaolo says the show is just as much about seeing the dogs up close and being able to ask questions. This show is sort of special because there's not very many bench shows anymore, which means the people that are here with their dogs, they have to stay. So the general public can come and get a chance to see all their favorite dogs. I just love to share about Pugs. He's a great breed representative. We had an amazing day. He had a great time. Got to meet a lot of people who've never seen a black pug before. It's fun to learn about all the different breeds and they're so like unique and they're really cute and pretty and it's fun to see them walk around. The show chair says over 2,100 dogs were entered this year, the most since 2017, and over 200 breeds are represented. I'm really proud of her. She's came, like, a long way. Yeah. Yeah, like, it's just all the different training, and she's taken it with, like, so good. Like, we fly a lot, so she's under a lot of stress, but she does great. Dog handlers say the National Dog Show brings everyone together to show and compete and to build relationships. Through the love of the sport, my dog is happy and that's what matters. You know we had we met great friends from all over the country who you know come here and we see each other maybe once a year and that's that's what matters in Oaks. Jennifer Lee Fox 29 news. And that show continues tomorrow at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. You know, if you want to check it out.