Overview and key dates
The National Dog Show is an annual televised dog show produced by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and shown on NBC. In most years, the event is scheduled for the third Sunday in November and begins in the late morning or early afternoon in each time zone. For example, recent editions aired at 12:00 p.m. ET on the specified Sunday, with West Coast start times typically shifted by three hours from Eastern time. These scheduling patterns yield a predictable window, though exact dates can vary slightly year to year.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Typical month | November (often third Sunday) | Annual event pattern |
| Typical network | NBC (U.S. broadcast) | Official AKC and NBC announcements |
| Live streaming | Available on peacocktv.com and the NBC app | Platform documentation |
| Event length | Approximately 2–3 hours from start to Best in Show | Historical broadcast runtimes |
| Prime viewing segment | Best in Show judging and group winners | Broadcast structure |
Annual air date and time zone guidance
Because the National Dog Show follows a seasonal calendar tied to holiday programming, it lands on a consistent weekday each year. When the show is not preempted by sports or special NBC scheduling, the broadcast follows a standard regional pattern.
- Eastern Time (ET): 12:00 p.m. start (typical)
- Central Time (CT): 11:00 a.m. start (typical)
- Mountain Time (MT): 10:00 a.m. start (typical)
- Pacific Time (PT): 9:00 a.m. start (typical)
To convert to your local time, adjust for your zone relative to Eastern Time and verify with your network listings for that specific year. These patterns are reliable but can shift if NBC adjusts its Sunday lineup.
How to find the exact date for any given year
Official AKC and NBC sources
The most reliable method is to check the AKC’s National Dog Show page and NBC’s fall schedule announcements. Around late summer or early autumn, NBC typically publishes updated Sunday programming that includes the dog show. Additionally, TV guide sites and the NBC pressroom release dated schedules ahead of the event.
Using TV listings and calendar tools
Once the date is announced, add the event to your calendar and set reminders. Major electronic platforms, including Google Calendar, will often auto-populate the event if you subscribe to TV listing feeds. You can also set alerts on your television provider’s schedule app to avoid missing the broadcast due to last minute preemption.
Where to watch and stream
Live broadcast on NBC
The National Dog Show airs on the NBC broadcast network in standard and high definition. If you use an antenna, tune to your local NBC affiliate to catch the live over the air signal. Cable and satellite subscribers should check their channel guide for the NBC affiliate in their designated market area.
Digital platforms and streaming options
For cord-cutters and online viewers, the show streams on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. You can watch with an ad-supported Peacock Free tier or with a Peacock Premium subscription. The NBC app also streams the event live for subscribers of participating TV providers, and authenticated streaming through services that carry NBC may also provide access.
Reasons for preemption and schedule shifts
Because NBC prioritizes live sports and breaking news, the National Dog Show has occasionally been moved or delayed. Sunday afternoon football or other live events on NBC can push the start time later or, in rare cases, shift the broadcast to another day. If this happens, the network will update its listing and promote the new time in promos and on-air announcements.
- Preemption risk: NBC sports coverage and breaking news
- Typical adjustment: Later start time within the same day
- Rare changes: Moving to another day (announced in advance)
To avoid disappointment, check the NBC schedule the week of the event, especially if you plan to watch live. Small schedule tweaks are uncommon but possible, and real time confirmation ensures you do not miss the judging.
Planning your viewing and reminders
Because the National Dog Show occurs on a Sunday each year, it fits neatly into weekend routines. Plan your viewing by setting a single reminder for the start time in your local zone and, if desired, add a second reminder fifteen minutes before the broadcast to account for pre-show coverage. If you rely on streaming, confirm that your internet connection and Peacock login are ready ahead of time, particularly if you use an authenticated provider that requires TV credentials.
- Set one primary alarm for the listed start time in your zone
- Confirm streaming access and login details early
- Check NBC’s latest listing the day before and the morning of the event
Summary and quick checklist
In most years, the National Dog Show airs on the third Sunday in November on NBC, with a start time near noon Eastern or equivalent local time. The show streams live on Peacock and the NBC app, and it can be watched for free over the air with an antenna. Because sports or news occasionally affect the schedule, confirm the time and channel in the week leading up to the event. By noting the date, preparing your streaming setup, and setting a reminder, you can reliably catch each year’s group and Best in Show winners.