Best in show 2025 just crowned a stunning champion. Soleil, a gorgeous black Belgian Sheepdog from North Carolina, delivered a flawless performance to win the prestigious National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, beating 1,994 competing dogs across 201 breeds. The competition was fiercer than ever, making her victory even more remarkable.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Winner: Soleil (registered name: GCHS Prairiewind’s Sxongs of Summer at La Neige), a black Belgian Sheepdog
- Competition: 1,994 dogs from 201 breeds competed at the 24th National Dog Show presented by Purina
- Air Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025, on NBC immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Handler: Daniel Martin from Princeton, North Carolina; judges praised her remarkable showmanship and movement
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Judge Charlie Olvis of Lake Wales, Florida, explained why Soleil captured the coveted title. “She didn’t put a foot down wrong,” he said. “Didn’t miss a beat. And it is in drop-dead gorgeous condition.”
The black Belgian Sheepdog first won the Herding Group competition before facing six other formidable finalists in the Best in Show round. Her movement and professional attitude separated her from the pack of seasoned competitors with impressive credentials.
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Soleil beat some of the most accomplished show dogs in America. Baby Joe, a Miniature Schnauzer, arrived at the competition as the number 1-ranked all-breed dog in the entire United States. Meanwhile, Comet, a Shih Tzu, came with an astounding 143 Best in Show titles to his name, making Soleil’s victory even more impressive.
The other finalists included Dino, a Giant Schnauzer (Working Group winner), Neal, a Bichon Frise (Non-Sporting Group winner with 42 Best in Show awards), Tyler, an English Setter (Sporting Group winner), and George, an American Foxhound (Hound Group winner, who took Reserve Best in Show). All seven dogs were ranked number 1 in their respective breeds nationally.
Soleil’s Handler Reveals Her Secret Advantage
| Competition Detail | Information |
| Best in Show Winner | Soleil (Belgian Sheepdog) |
| Handler | Daniel Martin, Princeton, North Carolina |
| Co-owners | Connie Jasinski (South Carolina), Pat Snow (Oklahoma), Nancy Maye (Kansas) |
| Reserve Best in Show | George (American Foxhound) |
Daniel Martin, Soleil’s handler from North Carolina, shared what made the difference. “Soleil was just ‘on’ today,” he explained. “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.”
The professional handler emphasized that Soleil’s confidence and connection with the crowd gave her the edge. “She’s the professional out of all of this,” Martin told reporters. “She loves to do it. She loves the crowd. She loves this big arena.”
National Dog Show Breaks Records with Largest Entry Since 2019
The 24th National Dog Show, held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, set impressive attendance records. The event drew 1,994 dogs representing 201 different breeds, marking the largest entry list since 2019 and the second consecutive year with more than 200 breeds competing.
Golden Retrievers dominated specific breed entries with 46 registrations. NBC Sports analyst David Frei, working his 51st major dog show broadcast, predicted the trend will continue. “I think we’re trending that way,” he said. “We’ve gotten more each year since the pandemic years.”
What Makes Best in Show 2025 Victory Even More Remarkable?
“The key to capturing a Best In Show award is a simple and self-referential adage. And it also describes what Soleil, a black Belgian Sheepdog, did with stunning grace, perfection and poise to win the 2025 National Dog Show.”
— David Frei, NBC Sports Analyst and Show Co-host
Frei praised Soleil’s achievement despite competing against dogs with far longer show records. “There were three dogs that have been around longer and have more (wins) in their records than the Belgian Sheepdog does, but Soleil looked very much a part of what was going on,” he noted. “It’s out there with a dog that has 143 Best In Shows, and it looks right at home.”
The Belgian Sheepdog breed is “just starting to hit its prime,” according to Frei, making her victory particularly significant for the breed’s growing recognition in the highest levels of competition. The National Dog Show televised on NBC and Peacock reaches approximately 25 million viewers, making this a major moment for the breed.
How Did Soleil Win Against the Nation’s Top-Ranked Show Dog?
Showmanship, personality, and charisma made the ultimate difference, judging experts explained. While some finalists had stronger credentials on paper, each of the seven Best in Show finalists was ranked number 1 in their breed nationally, leveling the playing field.
Frei emphasized the unpredictable nature of dog show judging. “The sport would die if the same dog won every day, so we leave that up to a person that is going to be different from day to day,” he said. The subjectivity of judging is what keeps competition fresh and exciting for breeders, handlers, and owners who invest years in developing their dogs.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.