"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" airs on Thursday, November 26th from noon to 2 p.m. in all time zones. This airs immediately after the "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade."

See all the clips in "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" group!

About the presentation:

NBC continues its Thanksgiving Day celebration with "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" on Thursday, November 26 (Noon - 2 p.m. in all time zones), airing immediately following the telecast of NBC´s "Macy´s Thanksgiving Day Parade." Making their national television and major competition debuts are three new American Kennel Club-recognized breeds -- the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd. America´s #1-ranked show dog, a Scottish Terrier named Sadie, is also entered in the competition.

Some 2,000 aspiring purebreds vie for the coveted "Best in Show" title on NBC´s eighth broadcast of one of America´s most prestigious dog shows. NBC research estimated that 19.6 million viewers watched the 2008 "National Dog Show Presented by Purina," the biggest total audience for the "National Dog Show" since 2003. Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and hosted by dog lover John O´Hurley (NBC´s "Seinfeld") and David Frei, the "dean of dog show commentators," "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is one of America´s five remaining "benched" shows, at which the public can interact with approximately 150 breeds and varieties of dogs - from Afghan Hounds to Colored Bull Terriers and Doberman Pinschers to Beagles and St. Bernards - and talk to experts throughout the day.

The two-hour special celebrates the wonders of man´s best friend through the voices of O´Hurley, on the whimsy of canines, and Frei, America´s foremost authority on purebreds. This year the show will also include a therapy dog theme with 2005 National Dog Show champion "Rufus" scheduled to be part of the telecast. Rufus, a Colored Bull Terrier, is the only dog to win both the National Dog Show and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (2006).

An award-winning actor and a New York Times best-selling author, O´Hurley returns for his eighth year as host of this annual classic. O´Hurley´s hosting partner and expert analyst Frei is an American Kennel Club - licensed judge who has officiated at dog shows worldwide. Frei is on-air host of USA Network´s famed "Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show" and is one of America´s foremost authorities on purebreds and the dog show world.

The elite canines must prevail though several levels of competition before boasting the "Best in Show" title. The entrants are first judged against their own breed, and then are classified by seven different groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. The winner from each group is then brought into the ring to compete for the coveted title of "Best in Show."

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is television´s only two-hour special that both entertains and educates in a competition format embraced by millions every Thanksgiving," said NBC Vice President Jon Miller. "It is the dog world´s most prominent annual showcase and it continues the great family TV viewing theme launched each year by the Macy´s Parade."

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is hosted each fall by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, which is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP) staged its first show in 1879 and has hosted the Philadelphia shows annually since 1933. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia shows benefit the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania.

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is a property of NBC and Carson International of Ketchum, Idaho, the world´s most prominent producer and packager of canine events for live audiences and for television.

About Nestle Purina PetCare
Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world´s largest food company.