Belgian Sheepdog Soleil Shines Bright With Best in Show Win at National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day
Dec 19, 2025 by apost team
Soleil, a striking black Belgian Sheepdog, earned one of the most distinguished honors in dog athletics when she won Best in Show at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina. The competition aired on Nov. 27, 2025, following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as part of NBC’s long-running broadcast tradition.
With more than 2,000 dogs representing over 200 breeds, the event remains one of the largest and most widely viewed American dog shows, sanctioned annually by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
The Best in Show round featured an impressive lineup of group winners. Competing against Soleil were Neal the Bichon Frise from the Non-Sporting Group, Dino the Giant Schnauzer from the Working Group, Baby Joe the Miniature Schnauzer from the Terrier Group, Comet the Shih Tzu from the Toy Group, Tyler the English Setter from the Sporting Group, and George the American Foxhound representing the Hound Group.
During the Best in Show round, George the American Foxhound earned the Reserve Best in Show title, placing second overall. Several competitors entered the event with impressive credentials. Dino the Giant Schnauzer was ranked as the No. 1 all-breed dog in the United States, while Comet the Shih Tzu had accumulated an extraordinary 143 Best in Show titles, a rare achievement in the sport. Soleil’s victory among such strong contenders underscores the exceptional nature of her performance.
Before reaching the final round, Soleil secured the Herding Group title, a category known for its highly athletic breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized Belgian Sheepdogs in particular for their agility, intelligence, and elegant movement — traits that helped propel Soleil to the top. Judge Charlie Olvis of Lake Wales, Florida, evaluated the finalists and shared glowing praise for Soleil’s performance. He noted that she “didn’t put a foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat” and emphasized her presence by adding that the dog was in “drop-dead gorgeous condition. I mean, gorgeous condition.”
Despite facing several highly ranked dogs, Soleil delivered a standout performance that won over the judges and the audience alike. Her handler, Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina, celebrated the dog’s achievement with heartfelt appreciation for her dedication and spirit:
“Soleil was just ‘on’ today. I knew that this would be a fierce, intense competition. Soleil loves the energy, and she feels it. That’s her magic. She’ll do whatever we ask of her. She’s a winner.”
Soleil competes under the registered show name GCHS Prairiewind’s Songs of Summer at La Neige, representing a lineage known for excellence in the herding community. While Martin serves as her handler, Soleil is owned by Connie Jasinski of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; Pat Snow of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Nancy Maye of Towanda, Kansas. Their collective expertise in the dog-show world has played a significant role in guiding Soleil’s training and presentation.
The Belgian Sheepdog’s win places her among a distinguished group of National Dog Show champions, taking the title from Vito the Pug, who won Best in Show in 2024. With her commanding presence, strong movement, and unmistakable charm, Soleil has secured her place as one of the standout dogs in the modern show ring.
apost.com
Soleil’s achievement celebrates the dedication, training, and deep bond between dogs and their handlers. Have you shared an extraordinary moment with an animal in your life? Pass this along to a fellow animal lover.