Monty the giant schnauzer is crowned Westminster dog show
5-year-old Monty stole the show and the audience's hearts by his great performance
At the 149th annual Westminster Dog Show, held over three days at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Monty, a five-year-old Giant Schnauzer, stole the show—and the audience's hearts—with a stellar performance. Competing against around 3,000 dogs, Monty secured his first Best in Show title, making history as the first Giant Schnauzer to ever claim the prestigious honor.
Though this was his first Best in Show, Monty is no stranger to victory, having now won the Working Group for three consecutive years. His win also marks the first Best in Show victory for the Working Group since 2004. His continued success is credited to his handler and owner, Katie Bernardin, who expertly guided him through the competition.
Runner-up honors, known as Reserve Best in Show, went to Bourbon, a nine-year-old Whippet. Known for their speed and sleek elegance, Whippets are a force in the ring—unlike the other kind of whippets, which just make you think you’re fast, sleek, and full of energy… for about 30 seconds. Bourbon’s win brought Reserve Best in Show to the Hound Group, further solidifying her exceptional legacy.
The Westminster Dog Show remains a prestigious tradition in American sports, ranking as the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the country, behind only the Kentucky Derby.