The 2025 CKC National Championship Dog Show was more than an event. It brought together the passion, dedication, and genuine love for purebred dogs that defines our community. All weekend, the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, buzzed with energy as exhibitors, breeders, and supporters filled the ringside with anticipation. It was hard to miss the joy and pride on every handler's face, whether they were stepping into the ring for the first time or returning in hopes of securing another title. From unforgettable moments in the final line-up, when Prince the Pekingese earned Best in Show and Rambo the Miniature American Shepherd took Reserve Best in Show, to the heartfelt determination of our Junior Handlers, this year's National Show reminded us why these events matter so deeply to our community.
Prince, officially GCHS Diaquiris Sno-Peke Purple Rain CGN, bred and owned by Cynthia Dyson in partnership with Denise Cortelli, was handled by Cynthia throughout the weekend. Reserve Best in Show recipient GCHG Hilltops Best Kept Secret At KL, known as Rambo, bred by Ginger M. Fleguel, and owned by Kelli Rettie, was beautifully presented by handler Cody Longworth. Their accomplishments celebrate not only the excellence of the dogs themselves but also the dedication and expertise of the breeders, owners, and handlers behind them.
Best in Show judge Mike Macbeth reflected on the calibre of this year's finalists, noting that each dog before her represented a high level of excellence. While every finalist was worthy of top consideration, she described how both Prince and Rambo demonstrated qualities that set them apart in an already remarkable line-up. She praised Rambo's correct coat, sparkling condition, elegant movement, and showmanship, adding that he did not put a foot wrong and stood like a glorious statue when she asked him to pose.
Her evaluation of Prince was equally rich with insight. Drawing on her lifelong background with Pekingese, Macbeth explained that the breed is particularly challenging to judge because so much of its structure lies beneath its coat, and true quality must be assessed by hand rather than eye. She added that a correct Pekingese must balance sound movement with the distinctive Pekingese roll, possess the proper head qualities, and have open nostrils essential for good health. Prince, she noted, embodied all of these rare traits. She described him as pear shaped, incredibly sound, with the correct envelope head, beautiful expression, and those uncommon open nostrils. His ability to move freely while retaining the classic roll was a standout feature, and she said it was a thrill to find and reward such a spectacular representative of the breed.
Across every ring, stories unfolded with each class and group. Seasoned Champions moved with confidence, newcomers earned enthusiastic applause as they made their mark, and breeders proudly watched years of careful planning and dedication shine through in their dogs. One of the weekend's standout moments came from the Junior Handling Finals, where Best Junior Handler in Show Amelia Clark impressed the crowd with her skill, composure, and teamwork with her Scottish Deerhound
. Moments like Amelia's were just one of countless highlights that made the weekend so special.
The atmosphere throughout the show was something special. Macbeth described the weekend as electric, noting the positive energy shared by exhibitors and spectators and the excitement of seeing Canada host a national event of this calibre once again. The decor, festive touches, professional staging, and commitment from every participating club and partner helped make the National Show a truly memorable experience from start to finish.
This event would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners. The Canadian Kennel Club extends heartfelt thanks to the
Aurora and District Kennel Club, who organized this year's National Show and whose dedicated team ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for exhibitors and spectators alike. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the
Canadian Pet Expo, whose collaborative spirit and event expertise helped bring thousands of dog lovers through the doors to share in the excitement. We are also deeply grateful to
Royal Canin for their ongoing commitment to Canadian purebred dogs and for supporting this year's National Show. Their contributions helped elevate the experience for exhibitors and attendees throughout the weekend.
More than anything, this year's National Show was a testament to what our community can achieve when we come together. Long before the first dog entered the ring, volunteers, ring stewards, judges, clubs, and partners devoted their time and expertise to ensure a memorable experience for everyone involved. Their efforts shaped a weekend that celebrated excellence while keeping the focus on community, which is the heart of everything CKC stands for.
A Judge's Perspective: Mike Macbeth on Her Final Assignment
Although Macbeth's insights about this year's finalists enriched the experience for many, her reflections on her judging career offer an even deeper appreciation for the passion and dedication she has brought to purebred dogs for decades.
A second-generation dog fancier, Macbeth grew up immersed in the world of Dandie Dinmont Terriers. Her mother founded Glahms Kennels in the 1950s, and together they built a legacy that would define Macbeth's lifelong devotion to the breed. Over the years, she imported promising dogs, studied bloodlines closely with mentors in the United Kingdom, and achieved major wins around the world. One of her proudest moments came in 2003, when her Dandie became the first dog from North America to win a breed show in Britain after the UK lifted its long-standing quarantine requirement for imported dogs. This change, which finally allowed overseas dogs to compete without a mandatory six-month quarantine, opened the door for North American exhibitors to return to British rings for the first time in decades. The following year, he became the first North American terrier to win the Group at the prestigious Windsor Dog Show.
Her judging career has taken her to more than 30 countries, where she became known for her kindness with novices, patience with puppies, and respect for exhibitors. She met dedicated dog people around the world and collected experiences she now recounts with her trademark humour and warmth. Judging Dandie Dinmont Terriers at Crufts in 2022, which she described as the pinnacle of her judging life, remains one of her most cherished memories. Her international assignments brought both prestige and adventure, including a glamorous televised show in Milan where she judged Best in Show wearing an elaborate beaded Oleg Cassini gown while seated on a golden throne made of plywood. As she recalled with amusement, sitting on thousands of beads cutting into her back and legs made for a memorable and painfully unforgettable assignment, the kind of moment that defined her remarkable journey in dogs.
Accepting the Best in Show appointment at the 2025 National Show as her final judging assignment carried special meaning, though she approached it with characteristic modesty. She noted that she did not feel nostalgic or emotional stepping into the ring, adding that when one feels it is time to retire, there is no point in lingering. Still, she admitted that while a tiny piece of her hopes she may be remembered for her attributes, she fully expects to be soon forgotten.
Her presence at this year's National Show added depth, history, and personality to an already extraordinary weekend, reminding us of the expertise, mentorship, and passion that continue to shape purebred dogs in Canada.
Full Results
Full results from the 2025 CKC National Championship Dog Show can be found on
CanuckDogs.com.