On Thanksgiving Day 2025, the spotlight at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, belonged to a striking black Belgian Sheepdog named Soleil. Outshining more than 1,900 canine competitors from over 200 breeds, Soleil was named Best in Show at the 24th National Dog Show Presented by Purina, a beloved holiday tradition that aired nationwide on NBC and streamed on Peacock following the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
For pet lovers and families gathered around their televisions, the National Dog Show is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and stuffing. Since its first televised broadcast in 2002, the event has drawn millions of viewers—Purina estimates as many as 20 to 25 million each year, according to NPR—enthralled by the parade of purebred pooches and the drama of the final round.
This year’s competition, hosted by actor John O’Hurley, expert analyst David Frei, and NBC sports analyst Mary Carillo, was particularly fierce. Every one of the seven group winners was ranked number one in their breed nationally, making the 2025 lineup one of the strongest in the event’s history, as highlighted by NBC and The Enquirer. The breeds represented were as diverse as the American Foxhound and the Shih Tzu, reflecting the rich tapestry of canine companions recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
But it was Soleil, handled by Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina, who stole the show. The six-year-old’s flawless performance wowed both judges and spectators. Judge Charlie Olvis, who presided over the Best in Show round, offered high praise: “Today, that dog was ‘on.’ Didn’t put its foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat. And it is in drop-dead gorgeous condition.”
Soleil’s handler, Daniel Martin, was equally effusive about his canine partner. “Soleil loves the energy, and she feels it. That’s her magic. She’ll do whatever we ask of her. She’s a winner,” Martin told NBC Sports. He also described Soleil as “the professional out of all of this. She loves to do it. She loves the crowd. She loves this big arena.”
Co-host David Frei, a veteran of 51 major dog event broadcasts, remarked on Soleil’s poise and confidence in the ring: “She owned the ground she stood over. She moved beautifully at totally the right speed as presented by the handler, and that helps make it all happen.” Frei also noted the rarity and significance of a female dog excelling in a field often dominated by males.
The road to Best in Show was no walk in the park. Soleil first had to triumph in the Herding Group—a category that celebrates dogs bred for their instinct to gather and move livestock. The AKC describes Belgian Sheepdogs as “highly trainable herders that are bright, watchful and serious-minded,” with a deep need for companionship. Soleil’s win in the Herding Group put her up against the cream of the crop from the other six groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting.
The final lineup was a testament to the quality of this year’s competition. Among the group winners were Tyler, an English Setter (Sporting); Dino, a Giant Schnauzer (Working); George, an American Foxhound (Hound); Neal, a Bichon Frise (Non-Sporting); Baby Joe, a Miniature Schnauzer (Terrier); and Comet, a Shih Tzu (Toy). Each of these dogs had impressive records—Comet, for example, boasted 143 Best in Show titles and two group wins at Westminster, while Neal had collected 42 Best in Show awards.
Ultimately, George the American Foxhound claimed Reserve Best in Show (second place), but it was Soleil’s charisma and near-perfect presentation that set her apart. As David Frei explained to The Enquirer, “You have seven group winners there that are all great specimens of their breed. Something else has got to make the difference, and that usually is something like showmanship, charisma, attitude or personality.”
Behind Soleil’s victory lies a team effort. She is co-owned by Connie Jasinski of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; Pat Snow of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Nancy Maye of Towanda, Kansas. Their pride was evident as Soleil basked in the applause, earning not only the prestigious title but also a $20,000 grand prize, as reported by USA TODAY.
The National Dog Show itself is steeped in tradition. Founded in 1879 and held annually since 1933, it has grown into one of the most respected events in the dog show world. Its post-parade broadcast slot has made it a fixture in American households, and the 2025 edition boasted the largest entry list since 2019, with 1,994 competitors representing 201 breeds. The Golden Retriever was the most popular breed this year, with 46 entries, according to The Enquirer.
For those who missed the live broadcast, Peacock offers streaming access to this year’s show and every edition since 2013. The event isn’t just about the main ring—behind the scenes, additional competitions like a barking contest add to the festive atmosphere, as NPR noted.
Looking back at past champions, the National Dog Show has crowned a wide array of breeds. Last year’s winner was Vito, a pug with 25 Best in Show titles to his name. Before that, standouts like Stache the Sealyham Terrier, Winston the French Bulldog, and Claire the Scottish Deerhound (who made history by winning twice in a row) have all graced the winner’s circle.
Dog shows, of course, are known for their unpredictability. As David Frei put it, “The sport would die if the same dog won every day. We leave that up to a person that is going to be different from day to day… No dog will be perfect every time out.” This year, though, Soleil delivered a performance for the ages—one that judges, handlers, and millions of viewers won’t soon forget.
With the AKC National Championship and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show still ahead, Soleil’s journey may not be over. For now, she stands as a symbol of grace, determination, and the enduring appeal of the National Dog Show—a Thanksgiving tradition that continues to unite and delight dog lovers everywhere.
