Monty Stardom: Giant Schnauzer Triumphs at Westminster Kennel Club

After three consecutive top-three finishes, Monty finally clinches the coveted Best in Show award, marking a historic win for the breed.

In a moment of triumph for giant schnauzers, Monty has been awarded Best in Show at the renowned Westminster Kennel Club dog show held in New York City. This esteemed event, which has showcased canine excellence for 149 years, saw Monty outperform more than 2,500 competitors, finally securing the top prize he had narrowly missed in previous years.

Owner Katie Bernardin expressed her joy, declaring, "The puppy did the damn thing," as Monty made history by becoming the first giant schnauzer to win this prestigious title. The competition culminated in Madison Square Garden, solidifying its place as one of the longest-running sporting events in the United States, only trailing the Kentucky Derby.

Over the course of the three-day competition, dogs are selected from 200 different breeds, with winners moving forward to seven group contests before vying for the ultimate Best in Show title. Monty had previously dominated the Working Group for two years but faced challenges in clinching the overall accolade until this year.

Judged by Paula Nykiel, a seasoned dog breeder, Monty distinguished himself through his adherence to breed standards, including physical traits assessed such as his body and mouth. Runner-up was awarded to Bourbon, a nine-year-old whippet who remarkably came out of retirement for yet another shot at the title.

In a celebratory display of canine charisma, Monty triumphed over other noteworthy contestants, including Comet the shih tzu, Mercedes the German shepherd, and Neal the bichon frise. With the spotlight on Monty this year, the stage is now set for what could make upcoming Westminster shows equally thrilling.