National Dog Show Brings Good Boys and Girls to Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

Magnificent floral displays await placement in the main judging arena for the 2023 National Dog Show.

“Ferris was infected with the most virulent form of that weird malady as “dog-showitis.” At first, he had been tempted solely by the hope of winning the hundred-dollar prize. But latterly the urge of victory had gotten into his blood. And he yearned, too, to let the world see what a marvelous dog was his.” — Albert Payson Terhune

Story, photos by Sharon Kozden

If you’ve seen the mockumentary comedy film Best in Show, described as “a behind-the-scenes look into the highly competitive and cut-throat world of dog shows through the eyes of a group of ruthless dog owners,” then the term “dog-showitis” should resonate. I’ve watched the flick several times–all before I even owned a dog, all when I identified strictly as a “cat person.”

The movie’s co-writer (along with Eugene Levy) and director Christopher Guest’s talents are such that he’ll place you firmly into any of the many oddball worlds he’s filmically created over many years. Who doesn’t hear “busy bee” and immediately just know? Point made.

Becoming a dog mom myself was never on my radar. Thought I’d die a cat person. But life is synonymous with both change and never-say-never surprises. Consequently, I got my first dog (a 3.2-pound puppy, no less!) at 61. Named her Tillie Rose after my mom and quickly learned why folks say puppies are like infants minus the diapers.

Tillie Rose turns three on April 4th. To this day, she’s my Velcro baby, following me everywhere, licking my face, sleeping on my head and regularly tormenting her feline brother and sister. My little protector, she forever guards her most cherished resource … me. As I flesh out this dog-show article while sitting at my kitchen table on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Tillie Rose’s small comma-shaped body is fast asleep at my feet.

Ask me now, and the prospect of not owning a dog is unfathomable. When I’m out and about and a baby enters my orbit, it barely registers. Let a sweet canine cross my path, and I am transfixed. I even work part-time with dogs, logging around 10 hours a week a block from my home at Cleopetra’s Grooming in Gladwyne. It’s my Zen zone, a genuine happy place. Sure, there’s noise and commotion, but I adore being surrounded by these good boys and girls. Someone once told a groomer that he wanted to work there just so he could “roll around with dogs all day.” Wholly relatable!

This was the current state of doggo affairs in my world when, back in November, I scored a Media Pass to the Kennel Club of Philadelphia‘s National Dog Show. Presented by Purina and taped for telecast nationwide on Thanksgiving Day, the show has been broadcasted on NBC10 Philadelphia since 2002, although its origin dates to 1879.

The National Dog Show runs two hours and is sandwiched between two other Thanksgiving traditions–Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football games. Not only was my physical presence at the show a first, it also would be my inaugural television viewing of it on Turkey Day with my own Best in Show cuddled nearby.

I wondered how the show came to be televised and researched its history. What a great story! NBC Sport’s Jon Miller was charged with filling an open two-hour slot after the Thanksgiving Day Parade’s noontime end. Back then, he’d been viewing the now iconic laugh fest that is Best in Show–that aforementioned hilarious riff (or is it ruff?) on the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Back in the office the following morning, Miller announced precisely how the two hours would be filled. So it was written, so it was done. Boom: The NDS would fill folks’ living rooms, allowing them to root and cheer for their favorites. Wholesome family parade fun segued into a wholesome family tradition of the canine sort.

The National Dog Show is “the most widely viewed dog show in America,” and features hosts John O’Hurley, Mary Carillo and David Frei. With 205 breeds and varieties eligible to compete for “best of Breed, First in Group and the coveted title of Best in Show,” its audience is comprised of nearly 20 million dog-lovers watching from the comfort of their homes.

For 2023, the Kennel Club of Philadelphia is the only dog club in the country to host a “benched” show, which means when the dogs aren’t actively competing, they’ll be assigned to stay in a specific area on the Expo Center floor so members of the public can interact with the dogs and their people. It’s one of such six remaining such shows in the USA.

