The Reigning Kings And Queens: Meet The 3 History-Making Winners Of The 2025 Dog Show Circuit

The world of competitive dog shows is a spectacle of precision, pedigree, and passion, and the 2025 season delivered some truly historic moments. As of December 2025, the top canine athletes have been crowned, setting new benchmarks for their breeds and their nations. This year's champions, from a majestic Giant Schnauzer to a graceful Italian Whippet, didn't just win a title; they broke long-standing records and captured the hearts of millions of dog lovers globally. Their stories of dedication, exceptional conformation, and the powerful bond with their handlers are the freshest news in the world of canine excellence.

The quest for the coveted "Best in Show" title is the pinnacle of the sport, judged on a dog's adherence to its breed standard, its condition, and its performance. The winners of the three most prestigious international dog shows—Westminster, Crufts, and the National Dog Show—represent the absolute best of the best. Here is an in-depth look at the champions who dominated the 2025 show circuit and etched their names into the history books.

Best in Show Champions: The 2025 Winners' Circle

The competition at a major dog show is fierce, with thousands of dogs competing across seven distinct groups: Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding, Working, Sporting, and Terrier. The ultimate "Best in Show" winner is selected from the seven Group Winners. The following dogs achieved this ultimate title in the 2025 season.

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• Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2025 Winner: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
• Crufts 2025 Winner: Miuccia the Whippet
• National Dog Show 2025 Winner: Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog

1. Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2025: Monty the Giant Schnauzer Makes History

The 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in New York, saw a monumental win that had been decades in the making. For the first time in the show’s nearly 150-year history, a Giant Schnauzer was crowned Best in Show.

Biography and Profile: Monty the Giant Schnauzer

• Registered Name: GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB
• Call Name: Monty
• Breed: Giant Schnauzer (Working Group)
• Age: 5 Years Old (as of 2025)
• Hometown: Chaplin, Connecticut, USA
• Handler: Katherine "Kate" Bernardin
• Owner: The Wintergreen Mountain Syndicate
• Major Titles: 2025 Westminster Best in Show, 2024 AKC National Championship Best in Show
• Historical Significance: First Giant Schnauzer to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Monty, a commanding male Giant Schnauzer, captivated the judges and the crowd with his powerful, yet elegant, presence. His victory was a culmination of years of consistent performance at the highest level of conformation judging.

The Giant Schnauzer, a breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and imposing stature, belongs to the Working Group. Monty's impressive pedigree and flawless grooming were noted by the judges, but it was his confident, ground-covering gait and undeniable showmanship that secured the win against a field of elite Group Winners.

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This was Monty's third appearance at the Westminster show, demonstrating the perseverance required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. His handler, Kate Bernardin, a highly respected professional, guided him to the win, a moment she described as a dream come true. Following the historic victory, it was announced that Monty would retire from the show ring, ending his career on the highest note possible.

The win for the Giant Schnauzer breed is a major milestone, bringing well-deserved attention to this versatile and noble working dog. The AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the significance of the win, highlighting Monty's achievement as a testament to the quality of American-bred and handled show dogs.

2. Crufts 2025: Miuccia the Whippet Becomes Italy's First Champion

Across the Atlantic in Birmingham, England, the world's largest dog show, Crufts, held its 2025 event, delivering a major international upset. The Best in Show title was awarded to a Whippet named Miuccia, who made history for her home country.

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Biography and Profile: Miuccia the Whippet

• Registered Name: Ch/Int/Multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta
• Call Name: Miuccia
• Breed: Whippet (Hound Group)
• Age: 4 Years Old (as of 2025)
• Hometown: Venice, Italy
• Handler/Owner: Giovanni Liguori
• Major Titles: 2025 Crufts Best in Show, Crufts Hound Group Winner
• Historical Significance: First dog from Italy to win Best in Show in the 134-year history of Crufts.

Miuccia, a sleek and graceful female Whippet, triumphed over more than 18,000 competing dogs to claim the coveted Crufts Best in Show trophy. Her victory was particularly emotional and significant because she is the first dog from Italy to ever win the top prize at the prestigious show, which is run by The Kennel Club (UK).

The Whippet, a member of the Hound Group, is often called "the poor man's racehorse" for its incredible speed and elegant, streamlined physique. Miuccia’s canine excellence was evident in her perfect topline, balanced movement, and gentle temperament, which are key elements of the breed standard.

Her handler and owner, Giovanni Liguori, was visibly overwhelmed by the win, admitting he was "100 percent overwhelmed" by the historic achievement. The four-year-old pup, affectionately known as Miuccia, had previously won the Hound Group, securing her place in the final seven to compete for the ultimate title. Her win marks the fourth time a Whippet has won Crufts Best in Show, but it is the international element that makes this victory so fresh and newsworthy.

3. National Dog Show 2025: Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog Shines

The annual National Dog Show, presented by Purina and televised on Thanksgiving, is another major event that captures the public's attention. In 2025, the Best in Show title went to a magnificent Herding dog.

Biography and Profile: Soleil the Belgian Sheepdog

• Call Name: Soleil
• Breed: Belgian Sheepdog (Herding Group)
• Major Titles: 2025 National Dog Show Best in Show
• Historical Significance: A major win for the Herding Group in one of America's most-watched dog shows.

Soleil, a beautiful Belgian Sheepdog, was crowned the winner of the 24th National Dog Show, beating out a competitive field of over 200 breeds. The Belgian Sheepdog, known for its intelligence, versatility, and striking black coat, demonstrated the high level of dog sports training and conformation required to win.

The National Dog Show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, serves as a popular gateway for millions to learn about different breeds and the dedication of breeders and handlers. Soleil's win highlighted the qualities of the Herding Group, a category of dogs originally bred to move livestock, which are now celebrated for their trainability and work ethic.

The Legacy of the 2025 Dog Show Champions

The victories of Monty, Miuccia, and Soleil are more than just ribbons and trophies; they are a powerful affirmation of the dedication that goes into preserving and promoting purebred dogs. These Best in Show champions serve as the gold standard for their respective breeds, influencing future breeding programs and raising the profile of breeds that may not be as commonly seen in the spotlight.

Monty's win for the Giant Schnauzer is a historic moment for the Working Group, proving that even long-established shows can see new breeds reach the top. Miuccia's triumph is a victory for international competition, highlighting the global nature of canine conformation and the excellence of European breeders and handlers like Giovanni Liguori. The attention these dogs receive translates into public interest in responsible dog ownership and the importance of supporting breed rescue organizations.

The 2025 dog show season will be remembered for these groundbreaking wins, solidifying the status of these three dogs—the powerful Giant Schnauzer, the elegant Whippet, and the majestic Belgian Sheepdog—as true royalty in the world of competitive canines. Their stories will inspire the next generation of handlers, owners, and dog enthusiasts for years to come.