Thanksgiving is a time when Americans gather with family, eat pumpkin pie, and give thanks for the good boys and girls at the National Dog Show. They are very good.
The National Dog Show was somewhat subdued last year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, with less than 600 dogs competing and the usually live audience replaced with cardboard cutouts due to safety concerns. The number of dog hopefuls was down by 70 percent, but the show still showed signs of recovery. Spectators were allowed to attend the show in person if they were fully vaccine-free.
NBC broadcasted the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day every year to make up for the fact that people couldn't travel to Pennsylvania.
This sheepdog is likely giving excellent cuddles. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
A Pumi is getting attention. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has nothing but love in his eyes. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
A good Italian Greyhound is standing still. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
It wasn't all fur and frolicking. The 2021 National Dog Show was a competition and the division of dogs between winners with ribbons and winners in my heart was necessitated.
The first repeat champion in 20 years was made this year by the winner of the National Dog Show. The four-year-old Scottish Deerhound, named Best in Show for the second year in a row, won the hound category for the third year in a row. The winners of the National Dog Show's six other categories were not able to beat out the winner of GCH Foxcliffe.
"She's a year older and more sure of herself," said her handler.
Winter the Bulldog is the winner of the non-Sporting Group. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
Jade, a German Shorthaired Pointer, won the group. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
MM the Lakeland Terrier won the Terrier Group. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
Chester was declared the winner of the toy group. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
Mo'ne the Kuvasz was the best working group dog. Bill McCay is a photographer for NBCU Photo Bank.
Despite the National Dog Show's rankings, it's important to remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to be a dog. Every dog is a champion even if they don't have a ribbon.
