National Dog Show 2025, a 5½-year-old Belgian Sheepdog, was awarded Best in Show at the 2025 National Dog Show in Philadelphia on Sunday, prevailing over more than 1,900 dogs entered in the competition. The victory capped a day of breed and group judging at the event hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and presented by Purina.

Judges worked through the field of entrants from morning breed judging to the final Best in Show ring, where seven group winners vied for the top honor. Soleil emerged from that field under final-round judge Charlie Olvis, who praised the dog’s condition and movement: “Didn’t put its foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat. And it is in drop-dead gorgeous condition.” Olvis was speaking after examining Soleil’s gait and overall presentation, which he identified as decisive in the selection.

George, an American Foxhound who won his group earlier in the day, was named Reserve Best in Show, finishing second in the final placings. Handlers and officials noted Soleil’s steady presence under the arena lights throughout the ring work. Observers described the dog as calm and composed despite the noise and activity around the ring.

Handler Daniel Martin of Princeton, North Carolina, who worked Soleil in the ring, accepted the trophy alongside the dog as the crowd cheered. “She’s the professional. She loves the crowd and the big arena. Fantastic day,” Martin said, adding later, “Soleil was just ‘on’ today.” The applause and cheers that greeted the announcement underscored the immediate public recognition for the pair’s performance.

The National Dog Show is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club, and like all AKC-conformation events, only purebred dogs registered with an approved kennel club are eligible to compete. Organizers noted that 100% of the dogs in the National Dog Show field are purebred entrants meeting AKC registration standards.

Entry numbers for conformation shows have shifted in recent years: AKC conformation show entries have declined by nearly 28% over the past 20 years, even as overall dog ownership in the U.S. has risen. Interest has migrated in part toward performance events such as agility and rally. Still, major 2025 competitions have shown robust participation — for example, more than 15,720 dogs were entered in the World Dog Show earlier this year — and marquee events like the National Dog Show continue to draw a large audience, both in person and on television.

For owners considering the ring, officials reiterated standard eligibility and preparation steps used by competitors: dogs must be AKC-registered, at least six months old, intact, healthy and current on vaccinations. Prospective exhibitors are advised to study the breed standard and AKC rules and to enroll in conformation handling classes to develop stacking, gaiting and ring manners.

The National Dog Show was broadcast by NBC, bringing the competition to a national audience, and coverage of the result also appears on specialty outlets such as Hardypaw. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia served as the event host, overseeing a day that progressed from early-round breed judging through group winners and the final Best in Show placing.

As judges made their final assessments, Olvis’ comments about Soleil’s movement and condition summed up the evaluation: precise footwork, sound movement and superior condition gave the Belgian Sheepdog the edge. For Martin and the team behind Soleil, the win was a culmination of that presentation in a high-profile national spotlight.

The ceremony concluded with the traditional presentation and photos as the crowd continued to applaud, marking another chapter in the long-running National Dog Show tradition.

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Original reporting: view the original article.