More than 40 vendors set up shop at the Expo Center, selling everything doggo imaginable. And while Sunday is the better day to attend for those who don’t do crowds, Saturday is the more popular day because it’s when the show is filmed for Thanksgiving Day broadcast. And parking and programs are free!

I loved what David Frei, who serves as the expert analyst for NBC’s broadcast of the dog show, had to say in several comments–so much so that I quote them here. He accurately noted that, “A lot of people do look like their dogs, but it’s not always a good idea to point that out.” Okay, David, and yet, if someone told me I favor Tillie Rose, I’d be elated. Please, DO point out any similarities when you see me out with Tillie Rose in public.

“And to everyone who thinks their dog is the best in the world, says Frei, they’re right. The real Best in Show dog is the dog sitting at home on the couch next to you. So, when the show’s over, hug your dog and give them a ribbon, give them some turkey.” True dat, Sir! Or True Dat (Frei’s dog’s name).

Frei repeats this well-worth duplicate mention, “The dynamic is simply this: people watching at home are rooting for the breed in our show that matches up with their own breed sitting right there on the couch with them–it’s like rooting for your alma mater in college games.” Frei terms this allegiance “the alma mater factor,” and asserts that “we all think we have the best dog–and we are all correct.” Amen, Bruh.

If this article piqued your interest in dog shows, the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club’s Dog Show is set to open on May 11th and run until May 14th. Would that I could cover that creme de la creme event!

Matter of fact, I have a proposition for Mr. Guest and his mockumentary-makers. A remake of Best in Show. Film it now in 2024 with a 2025 release date to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary. Onliest thing: add a new character. Can you guess where I’m going with this?

Absent from the 2000 movie was one dramatis personae, if you will–that of the novice and wannabe-influencer, covering her very first Westminster Show. She arrives on the scene, then proceeds to wreak unintentional hilarious havoc.

The idea came to me as I was sitting just outside of camera range during the National Dog Show in a spot reserved for media folk. Somone tapped me on the shoulder to mention that the orange power cord just inches from my feet was, as he stated, “the most important cord in the building.” Gulp, and double gulp.

My piquant brain was then off and running with how I would pull a Homer Simpson and oopsie-daisy yank the cord, causing an outage, wherein show viewers at home would suddenly find a technical-difficulties message splayed on the screen, followed by a temporary run of some Seinfeld show footage ft. Elaine’s boss, of course. Naturally, the aforementioned cord yank would cause some carpet turbulence allowing one of the floral displays to topple onto the carpet, spilling water and attracting the attention of a dog being paraded past judges in its supreme now-or-never moment, for which he or she had been trained by handlers for months and more on end.

But wait: the dog lapping at the trickled-out water inadvertently ingests a blossom of a flower variety that’s strictly off limits and needs to be taken to the show’s prestigious veterinarian (insert here your favorite actor for the role), who determines an immediate airlift to the nearest doggie ED is required, where the pooch is declared just fine, after all and able to get a redo on the cat, erm, dogwalk [sic]. Cue standing ovation by all who watched with bated breath for a happy ending.

Note to Mr. Guest and Mr. Levy: I’m available for the role of bumbling influencer as is my Tillie Rose yours for the asking to play the distracted pup. Think about it. Best in Show 25 Years On–The Bumbling Influencer Chronicles. Have your agent call mine.

For more information on either show mentioned in this piece, have a sniff at The Westminster Kennel Club, or visit The National Dog Show – Presented by Purina.

Signage directs me where to check-in, grab my Press Pass and swag bag, then hit the ground running … and photographing.

I located my spot in the Media-sanctioned area just prior to show taping.

Poised and steady-ready cameraman had his eye trained on the main attractions.

The setup for the Toy Group in the show ring features all place spots offset with large floral bouquets and aristocratic canine statuary.

Judges and photographers capture the action and are seen from their show vantage points.

Although there is no specific dress-code rule while in the ring at the National Dog Show, owner-handlers dress professionally as a sign of respect for judges.

This quartet definitely came dressed to impress! The woman in the pale-pink pouf hat was celebrating a birthday. Best in show!

