National dog show 2025 winner: Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, got the spotlight at the 2025 National Dog Show, claiming the prestigious Best in Show title on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, as per reports.
The black Belgian Sheepdog beat out winners from six other groups to become the top dog among more than 2,000 competitors representing over 200 breeds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, as per a Today report.
Soleil first won the Herding Group before advancing to the Best in Show round, where judge Charles Olvis praised her performance, saying she “didn’t put a foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat” and the dog was in “drop-dead gorgeous condition. I mean, gorgeous condition,” as quoted in a People report.
The top-ranked Belgian Sheepdog’s handler, Daniel Martin of Princeton, N.C., said, “Soleil was just ‘on’ today,” adding, “I knew that this would be a fierce, intense competition. Soleil loves the energy, and she feels it. That’s her magic. She’ll do whatever we ask of her. She’s a winner,” as quoted in the People report.
ALSO READ: Bitcoin (BTC USD) vs Altcoins: Hyperliquid, XRP, Kaspa & Monad surging in 2025 — Top cryptos to watch
The runner-up in the Best in Show competition was George, an American Foxhound, who earned the Reserve Best in Show title.
Other finalists included Dino, a giant Schnauzer and the top-ranked all-breed dog in the country; Neal, a Bichon Frise; Baby Joe, a miniature Schnauzer; Comet, a Shih Tzu with 143 Best in Show titles; and Tyler, an English Setter.
The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and airing on NBC for its 24th year, featured commentary from hosts Mary Carillo, John O’Hurley, and AKC-licensed judge David Frei.
ALSO READ: Are Chipotle, Domino’s, KFC, Popeyes, Subway open on Thanksgiving? Here’s what fast food places and restaurants are open today
Owned by Connie Jasinski of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Pat Snow of Sapulpa, Okla., and Nancy Maye of Towanda, Kan., Soleil’s registered show name is GCHS Prairiewind’s Songs of Summer at La Neige, as per the People report.
Soleil takes over the Best in Show title from Vito, a pug who won the honor in 2024, as per the People report. For viewers who missed the Thanksgiving broadcast, NBC will air an encore presentation of the two-hour special on Sunday, December 1, at 4 p.m. ET/PT.
Who won the National Dog Show 2025?
Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show.
Who was the runner-up at the National Dog Show 2025?
George, an American Foxhound, took Reserve Best in Show.
