Soleil, a six-year-old pitch-black Belgian Sheepdog, was named Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show, prevailing over more than 1,900 entrants. Calm and composed in the spotlight, she took in the stadium atmosphere while her handler, Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina, accepted the top prize.
Martin said Soleil behaved like a true professional and seemed to feed off the arena energy, making for a standout performance on a fiercely competitive day. He credited her focus and enthusiasm for carrying her through the event.
Before earning the overall title, Soleil won Best in the Herding Group. She then beat six other group winners representing the Working, Non-Sporting, Sporting, Terrier, Toy and Hound categories. George, an American Foxhound who represented the Hound Group, was named Reserve Best in Show.
Judge Charlie Olvis lauded Soleil’s performance and condition, noting she executed her routine flawlessly and appeared to be in prime form.
According to the American Kennel Club, Belgian Sheepdogs are intelligent, highly trainable herders who are alert and serious-minded. They thrive on human companionship and do poorly with neglect. The breed typically lives about 10 to 14 years.
The National Dog Show, founded in 1879 and held annually since 1933, has been televised since 2002. Presented by Purina, the event has become a Thanksgiving tradition and draws an estimated 20 million viewers. In addition to the main conformation competition, organizers stage other contests behind the scenes, including a barking contest that adds a lighter, entertaining element to the proceedings.