Some families watch football on Thanksgiving, but others prefer to watch this cuddly competition on Turkey Day.
One top dog was awarded Best in Show during the National Dog Show, which aired on Thanksgiving Day on NBC.
The competition, which has been broadcast after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 2002, was founded well over a century ago and recognizes over 200 dog breeds and varieties, split into seven groups: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding.
Throughout the event, pups compete at various levels and are judged by how well they fit their breed’s standards before moving on to the Best in Show round.
Here’s which pup won the coveted $20,000 grand prize for 2025.
Who won the National Dog Show?
After the Best in Breed selected the best in group from the seven groups, Soleil, the Belgian Sheepdog, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show, earning a $20,000 prize.
“Soleil loves the energy, and she feels it,” said Daniel Martin, Soleil’s handler, according to an NBC Sports report. “That’s her magic. She’ll do whatever we ask of her. She’s a winner.”
Who hosts the National Dog Show?
Actor and comedian John O’Hurley and beloved Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show host David Frei returned as hosts this year. The pair was joined by co-host Mary Carillo, an NBC sports analyst and former professional tennis player.
Who won the 2024 National Dog Show?
Vito, a pug, won Best in Show at last year’s National Dog Show, earning a $20,000 prize. According to Today.com, Vito is a “veteran of the dog show circuit.” He is the No. 1 pug in all show systems and the No. 2 toy dog in America.
Last year marked his 25th Best in Show prize.
Vito’s handler is Michael Scott of Chesapeake City, Maryland, and his owner is Carolyn Koch of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Where to watch the National Dog Show
Did you miss out on the National Dog Show on Nov. 27? You can stream the 2025 show as well as every show since 2013 on Peacock.
Previous National Dog Show winners
*Dog breed listed in parentheses
The Enquirer’s Grace Tucker and USA TODAY contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Who won the National Dog Show? Meet the 2025 Best in Show pup
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
