Football players aren’t the only ones who like to win competitions on Thanksgiving. Dogs were also hoping for a big competition win at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s 2023 National Dog Show presented by Purina at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Taking place Nov. 18-19 and aired on Thanksgiving Day directly after Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Americans put down their forks and gathered around the TV to see Stache the Sealyham Terrier win Best in Show.
Since its inaugural broadcast in 2002, The National Dog Show has delighted Americans with canine pageantry that will keep even the grumpiest of uncles entertained. Last year, Winston the French Bulldog captivated hearts across America. There’s a new champion in town with Stache the Sealyham Terrier winning Top Dog in 2023.
Learn about the 2023 National Dog Show, Stache, Sealyham Terriers, and the road to the victorious Best in Show title.
Getty Images/Photo by Mark Makena
All About the National Dog Show 2023
There are three major dog shows in the nation: The Westminster Dog Show, the AKC National Championship, and the National Dog Show. Each year, the National Dog Show is the most viewed dog show in America and the only one broadcast on Thanksgiving Day with an estimated 20-25 million Americans tuning in for the 2023 show in one day, not to mention replays.
In addition, it is a benched show, meaning dogs must remain on an assigned bench on display for the public to meet, ask questions, and share information when not competing. On the other hand, an unbenched show is where participants can leave after they’ve been judged. The National Dog Show is one of the oldest and few remaining benched dog shows in the United States.
Inspiration for the modern National Dog Show
While the National Dog Show may have celebrated its 22nd annual event, it has a storied history. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show has been in existence since 1879 but rebranded when NBC Sports began airing it in 2002 after losing their football slot and subsequently playing It’s a Wonderful Life instead.
The movie Best in Show (2000) directed by Christopher Guest is a comedy mockumentary exploring the cutthroat world of dog shows and the characters that ruthlessly try to win. Co-host David Frie was so inspired by the concept that they took a risk replacing a revamped dog show featuring human interest stories instead of It’s a Wonderful Life and experienced instant success. Dog owners consider their pets as part of the family, and airing the National Dog Show on the biggest holidays for gathering generations together provides a common activity everyone can watch and enjoy the heartwarming dog success stories.
A dog’s journey to Best in Show
Most of us could name quite a few dog breeds off the tops of our heads, but what about over 200? While mixed-breed dogs are not allowed, 205 American Kennel Club-sanctioned dog breeds are eligible to enter the National Dog Show. Nearly 2,000 dogs competed for Best of Breed, First in Group, and the top-dog spot: Best in Show.
To be able to compete in Best of Breed, AKC-sanctioned dogs must have earned 15 points used to determine national ranking by placing in previous dog shows. In addition, a dog wins points for each dog they beat per show. Some champion dogs have racked up over 50,000 points in one year by the time they enter the show ring! National Dog Show Breed categories can have up to 100 dogs per breed to beat.
The next level up is Best in Group, where each breed champion competes in one of the seven official groups. Winners receive a blue rosette or ribbon, while second place earns red, yellow for third place, and white for fourth place.
Dog breeds are divided into seven groups according to their function and shared characteristics. Heading up his Terrier Group, Stasche competed for Best in Show, along with:
- Toy Group, Comet the Shih Tzu
- Hound Group: Yaro the Azawakh
- Working Group: Carson the Great Dane
- Herding Group: Heathcliff the German Shepherd
- Sporting Group: Madison the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Non-Sporting Group: Pumpkin the Dalmatian (won 2nd place as Reserve Best in Show)
From there, the winners of each group move on to compete for Best in Show (the highest title) and Reserve Best in Show (runner-up). In addition to the prestigious title, the winning dog wins $20,000 and a red, white, and blue ribbon.
Additional competitions and activities
Some people may assume what we see broadcast on TV is the only event, but several other competitions go on during the multi-day show. The dog show is meant for spectators to explore various dog breeds, view demonstrations, browse booths from over 75 vendors on site, and make connections with other dog lovers.
Because the venue is so big, they can accommodate anyone who wants to attend since it won’t sell out. All a spectator needs will be an affordably-priced ticket, some of which goes back to help public education efforts to spread the word about how wonderful dogs are and responsible pet parenting.
How are the dogs judged?
While it’s true the dogs are competing against each other to win top titles, the real judging comes from not a beauty contest, but from comparing each dog against the breed standard called conformation. Head judge Carrie Chase has experienced her own wins with her Pembroke Welsh Corgis holding records for the most wins by a Corgi in AKC history and has been involved in dog sports since the late 1980s.
Some of the questions a dog show judge may ask when evaluating dogs include:
- How fit is the dog?
- How is the dog’s mental ability?
- Does the dog have the correct gait and movement?
- Does the dog have an agreeable, happy disposition?
- Is the dog able to perform the job the breed was originally bred to do?
- Does the dog have all of the physical characteristics typical of their breed?
