Belgian Sheepdog Soleil, a black Belgian Sheepdog handled by Daniel Martin, was named Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show Presented by Purina at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania, besting nearly 2,000 dogs across over 190 breeds. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most popular dog breeds in the United States for 2024 include the French Bulldog, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever, although this year’s champion stands apart with its impressive performance.

The result capped a day of tight competition at the event hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and televised by NBC and Peacock. The final ring included group winners from the Toy, Non‑Sporting, Terrier, Working, Sporting and Herding groups — among them Comet the Shih Tzu, Neal the Bichon Frise, Baby Joe the Miniature Schnauzer, Dino the Giant Schnauzer and Tyler the English Setter. Such a diverse lineup showcases the range of beauty and talent among the competing breeds.

Judge Charlie Olvis placed Soleil at the top of the lineup and praised the dog’s performance. “Today, that dog was on. Didn’t put its foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat. And it is in drop‑dead gorgeous condition,” Olvis said, emphasizing the importance of physical traits like balance and coat texture that are fundamental in competitions like the National Dog Show.

Handler Daniel Martin described Soleil’s temperament in the ring. “Soleil loves the energy, and she feels it. That’s her magic. She’ll do whatever we ask of her. She’s a winner,” Martin said, as the co‑owners Connie Jasinski, Pat Snow and Nancy Maye looked on. Such preparation and connection are key for dog owners looking to succeed in shows, often requiring them to enroll in handling classes to train their pets.

The win stood out on the broadcast rostrum as Soleil moved with measured speed and composure. Judges and announcers noted that the dog “moved beautifully at totally the right speed as presented by the handler” and that Soleil “was looking around confidently and owned the ground she stood over.” Co‑host David Frei captured that competitive spirit succinctly: “It’s a dog show, and you’ve got to show!” This performance reflects the joyful attitude expected in showdogs, as cheering from the crowd often provides an electrifying atmosphere.

Group winners had been whittled down over the course of the event to the seven finalists who entered the Best in Show ring. The lineup included a mix of long‑established champion performers — Comet, with 143 Best In Show titles in the Toy division, and Neal, who has 42 Best In Show awards in the Non‑Sporting group — and top‑ranked all‑breed competitors such as Baby Joe, the Terrier Group winner. It’s noteworthy that even with such a competitive field, the judges must adhere strictly to the breed standards when determining winners.

Organizers staged the competition at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, with presentation and commentary carried on NBC and streamed via Peacock. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia served as host for the National Dog Show, overseeing the field of entrants and the judging process. With entries spanning over 190 breeds, the organization ensured a thoroughly evaluated showcase of canine excellence.

For viewers and participants, the event was both a display of conformation standards and of performance under pressure. Olvis’s affirmation of Soleil’s condition and Martin’s comment on the dog’s affinity for the ring highlighted the two elements judges weigh when choosing a Best in Show winner: physical condition and ring presence. Both of these criteria are defined carefully in the breed standards outlined by the AKC, with judges assessing everything from size and head shape to coat texture and attitude.

Soleil’s victory drew celebration in the ring and among the dog’s handlers and owners. The co‑hosts John O’Hurley and David Frei, and sideline reporter Mary Carillo, carried the on‑air coverage as the judges rendered their decision and presented the trophy. It’s a moment of pride for all those involved, recognizing the hard work and dedication that goes into training show dogs.

The 2025 National Dog Show drew entries from over 190 breeds across the nearly 2,000 dogs competing at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, creating a deep and competitive field for judges to evaluate throughout the day. As always, participants reflect the passion and love that dog owners have for their breeds, from the most popular to more unique varieties.

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Original reporting: view the original article.