Over 1,500 pooches compete for top dog title during National Dog Show on Thanksgiving

Nov. 27 (UPI) -- For people who don’t feel like watching two-legged players play NFL football on Thanksgiving, there’s an alternative featuring four-legged furry friends -- the National Dog Show.

The National Dog Show kicks off at noon, a half hour before the game between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers begins, and it will once again feature color commentary from actor John O'Hurley.

This year’s edition will feature more than 1,500 dogs and the popular pooch that wins "Best in Show" will earn its owner $20,000 in prize money.

"God created dogs as companions to show us the principals of angelic behavior, service and love," O’Hurley said. In addition to the dog show, he is probably best-known for playing played J. Peterman on Seinfeld and winning the first season of Dancing with the Stars.

"We can learn a lot from dogs," he said. "We sit next to people on the subway, or walk down the street and don't acknowledge these strangers. Dogs always acknowledge others, and see the value in all other dogs. Whether they like those other dogs or not, they acknowledge them. And mostly they do like one another. If we could acknowledge one another, we would have a better world."

"Dogs allow us to be ourselves and not be embarrassed," said announcer David Frei. "We wouldn't know anyone in New York City if it wasn't for Grace and Angel. They are clearly far more social than we are."

Last year's winner was a Wire Fox named Sky.

[Chicago Tribune] [NBC]