In a historic victory at Madison Square Garden, Monty the giant schnauzer captured Westminster Kennel Club’s coveted Best in Show title, becoming the first of his breed to win America’s most prestigious dog show trophy.
The triumph was especially poignant as it marked Monty’s final show before retirement, coming after two previous appearances as a finalist.
Handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin was overcome with emotion following the win, praising her 5-year-old champion’s dedication. Co-owner Sandy Nordstrom highlighted Monty’s standout qualities, describing him as bold, cocky, and fun, with exceptional structure and attitude.
The competition was fierce, with Bourbon the whippet claiming runner-up status for the third time. Other notable finalists included Neal the bichon frisé, Archer the Skye terrier, previous finalist Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd (last year’s runner-up), and Freddie the English springer spaniel.
The event, held at both Madison Square Garden and the Javits Center, showcased the remarkable diversity of purebred dogs. From the imposing 158-pound Neapolitan mastiff Brina to the spirited miniature bull terrier Tyra (named after supermodel Tyra Banks), the show highlighted the unique characteristics of each breed.
Beyond the glamour of the competition, many participating dogs serve important roles in their communities. Some work as therapy dogs or assist in search-and-rescue operations, while others, like certain German shepherds, become service dogs for wounded veterans.
The show’s atmosphere was electric, with spectators enthusiastically cheering for their favorites. Notable crowd-pleasers included Lumpy the Pekingese, whose distinctive gait drew laughs, and Tuffy the golden retriever, representing a beloved breed that has yet to win the top prize.
In addition to the main event, Westminster featured agility and obedience championships. Border collie Vanish claimed the agility title, while Australian shepherd Willie dominated the obedience competition.
Read more: Giant schnauzer Monty wins Westminster Kennel Club top prize
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