2025 National Dog Show winner: “Soleil, a stunning Belgian Sheepdog, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show on Thanksgiving. Learn about the NC handler’s historic win and all group winners.”
What Is the National Dog Show?
Dog lovers nationwide watch the National Dog Show, a celebration of breed standards, canine grace, and show-ring charisma, around Thanksgiving each year.
The 2025 edition was excellent. One exceptional dog won the top prize Best in Show when the ribbons were distributed. We go over the winners, the memorable moments, and what made this year’s show unique in this article.
Hundreds of purebred dogs from a wide range of breeds approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC) compete in the prestigious, long-running National Dog Show.
Dogs are evaluated according to how well they adhere to the official standards of their breed, which include appearance, temperament, structure, and movement. Every dog in its group (e.g., Herding, Hound, Sporting, etc.) competes first. The winners of each group then compete for the top prize, Best in Show.
There was intense competition at this year’s show, but in the end, one dog outperformed the others. These are the notable winners from 2025, according to reports.
What the Show Means More Than a Ribbon
Participating in the National Dog Show does not only give the owner a ribbon or trophy, but it also gives breeders, handlers, and dog lovers an opportunity to honor the effort and commitment that all of these groups have put into understanding and developing their respective breeds, promoting awareness of the various types and characteristics of dogs, and allowing viewers to appreciate the differences in the physical beauty across the breeds of dogs.
To many pet owners and their dogs, participating in the National Dog Show is a privilege. Winning an award at the National Dog Show, most notably the Best in Show award, represents a tremendous feat for the dog and owner, as it will add to the dog’s name and reputation, increase the dog’s value for future breeding endeavors, and secure a dog as a part of canines’ historical accomplishments.
2025 National Dog Show Winners Meet the Champions
This year’s show featured fierce competition, but ultimately one dog stood above the rest. According to reports, here are the standout winners from 2025.
Best in Show: Soleil :a black Belgian Sheepdog (Herding Group)
Additional group winners:
Neal Bichon Frise (Non-Sporting Group)
Dino Giant Schnauzer (Working Group)
Baby Joe Miniature Schnauzer (Terrier Group)
Comet Shih Tzu (Toy Group)
Tyler English Setter (Sporting Group)