Soleil Triumphs: Belgian Sheepdog Wins 2025 National Dog Show’s Best in Show
Soleil, a black Belgian Sheepdog, captured the spotlight at the 2025 National Dog Show, winning the coveted Best in Show award. This prestigious event took place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Co-host David Frei praised Soleil’s impressive performance, noting her remarkable confidence and movement. He remarked, “Today, that dog was on.”
Soleil’s Journey to Victory
Under the guidance of her handler, Daniel Martin from Princeton, North Carolina, Soleil displayed unmatched charisma. Martin emphasized her love for the energy of dog shows, contributing to her success. “That’s her magic. She’ll do whatever we ask of her,” he stated.
Competitive Field
Soleil’s victory came amid a formidable lineup, as all other finalists were ranked No. 1 in their respective breeds. The 2025 National Dog Show included a total of 1,994 dogs from 201 breeds, marking a significant participant increase from previous years. The Golden Retriever led the entries with 46 participants.
- Best in Show: Soleil (Belgian Sheepdog)
- Reserve Best in Show: George (American Foxhound)
- Non-Sporting Group: Neal (Bichon Frise)
- Working Group: Dino (Giant Schnauzer)
- Terrier Group: Baby Joe (Miniature Schnauzer)
- Toy Group: Comet (Shih Tzu)
- Sporting Group: Tyler (English Setter)
Looking Ahead
Soleil’s win has set the stage for future triumphs, especially with upcoming major shows like the AKC National Championship and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Frei expressed optimism for the event’s growth, believing entries may exceed 2,000 in upcoming years.
Event Popularity
The National Dog Show has become a staple following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, showcasing a variety of breeds to a national audience of around 25 million viewers. This visibility encourages competition from dog show enthusiasts across the country.
With an impressive display and a promising future, Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog proved herself worthy at the 2025 National Dog Show. Her blend of showmanship and her exceptional performance set her apart in an increasingly competitive field.
