How Soleil beat 1,994 dogs at National Dog Show today

Belgian Sheepdog defeats record field on Thanksgiving

Soleil proved that being on matters more than pedigree Thursday when the black Belgian Sheepdog claimed Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show. The victory came against one of the most accomplished lineups in the competition’s 24-year history, broadcast live on NBC following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Judge Charlie Olvis didn’t hesitate when explaining his choice. The dog was simply perfect that day, never putting a foot down wrong or missing a beat. Soleil’s drop-dead gorgeous condition sealed the deal in front of the crowd gathered at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

What made Soleil stand out

The Belgian Sheepdog faced extraordinary competition in the Round of Seven final. Every dog who advanced was ranked number one in their breed nationally, creating a showdown that National Dog Show co-host David Frei called exceptional even by the event’s high standards.

Three of Soleil’s competitors boasted resumes that dwarfed her own achievements. 1. Comet, a Shih Tzu who won the Toy Group, has racked up 143 Best in Show titles and two group wins at Westminster. 2. Neal, a Bichon Frise who won the Non-Sporting Group, claims 42 Best in Show awards and a Westminster group win. 3. Baby Joe, a Miniature Schnauzer who won the Terrier Group, holds the title of top-ranked all-breed dog in the United States.

Despite facing such decorated opposition, Soleil never looked out of place. She owned the ground she stood on, moving beautifully at exactly the right speed as presented by her handler Daniel Martin.

The magic of showmanship

Frei, who was working his 51st major dog event broadcast as an expert analyst, emphasized that pure physical perfection doesn’t always determine winners. When seven group winners represent great specimens of their breeds, something else must make the difference. That something usually comes down to showmanship, charisma, attitude or personality.

Martin, Soleil’s handler from Princeton, North Carolina, credited the Belgian Sheepdog’s love for the energy and atmosphere of big competitions. She feels the excitement and responds to it, doing whatever her handlers ask. That enthusiasm translated into a performance that captivated judges even while standing next to dogs with far more impressive trophy collections.

Female excellence in male-dominated field

Frei particularly appreciated seeing a female dog dominate a competition typically ruled by males. That factor made Soleil’s victory even more deserving in his eyes, representing a breakthrough in a sport where male dogs often receive preference 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. While she had won Best in Show awards previously, her breed is just starting to hit its prime according to Frei’s assessment.

The unpredictability of dog shows

The subjectivity inherent in dog show judging creates an appealing layer of unpredictability that keeps the sport thriving. The same dog can’t win every competition, or interest would fade quickly. Different judges bring different perspectives and preferences, meaning today’s loser might be tomorrow’s champion.

Frei compared it to NBA performance, noting that Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey (who participated in the show’s agility competition) doesn’t score 50 points every game. Dogs similarly have good days and bad days, with no competitor delivering perfection every time out.

Thursday simply happened to be Soleil’s day to shine. Her attitude and movement made all the difference according to Martin, who told sideline reporter Mary Carillo that his dog loves performing in front of crowds and thrives in large arenas.

Record-breaking competition

The 2025 National Dog Show featured 1,994 competitors across 201 breeds, marking the largest entry list since 2019. This represented the second consecutive year with more than 200 breeds judged across 13 rings at the venue.

Golden Retrievers topped the entry numbers with 46 dogs competing. Frei predicted next year could see more than 2,000 entries as the show continues trending upward following pandemic-year declines.

Complete results from final round

George, an American Foxhound who won the Hound Group, earned Reserve Best in Show honors as runner-up to Soleil. The 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 drives entries

The National Dog Show’s placement on NBC immediately following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade gives it unmatched exposure among dog competitions. Approximately 25 million viewers tune in annually, making it appointment viewing for both casual pet lovers and serious dog show enthusiasts.

That massive audience explains why competitors travel from across the country and around the world to participate. Even breeds with single entries know they’ll receive television coverage if they win their category, creating opportunities for recognition that don’t exist at most other shows.

Looking ahead to bigger stages

With major competitions like the AKC National Championship and Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show approaching, Soleil’s momentum could carry into even bigger victories. Her Thanksgiving triumph demonstrated she can deliver flawless performances when stakes are highest.

For now, though, the Belgian Sheepdog and her team can celebrate a memorable Best in Show win that proved showmanship and timing matter just as much as accumulated accolades. Sometimes being on at exactly the right moment beats decades of past success.