Along with the AKC National Championship and the Westminster Dog Show, The Kennel Club of Philadelphia's National Dog Show is one of the three major dog shows in the United States. Since its inception in 1879, the show had been taking place on Thanksgiving each year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. NBC airs the show in the United States every Thanksgiving in November. More than two thousand AKC-recognized dogs from across the United States compete at the open, benched all-breed show. Moreover, the show gives dog enthusiasts the opportunity to get a close-up look at their breeds of interest.
The Kennel Club of Philadelphia provides backdrop audio of the breed description of over 190 different dog breeds. A Scottish deerhound named GCH Foxcliffe Claire Randall Fraser won Best in Show in 2020 and 2021, being the first dog in the show's history to win two consecutive Best In Show awards. Here are ten of the other past winners of Philadelphia’s famous hometown dog show. The National Dog Show is no ordinary show and its Best in Show winners are no ordinary dogs, as you’ll see from this gallery of top ten past winners.
1. NDS 2022 Best in Show Winner: Winston the French Bulldog
Winston the French Bulldog won Best in Show at the 2022 National Dog Show, beating out roughly 1,500 dogs representing 212 AKC-recognized breeds and varieties. In a field of twenty dogs, Winston first claimed victory in the Non-Sporting Group. He then took home the top honor after beating the other six group winners.
Winston's handler, Perry Payson, was so excited about his dog's victory. During a brief interview after the show, Payson said Winston amazingly fits the standard of a French Bulldog perfectly. As one of the most popular small-dog breeds in the world, the irresistible French Bulldog is known for its playfulness, alertness, and adaptability. Furthermore, French Bulldogs love participating in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and rally.
2. NDS 2021 Best in Show Winner: Claire the Scottish Deerhound
Claire the Scottish Deerhound won Best in Show at the 2021 National Dog Show in Philadelphia, one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. The 4-year-old gray female dog effortlessly delivered a classic performance in the ring and outperformed approximately 200 dog breeds to win top honors. Best in Show judge Jeffrey G. Pepper of Palm Beach County, Florida, commented about Claire's incredible performance saying the dog's athleticism going around the ring caught his eye she fit the Scottish Deerhound standard to a ‘T’ both physically and mentally.
According to the AKC's description, Scottish Deerhounds make wonderful companions to the right family. They are loyal and possess a hunting instinct. However, they probably won't play fetch and won't bark when a stranger shows up at the door. Moreover, Scottish Deerhounds need lots of exercises.
3. NDS 2020 Best in Show Winner: Claire the Scottish Deerhound
As mentioned in the article's description, Claire the Scottish Deerhound is the first dog in the National Dog Show's history to win two consecutive Best In Show awards. Claire incredibly earned the title of Best in Show for 2020 and 2021 after outperforming hundreds of dogs representing 168 AKC-recognized breeds and varieties. Besides, Claire descended from a winning family. Her grandma won the 2011 Westminster Best in Show. Her mom was the 2015 NDS Reserve Best in Show.
4. NDS 2019 Best in Show Winner: Thor the Bulldog
In 2019, Thor the Bulldog, handled by Eduardo Paris of Houston, Texas, won the NDS Best In Show award. In a field of 19 breeds, Thor first won the Non-Sporting Group before competing against the other six group winners and claiming victory. With a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, Bulldogs are Kind, friendly, courageous, and adaptable. Moreover, they make loyal companions for the right family.
5. NDS 2018 Best in Show Winner: Whiskey the Whippet
In 2018, Whiskey the Whippet, whose registered show name is GCHG Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey, won Best in Show in the National Dog Show. The dog was handled by Justin Smithey of Gordon County, Georgia, United States. Whippets are low-maintenance dogs that make excellent companions for city dwellers because they rarely bark.
6. NDS 2017 Best in Show Winner: Newton the Brussels Griffon
Newton, a Brussels Griffon dog breed, won Best in Show at the 2017 National Dog Show at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. With the help of his handler, Keith Jacobson of Bellevue, Washington, Newton competed against 2,000 other dogs to win the title.
7. NDS 2016 Best in Show Winner: Gia the greyhound
Gia the Greyhound, whose official name is GCHS CH Grandcru Giaconda CGC, outperformed six other Best in Group dogs to claim the title of Best in Show Winner at the 15th Annual National Dog Show in 2016. Gia represented the Greyhound dog breed well during the show by beating a strong final group that included a Tibetan terrier, an English springer spaniel, a Pekingese, a West Highland white terrier, and a giant schnauzer.
8. NDS 2015 Best in Show Winner: Charlie the Skye Terrier
With the help of handler Larry Cornelius of Ocala, Florida, Charlie the Skye Terrier earned the title of Best in Show at the 2015 National Dog Show presented by Purina. Fluffy little Charlie beat out 1,700 other dogs to take home the prize. Specifically, Charlie outperformed a strong final group that included a French bulldog, a Scottish deerhound, a Chihuahua, a Bearded Collie, a Newfoundland, and a Cocker Spaniel. The show's host, David Frei, called Charlie 'A great winner!' at the time and said the pup was fun for everyone. In his career, Charlie has claimed a whopping 79 Best in Show titles. Skye Terriers are one of the most distinctive-looking AKC-recognized dog breeds with the heart of a lion.
9. NDS 2014 Best in Show Winner: Nathan the Bloodhound
The 2014 National Dog Show Best in Show Winner was a Bloodhound dog named GCH Flessner's International S'Cess, otherwise known as Nathan. The gorgeous bloodhound beat out thousands of other dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. At the time of this victory, Nathan was 4 years old and had earned 22 Bests In Show titles, according to Purina. Bloodhounds are very good at finding people who are lost or hiding. According to the AKC, they are easygoing and enjoy the company of kids and other dogs.
10. NDS 2013 Best in Show Winner: Jewel the American Foxhound
In 2013, Jewel the American Foxhound was declared Best in Show after competing against 2,000 dogs of 150 breeds. Officially known as Gch. Kiarry's Pandora's Box, Jewel was handled by Lisa Miller from Orlando, Florida. According to the AKC, American Foxhounds are low-maintenance dogs that come with special considerations for prospective owners.
