Soleil, a pitch-black six-year-old Belgian Sheepdog, won Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show, beating more than 1,900 dogs in this year’s competition.
The calm Soleil and handler Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina, accepted the award amid applause. Martin credited Soleil’s attitude and movement for the victory. “She’s the professional,” he said. “She loves the crowd and the big arena. Fantastic day.” He added, “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.”
Soleil won the Herding Group before defeating six other group winners in the final round. George, an American Foxhound from the Hound Group, was named Reserve Best in Show.
Judge Charlie Olvis praised Soleil’s performance: “Didn’t put its foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat. And it is in drop-dead gorgeous condition.”
The American Kennel Club describes the Belgian Sheepdog as highly trainable herders that are “bright, watchful and serious-minded,” noting they “crave human companionship and abhor neglect.” Their average lifespan is 10 to 14 years.
Founded in 1879 and held annually since 1933, the National Dog Show has been televised since 2002 and remains a Thanksgiving tradition. Purina presented the event, which attracts millions of viewers. Various behind-the-scenes contests, including a barking contest, are also part of the show.
