The Belgian Sheepdog triumphed over seven skilled competitors, including dogs with more than 100 Best in Show titles.
Belgian Sheepdog Claims Victory on Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving Day, the black Belgian Sheepdog named Soleil emerged victorious at the 2025 National Dog Show, showcasing that performance can outweigh pedigree. The event, which aired live on NBC following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, featured one of the most distinguished lineups in the competition’s 24-year history.
Judge Charlie Olvis expressed confidence in his decision, stating that Soleil exhibited flawless performance throughout the event. Her stunning appearance captivated the audience at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
What Set Soleil Apart
In the final Round of Seven, Soleil faced remarkable competition, with each finalist ranked first in their respective breeds. National Dog Show co-host David Frei described the level of competition as extraordinary, even by the event’s high standards.
Three of Soleil’s rivals had impressive accolades: 1. Comet, a Shih Tzu who won the Toy Group, has accumulated 143 Best in Show titles and two group wins at Westminster. 2. Neal, a Bichon Frise who won the Non-Sporting Group, holds 42 Best in Show awards alongside a Westminster group win. 3. Baby Joe, a Miniature Schnauzer who won the Terrier Group, is recognized as the top-ranked all-breed dog in the United States.
Despite the high-caliber competition, Soleil maintained her presence on stage, moving gracefully at the perfect pace under the guidance of her handler, Daniel Martin.
The Art of Showmanship
Frei, who was serving as an expert analyst for his 51st major dog event, noted that physical perfection alone does not guarantee victory. When seven exceptional group winners compete, other factors such as showmanship, charisma, and personality often play a critical role.
Martin, Soleil’s handler from Princeton, North Carolina, credited her enthusiasm for the vibrant atmosphere of large competitions. This energy translated into a captivating performance, even when standing alongside dogs with more extensive trophy collections.
Female Representation in a Male-Dominated Arena
Frei expressed particular appreciation for the success of a female dog in a competition often dominated by males. He viewed Soleil’s victory as a significant achievement, highlighting a shift in a sport where male dogs frequently receive preferential treatment from judges.
Soleil is co-owned by Connie Jasinski of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Pat Snow of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and Nancy Maye of Towanda, Kansas. Although she has previously secured Best in Show awards, Frei noted that her breed is just beginning to reach its peak potential.
The Unpredictability of Dog Shows
The subjective nature of dog show judging introduces an appealing unpredictability that sustains interest in the sport. A single dog cannot win every competition, or the allure would diminish. Different judges bring unique perspectives, ensuring that today’s runner-up might be tomorrow’s champion.
Frei likened this to the performance of an NBA player, noting that even Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey does not score 50 points in every game. Similarly, dogs can have good and bad days, with no competitor achieving perfection consistently.
Thursday was simply Soleil’s day to shine. Martin communicated to sideline reporter Mary Carillo that his dog thrives on the energy of large crowds and excels in expansive venues.
Record-Breaking Participation
The 2025 National Dog Show featured 1,994 entries from 201 breeds, marking the largest participation since 2019. This was the second consecutive year with over 200 breeds judged across 13 rings at the venue.
Golden Retrievers led the entry numbers with 46 dogs competing. Frei anticipates that next year could see more than 2,000 entries as the show continues to recover from pandemic-related declines.
Final Round Results
George, an American Foxhound who won the Hound Group, was awarded Reserve Best in Show, finishing as the runner-up to Soleil. Other finalists included Neal the Bichon Frise (Non-Sporting Group), Dino the Giant Schnauzer (Working Group), Baby Joe the Miniature Schnauzer (Terrier Group), Comet the Shih Tzu (Toy Group), and Tyler the English Setter (Sporting Group).
Television Exposure Boosts Participation
The National Dog Show’s airing on NBC immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade provides unparalleled exposure among dog competitions. Approximately 25 million viewers tune in each year, making it a must-watch event for both casual pet owners and dedicated dog show fans.
This extensive audience explains why competitors travel from across the nation and beyond to participate. Even breeds with only a single entry know they will receive television coverage if they win their category, creating recognition opportunities that are rare at other shows.
Future Competitions on the Horizon
With significant events like the AKC National Championship and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show approaching, Soleil’s recent success may lead to even greater achievements. Her Thanksgiving victory demonstrated her ability to perform impeccably under pressure.
For now, the Belgian Sheepdog and her team can celebrate a remarkable Best in Show win, which showcased that showmanship and timing can be just as crucial as a history of accolades. Sometimes, being at the right moment outweighs years of past triumphs.
