Soleil, a 5½-year-old black Belgian Sheepdog handled by 34-year-old Daniel Martin, won Best in Show at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia on Nov. 15 and 16, beating nearly 2,000 other dogs and securing her latest Best in Show title. This victory comes at a time when certain breeds, such as French Bulldogs, have surged in popularity, vying for attention in competitions like this one, highlighting the ever-changing landscape of dog show entrants.

The event, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, drew top-ranked competitors and offered a stage that Martin said mattered for the breed: “I feel very honored, very special, and it’s important for the breed,” he said. This sentiment resonates with many handlers who recognize the influence of breed-specific qualities, as judges evaluate each dog against a detailed breed standard set by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

In the final moments in the ring, judge Charles L. Olvis singled out Soleil’s structure and movement, saying she “has dream breed type and moves beautifully. She has a gorgeous head and perfect tail set.” Commentator David Frei described the choice as unexpected but fitting: “It was a bit of a surprise when Soleil made it to the final seven, but when they came into the ring for Best in Show, you knew she belonged.” This reflects the high standards and criteria that judges consider, ranging from physical traits to the overall demeanor of the dog. What criteria do judges use when evaluating dogs at dog shows?

Martin, who is based in Princeton, North Carolina, described the rush of the final: “The adrenaline just goes everywhere. You get butterflies, your stomach drops all the way down to your toes, and you kind of want to make sure you don’t look like a fool because you just want to jump up and down.” As part of the rigorous preparation, owners typically ensure their dogs are healthy, groomed, and trained in show skills, which Martin clearly demonstrated with Soleil’s exceptional performance. Local coverage of Martin’s win is available from ABC11.

Soleil’s victory added to a long record of success. The dog is co-owned by Nancy May of Towanda, Kansas; Patricia Snow of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Constance and Timothy Jasinski of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Martin called Soleil his “Velcro shadow,” noting she often lies in his lap and responds to the energy of big arenas, a trait that contributes to her appeal during competitions.

The win also sets a quick competitive timeline: Soleil is slated to appear at the AKC National Championship in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 13 and 14 and at the 150th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City the following February. Handlers and owners preparing for such events often focus on conditioning, grooming and ring training, guidance available from resources such as Americanbreeder. In order to shine in future competitions, maintaining her health and specific grooming needs will be crucial in the lead-up to these prestigious events.

Martin called the victory “a great feeling,” and tied the moment back to Soleil’s attitude in the ring: “I knew deep down she had it in her, but it really surprised me on such a great and big day like that.” The Kennel Club of Philadelphia organized the two-day event in which Soleil earned Best in Show, continuing the legacy of this esteemed competition.

For now, Soleil returns to the handlers and co-owners who will ready her for the next national stages of competition, carrying the distinction of a Best in Show title into December and February events.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.