2019 National Dog Show predictions from Dog O’Day staff

Want to make 2019 National Dog Show predictions? Here’s our picks this year.

If you’re looking for 2019 National Dog Show predictions, as a way to foster family togetherness during Thanksgiving, then look no farther: Dog O’Day has you covered, as both of our co-experts (editors) have their picks ready.

While making 2019 National Dog Show predictions are a bit of a mixed bag – do you study the stats and which dogs are near the front of the pack? do you go with your personal favorite breed? – it’s a fun exercise, and bragging rights are a thing.

Herding Group

Wesley: The Australian Shepherd narrowly beats out the Australian Cattle Dog and Cardigan Welsh Corgi because of the glossy coat of Aussies, and because one of our first dogs was Sport, a tricolor purebred Aussie.

Kimberley: I have to give this one to the Border Collie. As a former owner of one of these pups, they have a special place in my heart and it would feel wrong to choose any other breed here.

Hound Group

Wesley: While I love Beagles, I think it’s going to be a repeat for the Whippet, since a brother-sister pair of siblings (Whiskey and Bourbon) have been crushing this category for the past couple of years. This is really hard to choose, though, since it’s my favorite group.

Kimberley: I have to give this to the Dachshund, as these pups have a way of being scene-stealers. It helps that they are permanently adorable.

Non-Sporting Group

Wesley: I’m going with a Schipperke here, because fluff is good sometimes. But our pal Ovie the Bulldog is right – there does seem to be a bias against Bulldogs (though strangely, this doesn’t apply to Frenchies). That would be nice to see broken.

Kimberley: I grew up with Chow Chows so I have to give these pups the win here. I know how amazing these dogs are, and it feels like they don’t get enough credit for being amazing dogs. It may be a long shot, but I am definitely rooting for these pups to win it all.

Sporting Group

Wesley: Going with a classic here – the Golden Retriever. They’re gorgeous and friendly, look great on TV and are pretty much perfect.

Kimberley: I’m giving this one to the Labrador Retriever, as I think these dogs are stars in many ways. These dogs are not only lovable, but they are also athletic, which is always a winning combination.

Terrier Group

Wesley: A Norwich Terrier called Isaac gets my vote here, because he’s been very good over the past year, but more importantly looks like an Ewok from Star Wars and is an Oklahoma dog from Tulsa. Gotta root for the home state pups.

Kimberley: I’m with Wesley on this one because this is the year of Star Wars and we can’t root against a pup that looks like an Ewok. The fact that Isaac has had a good year is certainly a bonus in terms of the potential to get this one right.

Toy Group

Wesley: The Yorkshire Terrier gets my pick, because Yorkies, especially the caramel-colored ones, have beautiful hair and seem like the definitive Toy Group breed. And their noses are adorable.

Kimberley: The Pomeranian gets my vote because I have a soft spot for these independent balls of fluff. These dogs are beautiful, fierce, and hard workers, which makes them the perfect choice for winning the Toy Group.

Working Group

Wesley: I’m partial to the Great Pyrenees because they’re so gentle, which makes up for their ridiculous largeness. But I think a Boxer called Wilma will win this category, since she’s been one of the highest-ranked dogs this season.

Kimberley: Finally, for this group I have to give it to the Akita because again, I had one as a teenager and I know how amazing these dogs can be. Not only are they athletic and graceful, but they are also natural born leaders, making them a shoe-in as winners.

Did you agree with our 2019 National Dog Show predictions? Or are we totally off-track? We’ll find out tomorrow, but hopefully this gives you a good idea for your family’s picks.

The 2019 National Dog Show presented by Purina will air Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, at noon across all time zones on NBC, hosted by David Frei and John O’Hurley.