On Thanksgiving Day, as families gathered for turkey and pie, a six-year-old black Soleil, a Belgian Sheepdog, stole the spotlight at the 2025 National Dog ShowGreater Philadelphia Expo Center—not with a bark, but with a poised, unwavering presence that left 1,927 other dogs in the dust. Handled by certified professional Michael Rodriguez of Rodriguez Kennels in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Soleil didn’t just win Best in Show—she rewrote the script for a breed long overlooked in the spotlight. The victory, announced at 5:30 p.m. EST, marked only the second time in the show’s 23-year televised history that a Belgian Sheepdog claimed the top prize. The last? Bravo, in 2012. This time, it was different. The crowd roared. The judges leaned in. And the breeders? They started taking calls.
A Breed That Wasn’t Supposed to Win
Belgian Sheepdogs aren’t exactly household names. In fact, they ranked just 47th in the American Kennel Club’s 2024 popularity rankings, with only 2,843 registrations nationwide—barely 5% of the Labrador Retriever’s 51,892. Yet here was Soleil, a dog bred for vigilance, not vanity, outmaneuvering show favorites like George the American Foxhound, Tyler the English Setter, and Dino the Giant Schnauzer. The Herding Group alone had 279 contenders, including German Shepherds and Border Collies—dogs bred for decades to excel in obedience and agility. Soleil didn’t just compete; she dominated. Her handler, Rodriguez, described her as feeding off the energy. "She loved the crowd," he said during the press conference. "The louder it got, the more confident she became."What Made Soleil Different?
The American Kennel Club defines the Belgian Sheepdog as "bright, watchful and serious-minded"—traits that don’t always translate to the show ring. Many of these dogs are used in police, search-and-rescue, and military roles. They’re not bred for fluff or frills. But Soleil? She had the structure, the movement, the presence. Her coat was jet black, glossy, perfectly trimmed. Her eyes? Sharp, intelligent, locked onto Rodriguez like he was the only thing in the world. "It’s not about being the flashiest," said David Frei, former NBC Sports commentator and president of the Morris Animal Foundation. "It’s about authenticity. Soleil didn’t perform. She *was* the breed standard. And that’s rare."The Prize, the Aftermath, and the Surge in Interest
Soleil’s winnings? $2,000 in cash, a custom Purina Pro Plan embroidered chair, and a YETI Rambler dog bowl set—totaling just under $550. But the real value? The attention. Within 24 hours of her win, inquiries to the American Belgian Tervuren Club surged 320%. "We’ve had more emails in one day than we usually get in six months," said club secretary Jane Peterson. "People are asking about breeders, temperament, training. They’re not just curious—they’re serious." Dr. Eleanor Martinez, president of the club based in Chicago, noted this wasn’t just hype. "We’ve seen spikes before—after Bravo won—but this feels different. Social media exploded. TikTok clips of Soleil’s final walk have over 8 million views. People are seeing a dog that’s elegant, intelligent, and deeply loyal. That’s not just a show dog. That’s a family dog."
A Legacy in the Making
The 2025 National Dog ShowGreater Philadelphia Expo Center drew an estimated 65,000 live attendees and millions more on NBC. But the ripple effect stretches far beyond Pennsylvania. Soleil’s win comes as the AKC has been pushing for greater diversity in show dogs, encouraging breeders to prioritize health and temperament over extreme traits. Her victory signals a shift: the future of dog shows isn’t about the most exaggerated features—it’s about the most balanced. The most authentic. The most *real*. And now, the next challenge looms. On February 10-11, 2026, Soleil is expected to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog ShowMadison Square Garden—a stage where over 2,500 dogs from 200+ breeds will vie for the same title. She’ll face the same pressure, the same glare. But this time, she won’t be the underdog. She’ll be the one everyone’s watching.What’s Next for Soleil?
No one knows if she’ll win Westminster. But one thing’s certain: the Belgian Sheepdog is no longer a hidden gem. Breeders are already planning litters with Soleil’s lineage in mind. Training centers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey report a 40% increase in inquiries for Belgian Sheepdog obedience classes. And for the first time, major pet insurers are considering adding breed-specific coverage for Belgian Sheepdogs, citing their rising popularity and improved health outcomes in recent years. Soleil’s story isn’t just about a dog winning a trophy. It’s about a quiet, serious-minded breed finally getting its moment. And it’s proof that sometimes, the best in show isn’t the loudest. Sometimes, it’s the one who just stands still—and owns the room.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Soleil’s win considered historic for Belgian Sheepdogs?
Soleil is only the second Belgian Sheepdog ever to win Best in Show at the National Dog Show in its 23-year history, with the previous win occurring in 2012 by a dog named Bravo. Despite their intelligence and working capabilities, the breed has historically been underrepresented in major shows due to lower registration numbers—only 2,843 were registered with the AKC in 2024, ranking 47th out of 201 breeds. Her victory breaks a long-standing trend of dominance by more popular breeds like Pugs and Retrievers.
What makes the Belgian Sheepdog different from other herding breeds?
Belgian Sheepdogs are known for their intense focus, high trainability, and deep bond with humans, traits rooted in their history as farm and military working dogs. Unlike Border Collies or German Shepherds, which are often bred for extreme athleticism or size, Belgian Sheepdogs are prized for balance, elegance, and a calm but alert demeanor. The AKC breed standard emphasizes a "serious-minded" temperament, making them less flashy but more consistently reliable in both work and show settings.
How has Soleil’s win affected breed interest and availability?
Inquiries to the American Belgian Tervuren Club jumped 320% within 24 hours of Soleil’s win, with breeders reporting waitlists forming for puppies. Many prospective owners are drawn not just by her fame, but by the breed’s reputation for loyalty and intelligence. However, ethical breeders warn that demand may outpace responsible breeding practices, urging new owners to prioritize health testing and temperament evaluations over appearance.
What are Soleil’s next competitive goals?
Soleil is expected to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10-11, 2026, at Madison Square Garden, where over 2,500 dogs from 200+ breeds will vie for Best in Show. While she won’t be the favorite, her momentum and media exposure make her one of the most talked-about competitors in years. A win there would cement her legacy and likely elevate the Belgian Sheepdog to top-20 breed status within the next two years.
How does the American Kennel Club evaluate show dogs like Soleil?
The AKC judges dogs based on strict breed standards, evaluating structure, movement, coat, and temperament against the ideal for each breed. Soleil scored exceptionally in movement and expression, with judges noting her "perfectly balanced gait" and "intelligent, unwavering focus." Unlike popularity contests, dog shows reward conformity to the standard—not popularity. Her win proves that even lesser-known breeds can dominate when they embody their ideal form.
Is the Belgian Sheepdog a good family pet?
Yes—but only for active households. Belgian Sheepdogs need daily mental and physical stimulation, thrive with consistent training, and form intense bonds with their families. They’re not couch potatoes. They’re alert, protective, and highly responsive. Experts say they’re ideal for owners who enjoy agility, obedience, or even therapy work. Their average lifespan of 10-14 years means a long-term commitment, but those who meet their needs often describe them as the most loyal dogs they’ve ever owned.