Who Won the Dog Show 2025? Meet the National Dog Show Best in Show Pup

The 2025 National Dog Show crowned Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, as Best in Show on Thanksgiving Day. The competition aired on Nov. 27 on NBC and featured top dogs from seven major groups. Soleil earned the top honor after advancing from Best in Group to the final round.

The National Dog Show has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 2002. It follows the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and showcases more than 200 breeds. Judges evaluate each dog based on how closely they meet their breed standards. Soleil’s win was confirmed by the event’s handlers and broadcast coverage.

2025 National Dog Show Winner: Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog

Soleil secured the Best in Show title after topping all seven group winners. The Belgian Sheepdog impressed judges with precision, poise, and consistent performance. NBC Sports reported that handler Daniel Martin praised Soleil’s confidence and crowd awareness. He said Soleil “loves the energy” and thrives in competitive environments.

Competitors represent the sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding groups. Soleil advanced from the herding group, which includes breeds known for agility, posture, and discipline. These traits helped her stand out in the final lineup.

The event awards the Best in Show winner a top prize of $20,000. The show remains one of the most-watched non-sport programs on Thanksgiving, drawing millions of viewers. Major outlets such as NBC, AP, and USA Today typically provide coverage and results. The 2025 event followed the same structure, with judges and hosts maintaining long-standing traditions.

John O’Hurley and David Frei returned as hosts, along with analyst Mary Carillo. Their commentary offered viewers background on each breed and competitor. Soleil’s win adds her to a long list of notable champions from past years, including Vito the pug in 2024 and Stache the Sealyham Terrier in 2023.

How Soleil’s Win Fits Into National Dog Show History

The National Dog Show has crowned Best in Show winners for more than a century. Recent champions include a mix of terriers, sheepdogs, bulldogs, and sighthounds. Soleil becomes the latest herding breed to win the title. Herding dogs have historically performed well because of their structure, balance, and trainability.

Soleil’s victory continues a competitive trend in which handlers increasingly showcase experienced show dogs on national stages. The Belgian Sheepdog’s success also reflects rising interest in herding breeds among American families. Many viewers search for breed information after the show, driving yearly trends in online interest.

The answer to who won the dog show 2025 remains clear: Soleil delivered a standout performance and earned the top prize. Her win reinforces the long-running prestige of the National Dog Show and celebrates excellence in breed standards.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who won the dog show 2025?

Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show. She earned the top prize after advancing through the herding group.

Q2: What breed is the 2025 National Dog Show winner?

The 2025 winner, Soleil, is a Belgian Sheepdog. The breed is known for agility and strong working instincts.

Q3: How much does the National Dog Show winner earn?

The Best in Show winner earns a $20,000 prize. The amount is awarded annually at the conclusion of the event.

Q4: Who hosted the 2025 National Dog Show?

John O’Hurley, David Frei, and Mary Carillo hosted the broadcast. They provided commentary and breed insights throughout the event.

Q5: Where can viewers watch the 2025 National Dog Show?

Viewers can watch the 2025 show on Peacock. All shows since 2013 are also available for streaming.