The 7 Best In Group Winners: Inside The 2025 National Dog Show’s Best In Show Upset

The annual Thanksgiving Day Dog Show, officially known as The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, delivered one of its most surprising and heartwarming Best in Show victories in recent memory for the 2025 event. Airing on November 27, 2025, immediately following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the competition—sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC)—saw a majestic Herding Group champion rise above a field of over 1,900 elite purebred dogs to claim the coveted top prize. This year’s result cemented a new fan-favorite in dog show history and provided the perfect, cozy viewing for millions of families across the nation as they settled in for the holiday.

The 2025 National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP), featured over 200 recognized breeds, including a notable new addition to the competition. The atmosphere was electric as seven magnificent Group Winners stepped onto the green carpet for the final, high-stakes judging. Ultimately, the judge’s nod went to a stunning black Belgian Sheepdog, marking a historic first for the breed at the National Dog Show, beating out a highly competitive lineup that included the strong runner-up, a charismatic American Foxhound.

Soleil's Reign: The 2025 Best in Show Champion Profile

The star of the 2025 National Dog Show was undoubtedly Soleil, a six-year-old Belgian Sheepdog who captivated the audience and the judge with her flawless gait and commanding presence. Her victory was a triumph for the Herding Group, which often sees tough competition from the more frequently crowned Sporting and Terrier groups. Soleil’s win was the first time a Belgian Sheepdog has ever taken the Best in Show title at this prestigious event.

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• Call Name: Soleil
• Registered Name: GCHS Prairiewind's Sxongs of Summer at La Neige
• Breed: Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)
• Age: Six years old
• Group Win: Herding Group
• Major Title: Best in Show, 2025 National Dog Show Presented by Purina
• Handler: Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina
• Notable Achievement: Soleil is a highly decorated show dog, having won multiple Bests in Show and numerous Group Firsts throughout her career, solidifying her status as a top-ranked Belgian Sheepdog in the country.

Soleil’s handler, Daniel Martin, praised her intelligence and elegance, noting that her confidence in the ring is what ultimately sets her apart. The Belgian Sheepdog is a breed known for its versatility, high energy, and deep loyalty, making them exceptional working dogs and companions. Soleil’s performance was a masterclass in the breed standard, from her flowing black coat to her balanced, effortless movement.

The Magnificent Seven: All 2025 National Dog Show Group Winners

The Best in Show competition is the culmination of a full day of judging, where thousands of dogs are narrowed down to the seven Group Winners, each representing one of the major American Kennel Club (AKC) classifications. These seven finalists are considered the best of the best in the world of purebred dogs. The 2025 lineup was particularly strong, featuring a diverse mix of breeds from around the globe.

Here are the seven Group Winners who competed for the Best in Show title at the 2025 National Dog Show:

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1. Herding Group Winner: Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog (Best in Show)

   The Herding Group is composed of breeds developed to gather, herd, and protect livestock. Soleil’s win highlights the keen intelligence and trainability of the Belgian Sheepdog, a breed that excels in both conformation and performance events.

2. Hound Group Winner: George the American Foxhound (Reserve Best in Show)

   Taking the runner-up title, George, the American Foxhound, was awarded Reserve Best in Show. This powerful hound is one of the oldest American breeds, celebrated for its endurance and melodic bay. George's strong showing was a popular choice among many of the show’s traditionalists.

3. Sporting Group Winner: Tyler the English Setter

   The Sporting Group features breeds like Retrievers, Spaniels, and Setters, all developed to aid hunters. Tyler, the elegant English Setter, showcased the breed’s beautiful feathering and graceful movement, earning him the Group First prize.

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4. Working Group Winner: Dino the Giant Schnauzer

   Giant Schnauzers, part of the Working Group (breeds bred for tasks like guarding, pulling sleds, and water rescue), are known for their imposing size and loyalty. Dino’s powerful, confident presentation secured his spot in the final seven.

5. Terrier Group Winner: Baby Joe the Miniature Schnauzer

   Known for their fiery personalities, the Terrier Group always brings excitement. Baby Joe, the Miniature Schnauzer, charmed the judge with his bold attitude and perfectly groomed coat, representing the tenacious spirit of his group.

6. Toy Group Winner: Comet the Shih Tzu

   The Toy Group, featuring small breeds bred primarily for companionship, saw Comet the Shih Tzu win. With his luxurious hair and playful demeanor, Comet represented the lapdog legacy of the group with flair and elegance.

7. Non-Sporting Group Winner: Neal the Bichon Frise

   The Non-Sporting Group is a diverse collection of breeds that don't fit neatly into other categories. Neal, the fluffy and vivacious Bichon Frise, known for his cheerful disposition and distinctive cotton-ball coat, was the champion of this eclectic group.

The History and Evolution of the Thanksgiving Tradition

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina has become an indispensable part of the American Thanksgiving Day experience, rivaling the parade itself for holiday viewership. This modern tradition, however, has deep historical roots in the world of competitive purebred dogs.

The event is hosted by the venerable Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP), which has been organizing dog shows since 1879. For many decades, the KCP show was a respected, yet localized, event. Its transformation into a national television spectacle began in 2002 when NBC partnered with Purina to broadcast the competition immediately following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This strategic scheduling turned a regional dog show into a national cultural phenomenon, providing a relaxed, post-parade, pre-dinner viewing event that appeals to dog lovers of all ages. The show is actually taped over two days in mid-November at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, but is edited and broadcast on Thanksgiving Day to ensure maximum holiday viewership. The broadcast format, complete with commentary from veteran hosts, offers a clean, concise, and entertaining look at the world of conformation dog shows.

Key Facts and Entities That Define the Show

The show’s enduring popularity relies on several key elements and entities that define the competitive experience:

• The AKC Sanction: The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the governing body that sanctions the show, ensuring all competition follows strict breed standards and rules. Only AKC-registered purebred dogs can compete.
• The Judging Process: Dogs are judged based on how closely they conform to the official breed standard—a detailed description of the ideal dog of that breed. Judges look for structure, movement, temperament, and conditioning. The process moves from Best of Breed, to Best in Group, and finally to Best in Show.
• Purina Pro Plan: Purina is the presenting sponsor, a long-standing partner whose involvement has been integral to the show's national visibility and professional production quality.
• New Breeds: To keep the competition fresh, the show features new breeds as they gain full AKC recognition. The 2025 show introduced the Danish-Swedish Farmdog to the competition, adding another new entity for viewers to discover and learn about.

The 2025 National Dog Show will be remembered for the stunning victory of Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog, a powerful reminder that the underdog (or in this case, a first-time winner of her breed) can prevail. It reinforced the show’s status as a beloved Thanksgiving tradition, bringing together families to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and spirit of the canine world.