By Jordan Grim • November 28, 2025 • 06:54 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 28, 2025 • 06:54 AM (PDT)
The national dog show 2025 dogs competition delivered one of its most memorable moments when Soleil, a sleek black Belgian Sheepdog, claimed the coveted Best in Show title. Her performance wasn’t just strong — it carried a spark that judges, handlers, and the thousands watching recognized instantly.
Judge Charlie Olvis summed it up simply. He said Soleil didn’t miss a beat, stayed composed, and moved with a confidence that set her apart. Every foot placement hit perfectly, and her polished condition only strengthened the final decision.
Soleil’s handler, Daniel Martin from Princeton, North Carolina, shared that the dog thrives on the energy around her. According to him, the big arena, the crowds, and the intensity lift her up. “She’ll do whatever we ask of her,” he said, calling her a natural competitor who loves the spotlight.
The Belgian Sheepdog community had reason to celebrate. Soleil stood out even in a lineup filled with champions. Every group winner in the final seven was ranked No. 1 nationally in their breed — something rare even at this long-running show. From the Toy Group star Comet to the strong Working Group winner Dino, the contest brought top-tier competition from all corners.
Even with dogs like Comet, who holds an astonishing 143 Best in Show titles, Soleil looked perfectly at home among seasoned veterans. Expert analyst David Frei noted that showmanship often makes the difference and that Soleil delivered exactly that.
Frei mentioned he loves seeing a female dog claim such a major win in a space where male dogs often dominate. Soleil showed that precision and charisma can outweigh experience, even when the competition carries years of victories.
This year’s event brought a massive entry list with 1,994 competitors representing 201 breeds — the largest turnout since 2019. Golden Retrievers had the most entries with 46. With crowds growing and new breeds joining the competition, the stage for the national dog show 2025 dogs keeps getting bigger.
The show also welcomed the Danish-Swedish Farmdog as the newest breed. Now part of the Working Group, this energetic farm companion earned its spot after officially joining the AKC breed list in early 2025.
The National Dog Show kept its Thanksgiving tradition strong, airing again on NBC right after the Macy’s Parade. With more than 20 million viewers each year, it remains one of the country’s most-watched dog events. Many dogs enter knowing that a strong showing could put them on national television — a rare spotlight for some breeds that appear only once in the entire competition.
Last year’s winner, Vito the Pug, took the title in 2024. Previous years have seen everything from a Wire Fox Terrier dynasty to a Scottish Deerhound making history. Each year brings a fresh mix of standout performances, and 2025 was no exception.
This time, Soleil’s movement, posture, and presence made the difference. Martin, her handler, said she loves the crowd and performs her best in the brightest moments. And on this stage, she delivered a performance worthy of the national spotlight.
