The 2023 National Dog Show culminated in a historic victory for Stache, a Sealyham Terrier officially known as GCHG CH Goodspice Efbe Money Stache. Handled by Margery Good, Stache outperformed over 1,900 dogs across 199 breeds to secure the Best in Show title at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center.
The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and broadcast annually on Thanksgiving Day by NBC, remains one of the most prestigious events in the American canine world. As we look back from the vantage point of 2026, the 2023 show stands out not only for its charismatic winner but also for its celebration of rare breeds and the enduring "benched" show tradition. This event serves as a primary benchmark for breed standards and handler excellence, attracting millions of viewers who tune in after the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The Best in Show Champion: Stache the Sealyham Terrier
In 2023, the Terrier Group produced the ultimate winner. Stache, the Sealyham Terrier, captured the hearts of the judges and the audience with his precise movement and impeccable grooming. This victory was particularly significant because the Sealyham Terrier is considered a vulnerable breed. Originally developed in Wales for hunting badgers and foxes, the breed's numbers have dwindled over the decades, making Stache’s high-profile win a vital moment for breed awareness.
Stache’s handler, Margery Good, is a legendary figure in the terrier world. Her expertise in preparing the Sealyham’s wire-haired coat—a process involving "stripping" rather than traditional clipping—was evident in the dog’s crisp, white appearance. The Sealyham is known for its "fall" (the hair over the eyes) and its sturdy, rectangular silhouette. In the 2023 Best in Show ring, Stache displayed the quintessential "terrier spirit"—alert, brave, but stable.
The judge for the 2023 Best in Show was the esteemed Buddy Thompson. In his evaluation, Thompson looked for the dog that most closely matched its specific American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard. Stache’s balance, bone structure, and confident gait distinguished him from a highly competitive field of finalists.
Breakdown of the 2023 Group Winners
To reach the Best in Show ring, a dog must first win its specific breed category and then compete against other breed winners within its designated Group. There are seven groups in the National Dog Show, each representing a different historical function of the dogs.
The Sporting Group: Pumpkin the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The 2023 Sporting Group winner was Pumpkin, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever (GCHG CH Valhallas Enjoy The Ride). Pumpkin went on to win Reserve Best in Show, essentially the runner-up of the entire competition. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their waterproof, wavy coats and powerful builds, designed for retrieving waterfowl in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Pumpkin’s win was a triumph for "Chessie" enthusiasts, as the breed often plays second fiddle to the more ubiquitous Labrador and Golden Retrievers in the show ring.
The Hound Group: Louis the Pharaoh Hound
Louis (GCHB CH Dc Bazinga 411 On The Juice), a Pharaoh Hound, took the top spot in the Hound Group. Pharaoh Hounds are sighthounds known for their "blushing" ability—their ears and nose turn a deep rose color when they are excited. Louis displayed the elegant, athletic lines and lightning-fast reflexes characteristic of this ancient breed.
The Working Group: Carson the Giant Schnauzer
In the Working Group, Carson (GCHG CH Hearthmore's Gaetano El Gato) emerged victorious. Giant Schnauzers are imposing, powerful dogs originally used for driving cattle and later for police work. Carson’s jet-black coat and commanding presence made him a standout in a group filled with heavyweights like Great Danes and Mastiffs.
The Toy Group: Comet the Shih Tzu
The Toy Group was won by Comet (GCHG CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World). Comet, a Shih Tzu, exemplified the "lion dog" appearance with a flowing, floor-length coat and a jaunty, arrogant carriage. Toy dogs are judged heavily on their temperament as companions and their ability to maintain a regal bearing despite their small stature.
The Non-Sporting Group: Moli the French Bulldog
Moli (GCHG CH 20+ Fox Canyon's I Won The War At Goldshield) won the Non-Sporting Group. As one of the most popular breeds in America, the French Bulldog is a staple of the show ring. Moli’s compact "cobby" body, bat ears, and heavy bone structure met the strict requirements of the breed standard, which emphasizes a sturdy, affectionate nature.
The Herding Group: Heathcliff the German Shepherd Dog
The Herding Group winner was Heathcliff (GCHG CH Kaleef's Mercedes). The German Shepherd is perhaps the most iconic herding breed, valued for its intelligence and versatility. Heathcliff showed the fluid, ground-covering gait that is a hallmark of the breed, demonstrating the physical capability required for a long day of herding or patrol work.
2023 National Dog Show Winners Summary
| Group | Breed | Registered Name |
|---|---|---|
| Best in Show | Sealyham Terrier | GCHG CH Goodspice Efbe Money Stache |
| Reserve Best in Show | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | GCHG CH Valhallas Enjoy The Ride |
| Sporting | Chesapeake Bay Retriever | GCHG CH Valhallas Enjoy The Ride |
| Hound | Pharaoh Hound | GCHB CH Dc Bazinga 411 On The Juice |
| Working | Giant Schnauzer | GCHG CH Hearthmore's Gaetano El Gato |
| Terrier | Sealyham Terrier | GCHG CH Goodspice Efbe Money Stache |
| Toy | Shih Tzu | GCHG CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World |
| Non-Sporting | French Bulldog | GCHG CH 20+ Fox Canyon's I Won The War At Goldshield |
| Herding | German Shepherd Dog | GCHG CH Kaleef's Mercedes |
The Tradition of the Benched Show
The National Dog Show is one of the few remaining "benched" shows in the United States. In a benched show, the competing dogs are required to stay in assigned areas (benches) when they are not in the ring. This allows the public to meet the dogs, speak with the breeders, and learn about the specific needs and temperaments of different breeds.
