A Belgian Sheepdog named Soleil was the big winner at the 2025 National Dog Show.
As NBC’s The TODAY Show reports, Soleil edged out the second-place finisher, an American Foxhound named George, to bring home the title on Nov. 27 at the prestigious competition.
About Soleil
Soleil beat out the winners of the six other groups to claim the overall title against thousands of other dogs. “It was amazing,” said Soleil’s handler Daniel Martin of the Best in Show win as Soleil stood by his side and calmly surveyed the crowd on the plaza. “The adrenaline — there’s nothing like it.”
“I knew right away she was special,” added American Kennel Club-licensed judge David Frei. “It was fun to watch her.” He called the dog with a shiny black coat “elegant,” “beautiful” and “presented to perfection.”
When asked what set Soleil apart in the competition, which was judged by Charles Olvis, Martin said, “Her attitude,” Martin said. “She loves doing her movement. She loves the crowd, she loves this big arena, it’s fun.” He added, “A lot of focus. She’s the professional out of all of this.”
About the Belgian Sheepdog
Thinking about a Belgian Sheepdog? Buckle up! These devoted Velcro dogs come with brains, beauty, and boundless energy.
The most striking feature of the Belgian Sheepdog (aka Groenendael, in Belgian)is their sleek, black coat. They are an elegant, muscular, and agile herding breed with a proud posture. They have a distinct square build with sharply defined features, upright triangular ears, and almond-shaped eyes. In short, they are gorgeous.
Their coat turns heads, but it also demands regular brushing, so make sure you have time in your daily schedule for a grooming session. You’ll also need to budget in daily runs, agility training, or other fast-paced activities; this breed won’t settle for a couch-potato lifestyle.
The Belgian Sheepdog temperament is a balance of loyalty, sensitivity, and spirit. These smart dogs are devoted to their families and form strong bonds with their humans. Belgian Sheepdogs tend to be reserved around new people, but they’ll warm up once they’re properly introduced. With proper socialization, a Belgian Sheepdog can get along well with children and other dogs and pets, though their herding instinct may lead them to try to “organize” the household.
Their sharp minds and high energy make them best suited to active, experienced pet parents who can provide plenty of structure, training, and mental stimulation. Without it, Belgian Sheepdogs can become bored or anxious. But in the right home, they’re loyal, driven, and endlessly rewarding companions. So, if you’re outdoorsy and looking for a workout buddy, the Belgian Sheepdog might be your perfect match.
The average Belgian Sheepdog lifespan is 12–14 years. While they’re generally a healthy and robust breed, responsible breeding and routine vet care are key to having the healthiest dog possible. These dogs were originally bred for herding sheep and guarding livestock, and they were prized for their intelligence, agility, and intense work ethic, according to the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America. Over time, their versatility made them popular not only on farms but also in roles like police work, military service, search and rescue, and as guide dogs.
The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Belgian Sheepdog in 1912. Today, the Belgian Sheepdog continues to stand out as a devoted, driven companion both at home in the field, on the job, or with an active family.
About the National Dog Show
The National Dog Show is hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and was held this year at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Approximately 2,000 dogs covering more than 200 breeds took part, according to the show’s website. The pooches were broken down into seven groups: terrier, toy, working, sporting, hound, non-sporting and herding.
The winner of each group then competed for the title of best in show. A giant schnauzer named Dino, an English setter named Tyler, a Bichon Frise named Neal, a miniature schnauzer named Baby Joe and a Shih Tzu named Comet were the other finalists at this year’s dog show. A pug named Vito won best in show in 2024.
The 2025 National Dog Show, which aired on NBC for the 24th year and streamed on Peacock, was hosted by Carillo, “Seinfeld” star John O’Hurley and Frei. “It’s just amazing to walk up and down the aisles and see all the coiffing that goes on,” O’Hurley said about the show. “It’s just a wonderful day and dogs always just round off the edges in our brittle lives,” he added about the event.
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