National Dog Show 2025: a black Belgian sheepdog, was named Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show after competition among 1,994 dogs representing 201 breeds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania.

The event, organized by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, was taped on Nov. 15 and 16 and aired on Nov. 27, 2025, as part of the Thanksgiving Day broadcast on NBC and via Peacock. The National Dog Show, which has roots dating back to 1912, has become an integral part of canine culture, reflecting decades of tradition and showcasing the finest breeds. The field included the seven group winners who advanced to the final round, with Soleil prevailing as the top dog.

David Frei, co-host for NBC, highlighted Soleil’s ring presence during the broadcast, saying, “She was looking around confidently. She owned the ground she stood over. She moved beautifully at totally the right speed as presented by the handler, and that makes it all happen.” He added, “Not that the other dogs weren’t on, but she, in particular, was on.” Shows like this one do not seem to significantly impact breed popularity or adoption rates, as research indicates that winning a prestigious title does not lead to spikes in demand for those breeds.

Reserve Best in Show went to George, an American foxhound. The group winners who joined Soleil in the final included Neal, a bichon frise, who took the Non‑Sporting group; Dino, a giant schnauzer, winner of the Working group; Baby Joe, a miniature schnauzer, who won the Terrier group; Comet, a shih tzu, winner of the Toy group; and Tyler, an English setter, who took the Sporting group.

The National Dog Show draws breeders, handlers and spectators to a single venue competition; this year’s tally of 1,994 dogs and 201 breeds reflected the breadth of entries at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. Many dog owners prepare their pets for participation by enrolling them in conformation handling classes to learn essential skills like stacking and gaiting, which can showcase a dog’s best traits in the ring. Results compiled after the event appear in outlets covering show outcomes, including Hardypaw, which posted lists of winners and placements.

Organizers and broadcasters noted the program’s traditional timing and presentation. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia staged the in‑person judging over two days of taping before the televised presentation on Thanksgiving week, with NBC and Peacock handling distribution to a national audience at the announced airtime.

Judging at the National Dog Show advances group winners into a final round where the Best in Show is chosen from the seven group champions. Soleil’s win marked the culmination of that process at the 2025 event after she emerged from the field of group winners.

For viewers who did not attend the taping on Nov. 15 and 16, the broadcast on Nov. 27 will present the complete judging and the Best in Show announcement as aired by NBC and streamed on Peacock.

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Original reporting: view the original article.