The highest prize in the world of conformation dog shows is Best in Show at the AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin. Out of the 5,500 dogs that competed in the competition’s 25th year, only one was crowed Best in Show. After an intense weekend of breed, group, and Best in Show competition on December 13 and 14 at the Orlando County Convention Center. The winners were announced in a special ABC broadcast on December 28.
Group winners in each category competed first among the dogs in their breeds to determine Best in Breed. Then, dogs in each breed went on to compete against all other dogs in their group: the Herding Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group, Sporting Group, Terrier Group, Toy Group, and Working Group. Out of the winners of each group, the Best in Show winner and Reserve Best in Show winner were chosen on Sunday night, judged by Mrs. Rosalind Kramer. See the 2025 AKC National Championship group winners below.
Best in Group
Each AKC-recognized dog breed falls into one of seven group classifications:
- Herding: These dogs were bred to help shepherds and ranchers herd their livestock. The Collie, Australian Shepherd, and Belgian Sheepdog are some of the breeds in this group.
- Hound: These breeds were bred for hunting other game by sight or scent. These breeds include such dogs as Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Greyhounds.
- Non-Sporting: This diverse group includes the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, and French Bulldog. These dogs vary in size and function, and many are considered companion dogs.
- Sporting: These dogs were bred to hunt game birds both on land and in the water. The breeds in this group include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, and Spaniels.
- Terrier: This group includes breeds such as the Bedlington Terrier, Cairn Terrier, and Scottish Terrier. Terriers were bred to rid property of vermin such as rats.
- Toy: These dogs were bred to be household companions. This group includes little dogs such as the Chihuahua, Pomeranian, and Pug.
- Working: These dogs were bred to pull carts, guard property, and perform search and rescue services. Among the breeds in this group are the Akita, Boxer, and Saint Bernard.
Herding Group Winner
The winner of the Herding Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship was Old English Sheepdog “Graham.” Graham, GCHB CH Bugaboo’s Give Me Smore’, is owned by Colten & H & M & D Johnson, and Ron & Christine Perry. Graham of Colorado Springs, CO, was bred by Mr. Milan Lint, Heather Johnson, Mr. Douglas Johnson, Michaelanne Johnson, Colton Johnson, and Cameron Johnson.
Hound Group Winner
The Hound Group winner at the 2025 AKC National Championship was Afghan Hound “Zaida,” owned by Ramon Podesta, Scott Pfeil, J. Donahue, A. Sobrado. Zaida, GCHG CH Zaida Bint Muti Von Haussman, of Ingleside, IL, was bred by Ramon Podesta Valenzuela.
Non-Sporting Group Winner
The winner of the Non-Sporting Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship was was Lhasa Apso, “JJ,” owned by Susan Giles, Cindy Sehnery, and Muriel Wolverton. JJ, GCHP CH Ta Sen Westgate Jingle Juice, of Manakin-Sabot, VA, was bred by Susan Giles, Cindy Sehnert, and Ellen Lonigro.
Sporting Group Winner
The winner of the Sporting Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship was Gordon Setter “River” GCHB CH Tamarack Valley View River Of Dreams. River is owned by Dr. Ellen Shanahan and Stacy Threlfall of Great Barrington, MA. River was bred by Brian Hubbard, Matthew McGillivray, and JoAnne Van Aller.
River also won the Sporting Group at the AKC National Championship in 2024.
Terrier Group Winner
The Terrier Group winner at the 2025 AKC National Championship was Miniature Schnauzer “Baby Joe” of Mesa, AZ. Baby Joe, GCHP CH Carmel Mr. Joe Adamis CGC, is owned by Marilyn Lande, M. Jacobs, and J & L Constantine-Amodei. Baby Joe was bred by Carma Ewer, Marilyn Lande, Marilyn Jacobs, Silvia Soos-Kazel, and Susan Coulter.
Toy Group Winner
The winner of the Toy Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship was Pomeranian “Aslan” of Alpharetta, GA. Aslan, GCHG CH Artistry’s Aslan All That Is Good, is owned by Marina Persic and MinSoo Jung, and bred by Marina Persic.
Working Group Winner
The winner of the Working Group at the 2025 AKC National Championship was Doberman Pinscher “Penny” of Reseda, CA. Penny, GCHP CH Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, is owned by Francis & Diana Sparagna, T. Connors-Chan, and G. Chan, and bred by Theresa Connors-Chan and Gregory Chan.
The AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, has crowned its 2025 Best in Show! Learn more about conformation and follow your favorite breeds at dog shows throughout the year.