In trading tennis courts for show rings, Mary Carillo uncovered a truth that bridges sports and species: mastery is universal.
When Mary Carillo was first assigned to cover the National Dog Show for NBC, she was no stranger to the spotlight. A former professional tennis player turned acclaimed broadcaster, she’d covered the Olympics, Wimbledon, and countless high-stakes competitions. But this — a world of topknots, grooming tables, and 2,000 impeccably trained dogs — was something new.
“I’ve had dogs all my life,” she admitted. “But my education in the dog show world was entirely formed by the mockumentary classic Best in Show. Any chance I would have to enter that world was a chance I would take, and fortunately for me it happened.”
Learning the Game
Carillo’s preparation was both earnest and exhaustive. “When I first got involved, it was to work on the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show,” she recalled. “I immediately asked NBC Sports for DVDs of the previous ten Westminster Dog Shows so that I could get a feel for the rhythms and routine of the show. I also bought 647 dog books. Then I met the fellow I was working with, David Frei, and my attitude and fears got a lot lighter.”
That partnership with Frei, one of the most respected commentators in the sport, gave her confidence. But it was the dogs themselves that sealed her fascination. “More than anything I couldn’t believe how 2000 dogs could all be so beautiful and well behaved,” she said. “It still knocks me down, all these years later. I have three dopey dogs and, while lovable, they’re a total disgrace.”
Seeing Athletes of Another Kind
Her perspective as a lifelong athlete offered a unique window into the show world. “Human athletes are surrounded by trainers, coaches, physios, nutritionists,” she explained. “They are finely tuned exemplars of their sport. It’s the same with all the breeds at the National Dog Show. They are the personification of their type, beautifully bred and trained for their jobs.”
The connection between dog and handler reminded her of the best sports partnerships she’s ever covered. It’s a relationship built on trust, intuition, and hours of invisible work. “Same answer as above,” she laughed when asked how top show dogs compare to elite tennis players. For Carillo, the discipline and artistry are one and the same.
Respect for the Craft
Carillo’s admiration for the people behind the dogs runs deep. “The casual viewer at home may not realize that the world of show dogs is anything but casual,” she said. “From the time a puppy is born, then recognized to have special qualities, then trained, groomed and finally introduced to a show ring… that is a lot of loving work and play. I am so respectful of the diligence and care that is involved in the process.”
Over years of covering the show, she’s seen that dedication firsthand. “I so admire the diligence of the people in this world,” she said. “I’ve covered enough dog shows to have become familiar with some of the best handlers. Every year, it seems, they have another beautiful dog in the show. Every year they add to their reputation of excellence, dedication, understanding of the dogs they show. It’s like in so many sports, where you recognize a respected coach who’s stood the test of time.”
Backstage Buzz
If there’s one place where Carillo feels the sport’s pulse, it’s the benching area, that labyrinth of grooming tables, blow dryers, and quiet anticipation. “The benching area is one of my favorite backstages in all of sports,” she said. “There’s a lot of quiet activity that creates a constant low level buzz. It’s where I get to walk the aisles, ask questions, pet dogs, watch them getting ready for the big show. The owners and handlers never fail to be generous with their time. The dogs never fail to make me smile.”
Those private moments often move her most. “It’s mostly the times when a dog hasn’t won their Breed or Group, and the people on the other end of the leash are telling them, ‘You did great. You’re the best dog.’ That gets me every time.”
What She Takes Home
Asked whether covering the show has changed her, Carillo doesn’t hesitate. “More than anything I come away from The National Dog Show realizing why these animals are so special, and how they rightfully take ownership of so much of our hearts,” she said. “I arrive back to my own dogs and tell them, one by one, ‘You’re the very best dog.’ They all take my word for it. I never said they were good at counting.”
That blend of humor and affection captures why viewers connect to her commentary. She treats the dogs not as ornaments or props but as athletes, partners, and individuals worthy of admiration.
For Mary Carillo, who’s spent her career describing excellence in motion, the National Dog Show has become an unexpected favorite; a place where competition meets compassion, and where every Thanksgiving brings a reminder that joy can have four legs and a wagging tail.
Carillo reflected, “Every year is a chance for another breed to shine, another dog to have its best day, another chance for viewers back home to pick their own winners, react with surprise or pleasure, or kiss the dog sitting on the couch with them, a dog whose possibly asleep but nevertheless present, content and loved.”
One Parting Shot
Mary’s humor was evident with my one last question. I asked her, “Just for fun, if you had to pick a breed that reminds you of a top tennis player — or one that reflects your own personality — which would it be, and why?
Her answer: “The elegant, dignified and timeless Roger Federer is an Afghan Hound.”
I can see that, can you?
Tune into NBC after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to join in the fun.
Annual Pet Ownership Costs: Budgeting for Dogs and Cats in 2025
Bringing a pet into your home is a huge commitment—emotionally, physically, and financially. While we love our furry companions, the reality is that pet ownership comes with a price tag that many people underestimate. Whether you’re considering adopting a dog or a cat, understanding the annual costs involved can help you budget and ensure you can provide the best care for your pet. So, let’s break it down. Learn more.