Hosts of the National Dog Show
Each year, hosts make the National Dog Show come alive for audiences across America with their flowing commentary to draw people in and showcase the dogs.
- David Frei has been the co-host since its beginning in 2002. However, he was no stranger to the world of dog shows. Previously, he served for 27 years as the longtime co-host of USA Network’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 1990-2016 and has held several other titles and positions relating to canine events and associations.
- John O’Hurley has also been with the show since its inception as a co-host. He is an actor, comedian, author, and game show host. In 2021, O’Hurley stated, “There’s something staggeringly unique about the show. It’s noncontroversial, non-regional, non-athletic, and enjoyable whether you’re 4 or 94.”
- Mary Carillo is a former professional tennis player, award-winning sportscaster, and veteran dog show co-host. Carillo has been with the National Dog Show for a decade and provides analysis, commentary, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of dog shows.
Fun facts about past National Dog Shows
The National Dog Show is always evolving, and past years have provided interesting opportunities for participants and viewers to laugh and learn.
- The National Dog Show took a small break in 1927 and has been held every year since 1933.
- Claire (GCH Foxcliffe Claire Randall Fraser) the Scottish Deerhound was the first dog to win consecutive Best in Shows in 2000 and 2021. Her grandmother, Hickory, won in 2011, and her mother won Reserve Best in Show in 2015 – quite the family of champions.
- Due to the Covid pandemic, the competition was conducted behind closed doors for the first time ever in 2000.
- In addition to the Scottish Deerhound, the Wire Fox Terrier won consecutive years in 2011 and 2012 although they were different dogs. They are the only two dog breeds to win two years in a row.
- 2022 was a big year of firsts. Winston the French Bulldog was the first French Bulldog to win Best in Show. Three new dog breed entrants joined the pool of competitors: the Russian Toy, the Mudi, and the Bracco Italiano dog breeds.
- People at home can enter promotional events, opportunities, and sweepstakes to win prizes with BINGO-type games, raffles, and more.
Viewers may be familiar with some dog breeds but get to learn more about lesser-known breeds, such as the Brussels Griffon, the Skye Terrier, the Bergamasco Shepherd, and the Cirneco dell’Etna to name a few.
Margery Good and Stache the Sealyham Terrier, Photo by Bill McCay, NBC
Meet the Winner, Stache the Sealyham Terrier
Margery Good of Goodspice Kennels in Cochranville PA, is the breeder, owner, and handler of Stache. Upon first glance, it’s easy to tell right away why Stashe is named as such with his long hair covering his face. Stache’s full name is GCHP Goodspice Efbe Money Stache. Prior to this year’s win, he was the #2 ranked Terrier and the #12 All-breed show dog in America. He also boasts 49 Best in Show accolades – not too shabby for this shaggy-faced pooch!
When asked what made her dog so special, Good stated, “Stache gave a wonderful performance. He stretched his little short legs of his and flew around this ring!” Another factor contributing to Stache’s success is his ability to remain focused in the limelight. In an interview with People magazine, Good responded, "Stache deals easily with multiple things happening around him. He's so well-balanced, and he loves to show." Since a happy, well-adjusted dog is a top factor in judging, it’s no wonder that Stache sailed through the criteria, checking all boxes along the way.
Sealyham Terrier
All About the Sealyham Terrier Dog Breed
Most people are familiar with the regal Afghan Hound with its impressive flowy coat or the Golden Retriever with its friendly grin, but for most of us, this year’s dog show was the first time we’d been introduced to the Sealyham Terrier. Sealyham Terriers were extremely popular in the 1930s-1940s, but for some reason, their popularity has waned to the point where only a small amount can be found worldwide. Let’s learn more about this endearing rare dog breed.
Sealyham Terriers originated from the Sealy Ham estate on the banks of the Seal River in Southwestern Wales. John Edwardes was an army captain who made it his life’s work to breed his ideal dog, retiring at age 40 to make his dream happen. Edwardes hoped to produce a dog to help support Otterhound packs to prevent otters from depleting the local fish supply. While Edwardes did not leave any records of his breeding program, Sealyham Terriers are thought to be products of breeding Dandie Dinmot, Bull, and West Highland Terriers.
This little but sturdy dog stands just under a foot tall weighing almost 25 pounds with legs that are only a few inches tall with a long body. Sealyham Terriers are most recognizable for their furnishings, which include the mop of hair over their long faces and broad heads, long eyebrows and mustaches, and copious hair on the legs and underside. They are white with lemon, tan, black, or badger-colored markings. The thick, double coat of the Sealyham Terrier doesn’t shed much and is clipped, plucked, or hand-stripped instead of shaved.
Sealyham Terriers have a spirited, bold personality without being scrappy like other Terriers. They have a sense of humor and make their owners laugh. Sealyham Terriers are friendly and affectionate and make great therapy dogs and companions.
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