For the 2023 event, the "benched" nature of the show provided an educational platform for the thousands of families who attended the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. This format fosters a unique connection between the sport of conformation and the general public. While many dog shows are closed-door events focused solely on judging, the National Dog Show emphasizes education and responsible dog ownership.
The Role of the AKC and Judging Criteria
The dogs at the 2023 National Dog Show were judged according to the standards set by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It is a common misconception that the dogs are competing against each other in a beauty pageant. In reality, each dog is judged against the written "blueprint" or standard for its breed.
Key Factors in Judging:
- Conformation: The physical structure of the dog, including its height, weight, and proportions.
- Movement (Gait): How the dog moves at a trot. This reveals the efficiency of the dog's skeleton and musculature.
- Temperament: The dog must exhibit the personality traits typical of its breed (e.g., a Golden Retriever should be friendly, while a Guard Dog may be more reserved).
- Condition: The health and fitness of the dog, including skin, coat, and muscle tone.
Judges like the 2023 panel are experts who have often spent decades breeding and handling dogs. They use their hands to feel the dog’s bone structure beneath its coat, checking for things the eye might miss, such as the set of the shoulders or the strength of the jaw.
Media Impact and the Thanksgiving Tradition
The 2023 broadcast continued the tradition of being the most-watched dog show in the world. Hosted by John O'Hurley (known for his role on Seinfeld) and David Frei (a legendary dog expert and commentator), the show provides a blend of humor, expert analysis, and heartfelt stories about the bond between humans and dogs. Mary Carillo also provided insightful "behind-the-scenes" reporting, focusing on the agility trials and therapy dog programs that often accompany the main event.
The 2023 production by NBC Sports used high-definition cameras to capture the intricate details of the dogs' coats and movements. This level of production quality has helped turn the show into a cultural phenomenon, with families integrating the broadcast into their Thanksgiving Day rituals alongside turkey and football.
The Significance of the 2023 Show in 2026
As we evaluate the state of the canine world in 2026, the 2023 National Dog Show remains a pivotal point of reference. Stache's win led to a moderate increase in interest for the Sealyham Terrier, highlighting the power of the show to influence breed popularity. Furthermore, the 2023 event saw a continued emphasis on "Health and Wellness," a trend that has only strengthened by 2026. Purina, the long-standing sponsor, utilized the 2023 platform to discuss nutritional advancements that help performance dogs maintain their longevity.
The 2023 show also served as a training ground for many handlers and dogs who would go on to dominate the circuit in 2024 and 2025. The consistency of the judging in 2023 reinforced the AKC’s commitment to preserving the original purpose of these breeds, ensuring that even as "show dogs," they retain the physical capabilities of their working ancestors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2023 National Dog Show?
The Best in Show winner was Stache, a Sealyham Terrier handled by Margery Good. Stache defeated over 1,900 other dogs and 199 breeds to take the top prize. His win was a significant achievement for a breed that is currently on the "vulnerable" list in many parts of the world.
Where is the National Dog Show held?
The show is held annually at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. It is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, which has a history of hosting dog shows dating back to the late 19th century.
What is the difference between Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show?
Best in Show (BIS) is the top honor, awarded to the single best dog in the entire competition. Reserve Best in Show (RBIS) is essentially the runner-up. In 2023, the Reserve Best in Show was Pumpkin, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
How are dogs selected to compete in the National Dog Show?
Dogs must be registered with the AKC and are typically "Champions of Record," meaning they have already won a certain number of points at other dog shows. The National Dog Show is an invitational-style event that attracts the highest-ranking dogs in the country.
Why is the show broadcast on Thanksgiving Day?
The National Dog Show has been a Thanksgiving tradition on NBC since 2002. It is timed to air immediately following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, providing family-friendly entertainment that celebrates the special relationship between people and their pets.
Were there any new breeds in the 2023 show?
While the AKC occasionally adds new breeds (such as the Bracco Italiano in 2022), the 2023 show focused on the 199 breeds already recognized within the existing seven groups. No entirely new breeds made their debut in the 2023 televised finals compared to the previous year's lineup, though the competition remains open to all AKC-recognized varieties.
Final Recommendations for Enthusiasts
For those inspired by the 2023 National Dog Show, the best next step is to explore local dog shows in your area. Attending a show in person—especially a benched show like Philadelphia's—allows you to see the diversity of the canine world up close.
If you are considering adding a new dog to your family based on what you saw on screen, it is crucial to research the breed's energy level, grooming requirements, and health predispositions. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia and the AKC provide extensive resources for prospective owners to ensure they find a breed that matches their lifestyle. As we continue through 2026, the lessons of the 2023 show—excellence in care, dedication to breed standards, and the joy of the human-canine bond—remain more relevant than ever.
