The National Dog Show press preview in Oaks brought laughter with its first-ever “smile-off” contest between the Lancashire heeler and Samoyed, writes Stephanie Farr for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Judges crowned both Kanji, a 5-year-old heeler from Cape Cod, and Prince Louis, a 6-year-old Samoyed from Clementon, as co-winners. The show, featuring 1,940 dogs from 40 states and five countries, will be held this weekend at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. Attendees can meet dogs at their benches and even pet them with permission.
The National Dog Show began in 1879. NBC was inspired by the 2000 film, ‘Best in Show’ to begin airing the event on Thanksgiving Day.
This year, the Chesapeake Bay retriever leads with 54 entries, followed by 52 golden retrievers. The Lancashire heeler, introduced for the first time, added charm with its signature “heeler smile.” The Samoyed’s smile, with curved lips preventing frozen drool, also drew attention.
During the preview, dogs were made honorary National Park Service “Bark Rangers,” vowing to uphold park rules. Beyond competition, the show features a vendor marketplace, agility demonstrations. Alice Hoersch runs a therapy dog booth with her squirrel-loving Shetland sheepdog, Dyson. The event promises fun, furry interactions, and the excitement of the final “Best in Show” decision, kept secret until the Thanksgiving broadcast on NBC.
Read more about the National Dog Show’s smile-off in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
