Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, was crowned Best in Show at teh 2025 National Dog Show, NBC Sports reported. Judge Charlie Olvis praised soleils performance, stating, “Didn’t put its foot down wrong. Didn’t miss a beat. And it is in drop-dead gorgeous condition.”
The annual competition, held this year with 1,994 dogs representing 201 breeds, showcases the pinnacle of canine excellence. Soleil’s victory comes from a highly competitive field where all seven finalists had previously achieved a No. 1 national ranking in their breed. Comet the Shih Tzu, a strong contender with 143 Best in Show ribbons and a recent win at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, also competed for the top prize.
This year’s show marked the debut of the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, recently granted full recognition by the American Kennel Club in January. While the newcomer didn’t advance beyond the Working group, its inclusion expands the diversity of breeds competing on the national stage. A full list of breed winners by group is available on NBC Sports.