I was informed that this was the most important cord (orange) in the building!

From Left, National Dog Show co-host David Frei, writer Sharon Kozden and co-host John O’Hurley pose just after the show’s taping.

Behold the full-coated Shih Tzu breed being doted upon.

I doubt this is their first rodeo so-to-speak. Creme de la creme showmanship and winningness!

For once, I’m speechless. Unable to word-find. I stutter and stammer with, “Glory Hallelujah.” Queen of queens!

A Samoyed’s coat is thick, white and double-layered. When we groom a Samoyed at the dog grooming shop where I work part-time, the shop appears as if a sudden, unexpected snowstorm arrived.

All the ears that are fit to hear on this small and dainty Papillion (“butterfly” in French) Dog. One of the oldest toy breeds, their ears extend like a butterfly’s wings.

Sharon Kozden front’s sponsor’s backdrop.

The setting for the Therapy Dog Ambassador Team was cozy, floral and would-be celebrity studded.

Owners, handlers, judges, dogs and a whole lot more could be found at nearly every turn at this event, including this cardboard cutout of David Frei and his beloved TruDat.

It’s a dog’s life at the National Dog Show, and these dogs are super-pampered and loved up!

Human’s wardrobe find a temporary hang.

This Afghan Hound’s gorgeous grey coat and sweet face won me over.

Check it out: a dog with dreads!

Watching kids and dogs interact gives such tenderness and sweetness.

I trust you. I love you. I really do. Originating in Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound in known for its regality and elegance and for its luxurious silken coat.

Dogs love giving kisses. This woman ecstatically returns her pup’s affection.

Gorgeous Golden Retriever displays a stunning profile.

A stately and regal German Shepherd graces a grooming table, enthrall show attendees.

Meet the sponsors! Purina and Purina Pro Plan host stations occupied prime space mid-Expo Center. Here, a representative peruses a show brochure.

This owner’s stunning gold and starry ensemble matches her Blue Merle Smooth Collie’s coat’s colors. Well done!

At a dog show, grooming tables multi-task with dogs and designs alike.

The Yorkshire Terrier (“Yorkie”) pictured here is the breed’s long-haired version with a straight, glossy and gossamer-fine coat. Cute duo!

Award ribbons and a silver trophy tray are arranged just so before the big reveal.

The Newfoundland dog is a Gentle Giant–known for its calm and affectionate nature. This massive black giant’s personality is the canine version of “Type B.”

This Brussels Griffon dog looks separated-at-birth from Chewbacca of Star Wars’ fame!

Getting in a shampoo on the fly …

I spotted this woman and her dog taking a break and noticed how both presented in similarly colored coats.

This Bichon Frise (French for “curly-haired dog”) being attended to here is one fluffy white powder puff with coal-dark eyes. Bichons are known for their friendly dispositions and playful manner.

Havanese, a dog breed native to Cuba, are cheery and sociable, clever and affectionate. This human appears similar!

Food vendor offers the best in show treats. But Deep Fried Oreos!

Snack foods (read: human treats) of fruit-infused lemonade and pastel-colored cotton candy. Blend ’em for cottonades?

The Australian Shepherd. Aussies are active and social herding dogs with boundless energy. This I know as one resides in the flat below mine.

The Standard Poodle or “Stan-poo” as I call them is an elegant, noble and supremely intelligent dog breed. That’s some blow-out!

It’s a family affair.

Fries offer a quick carbohydrate boost. Incredible the many purposes theses grooming tables serve.

Bearded Collies (or “Beardies”) are described as quick-witted and lively dogs that love to be around people. Clearly!

I watched the show from my home on Thanksgiving along with my Tillie Rose; here’s a shot from my television of the winning Best in Show dog, Stache the Sealyham terrier from Honey Brook, PA.

The Siberian Husky is an Arctic working dog with a thick double-coat, distinctively striking eyes and known for sled-pulling abilities. What they are not are good “starter” dogs, I’m told. This beauty yawns but appears to be clamoring to call it a day.