She Just Won ‘Best in Show’ — Here’s How Soleil Spent Her Thanksgiving

I know this might upset all the pumpkin pie lovers out there, I truly think that the National Dog Show is the best part of Thanksgiving. While all the very good boys and girls who participated in this year’s competition are all winners in my eyes, only one was named “Best in Show.” This year, Soleil, the beautiful Belgian Sheepdog, took home the big prize of “Best in Show” at the 24th Annual National Dog Show, held on November 27. 

Just a day after it was announced, Soleil won “Best in Show,” the furry friend and her handler, Daniel Martin, appeared together on The TODAY Show, alongside  National Dog Show’s host, David Frei. During the interview, Martin said, “it was amazing” to have Soleil be named “Best in Show.” 

“The feel of it, the adrenaline, there’s nothing like it. Truly a special event,” said Martin in the interview. 

In addition, the dog handler revealed how he and Soleil spent their Thanksgiving, after competing at the 24th Annual National Dog Show, which was filmed a week before it aired. 

“We sat on the couch in the hotel room, watched the [Macy’s Day] Parade, watched the dog show, and then had a nice Thanksgiving dinner,” shared Martin in the TODAY interview. 

He also said that Soleil has been recognized by fans since the 2025 National Dog Show aired. 

“People will whisper, ‘Oh, that’s the dog!’ and it makes me feel special that she’s getting recognized. It’s good for the breed,” said Martin. 

Frei also shared some insight as to why Soleil was selected as this year’s “Best In Show.” 

“When she came in, you could immediately tell, she’s a female, she’s elegant, she’s beautiful, and she was presented to perfection. She caught my eye right away,” said Frei. 

Frei clarified that “it was a tough lineup” to choose from for this year’s National Dog Show.

“We had over 200 breeds and varieties entered in our show. 2,000 dogs in all. It’s a great celebration in our 24th year with NBC, of course,” said Frei during the interview. “Our show is educational and entertaining, fun for everybody.”