NEW YORK (KPRENSA) – The National Dog Show is the most famous dog exhibition in the country.  It’s a two day competition that takes place every year in Philadelphia. This year’s edition will be televised on Thanksgiving day on NBC. The show will be hosted by actor John O’Hurley, famous for the shows “Seinfeld” and “Dancing with the Stars.”

 The competition offers prizes for best of each breed and the best of each of seven designated groups. The seven winners of best of group then compete for the coveted title as “Best in Show.” This year, one of the favorites to win best in show is Sadie, a scottish terrier. Sadie is handled by Mexican Gabriel Rangel, coming originally from Mexico City. Mr. Rangel has become one of the best known dog handlers in America. Sadie and Gabriel won the “best of group” award for the terrier group at last year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York.

 Created in Scotland (the country to which it owes its name) in 1700, the “scottish terrier” resulted from the cross breeding of an Aberdeen Terrier with other short legs burrow dogs (possibly with the Cairn Terrier). In its country of origin it was quickly appreciated for its sturdiness and its firmness of character, characteristics that led to its diffusion throughout Europe. Today, the Scottish Terrier is one of the best known terriers in the world.

How the National Dog Show is organized

 Dogs from all over the country are brought to Philadelphia to compete in the show and be critiqued by judges from the American Kennel Club.  An extensive variety of dogs are on display at the dog show. The average person has never heard of many of the breeds participating in the competition.  Each year the show covers 150 different breeds of dogs.

 The “handler” is the professional presenter of dogs in shows like the National Dog Show. The dog show’s purpose is to showcase the breeds structural differences as well as the physical. Therefore, it is necessary for each dog handler to be highly responsible and experienced, so as to not transmit any nervousness to the dog. It is also important for the handler to be skilled at training, trimming, and grooming the dog so that its virtues stand out and its defects are minimized.

 Unfortunately, out of all the champions and marvelous dogs, only one dog will get the top prize at the National Dog Show. This year it could be Sadie who is handled by Gabriel Rangel. Watch on Thanksgiving Day and find out.