The 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show delivered one of its most dramatic moments yet when Mercedes, a five-year-old German Shepherd named GCHP CH Kaleef's Mercedes, took top honors in the Herding Group at Madison Square Garden on the evening of February 10, 2025. The win wasn’t just another trophy—it was a repeat. Mercedes had already claimed the same title in 2024, and now, with a poised, powerful performance under judge Ms. Janina K. Laurin, she became the first dog in over a decade to win the Herding Group back-to-back at Westminster. The crowd erupted. Her handler, Kent Boyles, didn’t even have to raise his voice. A simple nod, a flick of the leash, and Mercedes moved like she was born to command the ring.
Herding Breeds Shine at Javits Center
The day began not at the Garden, but at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where 34 herding dogs from across the country competed in Best of Breed judging. Over a dozen judges, including veteran specialists Mr. Larry Adams and Ms. Marilyn Van Vleit, evaluated everything from the brisk, intelligent gaze of an Australian Cattle Dog to the flowing coat of a Bearded Collie. The results were meticulous: GCHS CH Reussite Du Joie De Vie Adventure CGC took Best of Breed in the Australian Cattle Dog category, while GCHG CH Demuir Heiress At First Light stole the spotlight among Belgian Malinois. Each breed’s winner carried a full title—championships, obedience titles, agility honors—proof that today’s top show dogs aren’t just pretty faces. They’re athletes, trained with precision, and often, with decades of lineage behind them.Mercedes: The Dog Who Won Twice Before
Mercedes didn’t just show up. She arrived with a résumé. Her 2024 Herding Group win at Westminster was already historic. But she’d also taken Reserve Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship and repeated as Herding Group champion at the 2024 AKC National Championship. That’s not luck. That’s consistency. Owned by Cynthian Wilhelmy and Sheree Moses of Bethesda, Maryland, Mercedes is a rare blend of power and polish. Her handler, Kent Boyles, has spent years refining her movements. "They’re such a joy to work with," he said afterward, his voice quiet but full of pride. "They’re super dependable." And that’s the heart of it. German Shepherds aren’t flashy like Poodles or flamboyant like Pomeranians. They work. They think. They anticipate. In the Herding Group, where precision and control matter more than flair, that’s everything.The Herding Group Finalists
Mercedes didn’t win by default. The field was stacked. Second place went to GCH CH Bugaboo's Give Me Smore', a majestic Old English Sheepdog with a coat like a snowdrift. Third was GCHG CH Eclipse Ace In The Hole, a sleek, muscular Berger Picard from France. Fourth, GCH CH Prairiewind's Sxongs Of Summer At La Neige, a regal Belgian Sheepdog whose presence alone made the ring feel smaller. Each dog had earned their spot. But Mercedes? She moved like she already knew she was going to win. There was no hesitation. No unnecessary energy. Just focus.What Comes Next? The Best in Show Showdown
Winning Herding Group meant Mercedes advanced to the final round: Best in Show. That’s the moment every handler dreams of—the final walk, the spotlight, the roar of the crowd. But on Tuesday night, it wasn’t her turn. The ultimate winner was GCHG CH Hearthmore's Wintergreen Mountain RI CGC TKN FITB 'Monty', a 7-year-old Giant Schnauzer with a beard like a philosopher and a stride like a marching band. Monty’s win was the 11th time a Giant Schnauzer has taken Best in Show at Westminster. It was a quiet triumph, not a spectacle. And yet, Mercedes didn’t look disappointed. She trotted off with her head high, tail curled, as if to say: I did my job. And I did it well.Why This Matters
This isn’t just about dogs. It’s about tradition. Westminster has been running since 1877. It’s the oldest continuously held sporting event in the U.S. And every year, it reminds us that excellence isn’t loud. It’s patient. It’s built over generations. Mercedes’ win marks the 12th time a German Shepherd has claimed the Herding Group at Westminster—a breed that’s been working alongside humans for over a century. They’re not pets here. They’re partners. And when a dog like Mercedes steps into that ring, she carries the weight of that legacy.Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has a German Shepherd won the Herding Group at Westminster?
Mercedes’ 2025 win marked the 12th time a German Shepherd has claimed the Herding Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The breed first won in 1907 and has dominated the category since the 1990s, with only a few gaps. No other herding breed has matched that level of consistency.
Who judged the Herding Group in 2025, and what’s their background?
The Herding Group was judged by Ms. Janina K. Laurin, a nationally recognized expert with over 30 years of experience judging herding breeds. She’s a former handler herself and has judged at the AKC National Championship and the National Dog Show. Her reputation is for fairness and deep knowledge of breed standards.
Why did Mercedes win over other strong contenders?
While the Old English Sheepdog and Berger Picard were impressive, Mercedes exhibited near-perfect movement, structure, and temperament—the hallmarks of a top herding dog. Judges look for dogs that move with purpose and control, not just beauty. Mercedes’ handler, Kent Boyles, has trained her to respond with minimal cues, making her appear effortless in the ring.
What’s the significance of the Best of Opposite Sex and Select titles?
Each breed’s judging includes Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog, and Select Bitch—these are stepping stones to the group win. They help judges compare top individuals within each gender and determine which dogs best represent the breed standard. Winning one of these titles is a major achievement in itself, often used to qualify for national championships.
Why didn’t Mercedes win Best in Show despite her Herding Group win?
Best in Show is judged across all seven groups, and the criteria shift from breed-specific perfection to overall balance, movement, and presence. While Mercedes was flawless in her group, the Giant Schnauzer, Monty, impressed judges with his distinctive appearance and commanding demeanor—traits that stood out among the other group winners. It’s not a reflection on Mercedes—it’s about who best embodied "best in show" across all breeds.
Where can I find the full results from the 2025 Westminster Dog Show?
The Westminster Kennel Club publishes complete, searchable results on its official website, including every breed’s Best of Breed, Select, and Award of Merit winners. Each dog’s full championship title, performance credentials, and handler information are listed—making it a definitive record of the competition.