The national dog show 2025 dogs event returned to Thanksgiving Day television with a standout champion: Soleil, a black Belgian Sheepdog who earned Best in Show on November 27, 2025. Airing immediately after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the broadcast delivered nearly two hours of competition, expert commentary, and a spotlight on some of America’s most admired dog breeds.
A Look at the 2025 Event
The National Dog Show once again took place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. With close to 2,000 canine entrants representing just over 200 breeds and varieties, the competition showcased the depth and diversity of American Kennel Club–recognized dogs. Family audiences enjoyed a mix of athletic movement, polished presentation, and detailed explanations tailored for both new and seasoned dog enthusiasts.
Soleil’s Path to Best in Show
Soleil, officially registered as GCHS Prairiewind’s Songs of Summer at La Neige, delivered a smooth and confident presentation from the earliest rounds. After claiming the top title in the Herding Group, she entered the Best in Show ring against finalists from the Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting groups.
Judges focused on structure, movement, balance, and consistency with the breed standard. Soleil’s flowing gait, posture, and overall conditioning made a strong impression, earning her the top honor of the afternoon.
The win was meaningful for both her handler, Daniel Martin, and the co-owners who have championed the Belgian Sheepdog’s abilities and temperament.
The Runner-Up and Other Finalists
The Reserve Best in Show title went to George, an American Foxhound whose movement and ring presence represented his breed with distinction. Other group winners who advanced to the final round included a Giant Schnauzer, a Shih Tzu, and several dogs that had strong support from fans and breeders watching at home.
These finalists helped round out the top competition of the day, illustrating both the variety and competitive edge that make Thanksgiving’s dog show one of the most popular televised canine events in the United States.
Broadcast Details for Viewers
The televised event aired on NBC from noon to 2 p.m. Eastern Time, with a simultaneous stream on Peacock. For many households, the show serves as a tradition that bridges the gap between the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and family gatherings later in the afternoon.
The broadcast condensed hours of live competition into a polished program featuring breed explanations, judge insights, and slow-motion highlights that helped viewers understand how each dog performed in the ring.
Inside the Expo Center
Although the television program zeros in on the winners, the in-person event spans multiple days. Exhibitors from across the country travel to Pennsylvania to compete for individual breed titles before advancing to group competitions.
Visitors to the venue also enjoy vendor booths, meet-and-greet experiences with therapy dogs, agility exhibitions, and educational areas explaining breed heritage and care needs. Families often use the event as an opportunity to learn about responsible dog ownership and find breeds that may suit their lifestyle.
New Faces in the 2025 Lineup
One of the most notable additions this year was the debut of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, newly recognized by the AKC. Its presence added fresh interest and expanded the diversity within the Working and companion dog categories.
Breed debuts are significant moments in the dog-show world, offering the public a chance to become familiar with less common breeds and giving owners a national platform to showcase what makes their dogs unique.
How Judging Works
Judging in the show follows a traditional progression:
- Breed Level: Dogs first compete within their own breed.
- Group Level: Winners advance to their designated groups—Herding, Hound, Working, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, and Non-Sporting.
- Best in Show: Group champions enter the final ring, where the judge selects the winner based on how closely each dog matches the written ideal of its breed.
Each dog is evaluated individually rather than compared directly to others, ensuring fairness and consistency across breeds with different structures and functions.
Handlers, Owners, and the Community
Behind every finalist stands a team of owners, professional handlers, and breeders dedicated to training, health screening, and preserving breed standards. Wins at major national events can influence breeding programs, public interest, and future competition opportunities.
For families watching at home, the show provides an accessible, visually engaging way to learn about dog breeds and the sport of conformation. Many viewers tune in every year as part of their Thanksgiving tradition.
Fan Reactions and Social Highlights
As expected, social media buzzed throughout the broadcast. Short clips, GIFs, and snapshots of favorite breeds circulated widely, drawing attention from viewers who weren’t watching live. Soleil’s victory sparked particular excitement among Belgian Sheepdog fans and those who enjoy seeing less-common Herding breeds earn top honors.
Why the Show Continues to Matter
The National Dog Show maintains one of the largest holiday audiences of any canine sporting event. Its consistent Thanksgiving Day placement ensures millions of Americans are exposed to purebred dogs, animal-care education, and responsible breeding advocacy.
Soleil’s win adds to the legacy of Herding breeds making strong showings and demonstrates how a single dog’s performance can capture national attention within a highly competitive field.
Final Takeaway
The national dog show 2025 dogs event delivered standout moments, a polished broadcast, and a memorable Best in Show win for Soleil. With nearly 2,000 dogs competing and millions watching nationwide, the show reaffirmed its place as a Thanksgiving television tradition.