Dogs, dogs, and more dogs at National Dog Show

National Dog Show Host John O'Hurley reads to children while his son Will, 5, turns the pages, on Saturday. (Martha Woodall / Staff)

By Martha Woodall, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Posted: November 18, 2012

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks went to the dogs Saturday.

Terriers. English Setters. Alaskan Malamutes. French Bulldogs. Giant Schnauzers, too.

In all, purebred dogs from 170 breeds are participating in the National Dog Show presented by Purina and competing for honors including the coveted "Best in Show" award.

The show is presented by Purina and will be broadcast by NBC on Thanksgiving from noon to 2 p.m.

As dog lovers crowded into the seats surrounding the Best-in-Show Ring, Wayne Ferguson, president of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, welcomed them to one of the oldest shows in nation. The premier event dates to 1879.

The show continues on Sunday.

Earlier on Saturday, Families crowded close to the rings to watch as Airedale Terriers and Bassett Hounds were put through their paces.

Melissa McCloskey, 17, and her mother Cheryl had come from Jackson, N.J., with their beloved Brittanys, Winston and Val.

"I enjoy everything about this," said Melissa, a junior handler, as she brushed Winston's glossy coat. "Grooming. Traveling. Showing."

Contact Martha Woodall at 215-854-2789 or mwoodall@phillynews.com