NBC Sports

Master of Ceremonies

New York Magazine once called David Frei "Probably the most famous human in the world of canines."

As co-host of NBC’s National Dog Show Presented by Purina since its inception in 2002, David and his partner John O’Hurley (Seinfeld’s Mr. Peterman) are seen every Thanksgiving Day by more than 20 million viewers. It is the same role that David perfected in 27 years as the longtime (1990-2016) co-host of USA Network’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

 

Being “America’s Dog Guy” has brought him many appearances on network television, including “Today,” “NBC Nightly News,” “Good Morning America,” “Fox & Friends,” “The View,” “Martha Stewart,” and more.
 

Dogs have taken him to the White House for a visit with President Bush, for a ride on a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, to throw out the first pitch at two Major League Baseball games, to a guest role on HBO’s “Sex And The City” and even to an appearance as a pastry judge on the Food Network’s “Best In Show” competition.
 

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David is the founder of Angel On A Leash, a charity which creates and advocates for therapy dog programs around the country, and is the author of two award-winning books (Angel By My Side and Angel On A Leash). In 2018, he was named to the prestigious Dog Writers Association of America Hall of
Fame.
 

He grew up in Eugene and graduated from South Eugene High School in 1967, where he was co-captain of the football team, sports editor of The Axe, and a member of Madrigal Singers. His father, Jerry, was a football coach at the University of Oregon from 1955-1971, serving as head coach of the Ducks from 1967-1971.
 

David is now a consultant and television commentator for NBC Sports. Previously, he held public relations positions with the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers and ABC-TV Sports in New York and owned two sports bars in Seattle.